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Why did you choose to study at NTU?

After deciding I wanted to study Zoo Biology, I was motivated to attend an open day at NTU after learning about the Animal Unit at Brackenhurst. This felt unique to NTU, compared with other universities offering Zoo Biology degrees that had only taxidermy specimens on site. I was much more interested in the live ones, so booked onto an open day at Brackenhurst. I grew up in the countryside and had felt intimidated by some of the more central city campuses that I had visited, so stepping onto Brackenhurst Campus immediately felt like home. I knew it was the perfect fit, so it was an easy decision!

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

Almost too much to summarise! Lectures were incredibly informative and covered a huge array of content, like physiology, nutrition and genetics to name just a few. We also learned about practical techniques, many of which we were able to practice in the lab and Animal Unit sessions. I also volunteered at the Animal Unit often to improve my handling and husbandry skills (and just as I loved being around the animals!). I was able to work with a wide array of animal groups like rodents, reptiles and invertebrates. I also appreciated the fact that assessments were varied, so we gained experience in writing reports, essays, project proposals etc, and we could often choose the species’ we were most interested in to write about which kept things interesting.

What have you been up to since graduating? 

After finishing my BSc I stayed on at NTU to complete my Masters. It felt great to remain at Brackenhurst where I was comfortable, but also work with other members of staff I hadn’t come across during my BSc. While studying I worked as an Outdoor Pursuits Instructor which I absolutely loved, and I found that the confidence I had gained through presentations and workshops at uni helped me to excel. I stayed in this role after graduating and was grateful to be doing something I loved while searching for a role within the Nature Conservation industry. Finally, I was approached with my current role as a Coastal Adviser with Natural England.

What does your current day involve?

My typical day involves collaborating with colleagues and specialists to secure positive outcomes for nature. Predominantly, I process casework involving projects or plans and assess for potential impacts on the environment. I work closely with stakeholders including the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts and local landowners to support the management of protected sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). My role also involves assessing the condition of features within protected sites and so involves some field work (though this is far more common in the summer months than in the winter). I always enjoy being able to get out on site and appreciate the beautiful sites and landscapes we work to protect!

What attracted you to this field?

I have always been obsessed with animals and nature. As a child I knew I wanted to grow up and play a role in protecting the natural world around us. I also loved Biology as a subject, particularly Animal Sciences, and was always eager to learn more. Working as an Adviser, I am able to combine my love of nature with my desire to learn. Our understandings are always being developed and evidenced with the latest research available, so I am always learning too! Furthermore, coastal sites in particular are fluid and ever changing so there is always more to catch-up on.

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

The highlights are definitely the fieldwork and site visits. Recently, I visited a local farm to discuss some management ideas the manager had for the site. While there, he mentioned he needed to check one of the owl nesting boxes on site for chicks and asked if I wanted to follow along. I was able to see three gorgeous barn owl chicks up close and was amazed at how calm and placid they were while the farmer assessed their condition and updated his records. It made my entire week, and I was so grateful to have gotten that experience. I’ve also enjoyed becoming part of the Pride network within my organisation. Getting to connect with other members of the LGBTQ+ community and hear their stories has been so fulfilling, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world!

My biggest challenge was probably how long it took me to find a role within my desired industry. I was incredibly lucky to be working in a role that I loved while searching, but even so it is draining to apply to vacancies over and over again or even get to interview stages and still be unsuccessful. I feel lucky to have only spent about 18 months searching after graduating my Masters as I know other industries can be even more competitive. I think it is an issue faced by many graduates that isn’t addressed enough and as a result can feel lonely at times as if you are the only one struggling.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to remain with my organisation and continue gaining experience. I really enjoy working on Coastal areas, and so may work towards a more senior role in this area or look to join another team and work on something totally new! During my Master’s study I completed a research project involving genetic analysis, so I would love to progress to a role that involves genetics. Often a flexible plan that still allows you to enjoy and appreciate where you are in the present while setting goals for the future is the best way forwards.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at NTU?

Probably just that I was doing okay and was exactly where I needed to be. When I first started at NTU I struggled terribly with homesickness and anxiety which improved over time but still impacted me in my later years. Some reassurance from future me that I was going to not only get through it but love my time there would have been amazing.

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to share with our student and alumni community?

That you are on your own timeline and exactly where you should be on it. Once we all leave school, I think it can be daunting to learn you are no longer on the linear path you shared with your school year. Some people go to university, or study apprenticeships or get stuck straight into work. It can often feel like your peers are progressing much faster than you, be that academically, through employment or socially by getting married or having kids. It’s important to remember there are no set deadlines for life’s major events. If you lose sight of that, you can get lost and miss out on the day-to-day joys because you’re so focused on this race that actually no one else is in. Focus instead on appreciating where you are, how far you’ve come and where you want to go next!