Michael O'Connell (botanist)

Michael O'Connell is an Irish botanist specializing in Quaternary vegetation history, pollen analysis, and bog ecology. He is a Professor Emeritus in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork, Ireland.

O'Connell's research has significantly contributed to the understanding of long-term vegetation dynamics and human impact on Irish landscapes, particularly through the analysis of pollen preserved in peat bogs. He has worked extensively on the reconstruction of past environments using pollen records, identifying shifts in vegetation composition and land use practices over millennia.

His work often integrates palynological data with archaeological and historical evidence to provide a more comprehensive picture of past human-environment interactions. O'Connell has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters on his research, influencing the field of Quaternary palynology in Ireland and internationally. His research also explores the ecological significance of peatlands and the conservation of these unique ecosystems.

He is a leading figure in the study of Irish bogs and their role in recording past environmental changes. His expertise is frequently sought for environmental impact assessments and the management of peatland resources.