Dr Mark Pawlett is a Senior Research Fellow at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire. In this role, he supervises MSc and PhD research students, lectures for a variety of courses, and develops and delivers the soil biology component of research projects.

First studying for a BSc in Applied Biology at Nottingham Trent University, Mark then completed an MSc in Environmental Science at the University of East London (UEL). After four years working in environmental consultancy laboratories in London, Mark returned to UEL to complete a PhD in soil microbial ecology, which focused on the interactions between earthworms and soil microbial communities. He has been at Cranfield University since 2002, when he was employed as a post-doctoral researcher, and in 2015 was promoted to his current role.

Mark enjoys the variety of research opportunities that his work provides, and the chance of collaborating with overseas researchers. One recent exciting project he has worked on was with an MSc student, who investigated the physical and chemical barriers which could prevent effective topsoil reinstatement (from a soil microbiology perspective) in soil that had been stored for quarrying activities. This project won third place in a national competition. "Teaching students is always a rewarding experience."

Mark became a Chartered Environmentalist in 2011.

"... after my MSc I wanted to target a professional body that I could work with towards gaining Chartered membership, but also covered a broad spectrum of issues targeting sustainable principles of environmental development. [The] IES achieves this, and is effective towards providing a platform that bridges academia and industry scoping across soil, water and atmospheric issues."

"Chartered Membership with [the] IES represents recognition of sound ethical principles while recognising skills and knowledge of individuals."

Mark intends to continue his research. His goal is to become internationally recognised, leading the concept of organic and sustainable land management using ecological principles.