Alisha Higgins

Alisha is a Doctoral Researcher in Geography and Environment at Loughborough University. Her research focuses on invasive species within freshwater environments and how the connectivity of waterbodies facilities their range expansion.

Alisha is an aquatic ecologist with a broad interest in freshwater ecosystems and macroinvertebrate communities. She has previously worked as a Research Technician on Dr Kate Mathers’ UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, processing macroinvertebrate and fine sediment data to understand the abiotic and biotic controls which influence the ecosystem effects of instream sedimentation.

Alisha completed both her BSc Geography and MSc Environmental Monitoring, Research and Management degrees at Loughborough University before beginning her PhD.

Supervisors: Dr Kate Mathers and Professor Paul Wood

Invasive non-native species (INNS) pose a significant threat to the diversity of freshwater ecosystems and are a major present, and future, issue for the UK. Establishment of INNS differs depending on their characteristics, but connectivity between waterbodies including rivers, canals and reservoirs may facilitate their movement.

Anthropogenic waterbodies including canals and reservoirs are highly invaded and may act as stepping stones for future expansion into connected waterbodies. Alisha’s research will examine the role of waterbody connectivity in facilitating freshwater invasions and the range expansion of INNS. She will also explore the role of barriers (e.g., weirs) and connections (e.g., locks) and how these impact the structure of invertebrate communities and prevent, or facilitate, range expansion.

Higgins, A., Wood, P.J., Mathers, K.L., (2025), Microfibre ingestion by the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) is dependent on fibre type and biofilm development. Environmental Pollution, 371, 125962. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125962