Celebrating Dr Cathryn Harvey: The National Museum of the Royal Navy’s First Doctoral Graduate
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We are delighted to congratulate Cathryn Harvey of Cranfield University on successfully passing her Doctoral viva. Cathryn will very soon be the first official doctoral graduate associated with the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) — a remarkable achievement that underscores her expertise and dedication.
Cathryn’s research was jointly funded by Cranfield University and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Her pioneering research has been instrumental in combatting the deathwatch beetle infestation aboard HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship. As part of the museum’s £42 million ‘Victory Live: The Big Repair’ conservation project, her work plays a vital role in safeguarding the world’s oldest commissioned warship for future generations.
Her PhD thesis focused on the destructive impact of deathwatch beetle larvae on Victory’s historic timbers. Using advanced techniques such as microCT, laser scanning and photogrammetry, She created detailed 3D visualisations of beetle-eaten timbers from within the ship. This innovative approach revealed the intricate tunnelling patterns of the larvae, offering crucial insights into their behaviour and the extent of the damage they cause.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Cathryn collaborated with Dr Jenny Kidd of Cardiff University to develop public engagement activities that translate her research into accessible, educational content. These initiatives allow visitors to HMS Victory to learn more about the ongoing battle against wood-boring beetles and the complexities of heritage conservation.
Cathryn’s achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration between Cranfield University and the NMRN, with each institution contributing 50% of the funding, highlighting the impact of interdisciplinary research on preserving maritime history.
As she embarks on her career as a leading expert in her field, we are excited to see the continued influence of her work on heritage science and conservation.
We are immensely proud of Cathryn’s achievement as the first doctoral student associated with the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Her groundbreaking research into the impact of deathwatch beetles on HMS Victory has been invaluable to our conservation efforts. Cathryn’s project and dedication have significantly advanced our understanding of how the beetles are behaving, helping us develop more effective strategies to safeguard this iconic ship for future generations.
— Diana Davis, Head of Conservation, National Museum of the Royal Navy
Congratulations once again to Cathryn on this outstanding achievement and we look forward to celebrating her success further when she graduates from Cranfield University in the summer of 2025.
Conservation on HMS Victory continues, available for visitors to see in-person, as part of Victory Live: The Big Repair.
Acknowledgements:
Cathryn Harvey’s research was jointly funded by Cranfield University (50%) and the National Museum of the Royal Navy (50%). Her PhD was supervised by Dr Fiona Brock (Cranfield University, Lead Supervisor), Diana Davis ACR (NMRN, Industrial Supervisor), and Dr Jenny Kidd (Cardiff University, Supervisor).