Advancing Climate Change Solutions Through Ocean Mixing Research
Nan Lin is a 2029 PhD Candidate in Fluid Mechanics.
" The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a unique interdisciplinary research environment where I can integrate fluid dynamics, flow modelling, and energetics to explore ocean mixing mechanisms. "
Nan Lin's passion for understanding the complexities of the climate system led her to pursue a PhD at Imperial College London. With a background in meteorology from Sun Yat-sen University in China, she developed a strong interest in ocean-atmosphere interactions, particularly the role of ocean mixing in regulating climate change.
"I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in the climate system, especially how it regulates climate change in the context of global warming," she explains. "Ocean mixing processes are crucial for maintaining ocean circulation, but current climate models struggle to represent them accurately. That’s why I wanted to focus my research on this area."
Researching ocean mixing and climate change
Nan's research investigates the energetics behind ocean mixing and climate change. Ocean circulation plays a key role in climate regulation by absorbing anthropogenic heat and carbon dioxide, and her work aims to improve climate models by better understanding how turbulent energy transfers within the ocean.
"By studying how ocean turbulence works, we can refine climate models and make more accurate predictions about global warming, extreme climate events, and the ocean's ability to act as a carbon sink," she says. "This research is important not just for scientific understanding but also for informing climate policy and sustainability efforts."
Choosing Imperial for her PhD was an easy decision. "Imperial College London is a leader in fluid science and physical oceanography. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a unique interdisciplinary research environment where I can integrate fluid dynamics, flow modelling, and energetics to explore ocean mixing mechanisms," she says. "The strong collaborations with international research institutions and industry partners have also given me access to a broader research network."
Recognising excellence: the scholarship for women
Nan’s dedication and academic excellence were recognised when she was awarded the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Scholarship for Women. "Receiving this scholarship was not only a financial relief but also an encouragement to continue my research with confidence," she says. "It reassures me that my work is valued and motivates me to contribute further to ocean and climate science."
" By providing direct support to women in traditionally male-dominated fields, scholarships help reduce barriers and send a strong message that women’s contributions in engineering and academia matter. "
She also believes scholarships like this play a crucial role in promoting gender equality in academia and engineering. "By providing direct support to women in traditionally male-dominated fields, scholarships help reduce barriers and send a strong message that women’s contributions in engineering and academia matter. They can inspire more women to pursue careers in these fields."
Since joining Imperial, Nan has been proud of the progress she has made in her research and the opportunities to collaborate with experts in different fields. "Working with researchers in fluid dynamics and flow modelling has given me new perspectives and strengthened my research," she notes. "I've also developed essential skills in data analysis, numerical modelling, and scientific communication, which will be invaluable for my future career."
Beyond her research, Nan has found a supportive community at Imperial, including mentorship and networks for women in STEM. "These initiatives provide valuable career guidance and a sense of belonging. It’s great to be part of a network that uplifts and supports women in science and engineering."
Looking to the future
Looking ahead, Nan hopes to continue her research in ocean and climate science, contributing to improved climate predictions and sustainable development strategies. She is also interested in interdisciplinary collaborations and policy advisory roles to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world solutions.
Outside of academia, Nan enjoys playing the guitar and dancing, hobbies that provide a creative balance to her research work. "They help me relax and connect with like-minded people" she says.
For aspiring PhD students and scholarship applicants, Nan offers this advice: "Clearly articulate your research impact and how it aligns with the scholarship’s values. Strong recommendation letters and a well-structured personal statement are also key. But most importantly, stay curious and passionate about your research."
Visit the Imperial scholarships search tool for more detail on our Scholarship for Women.
