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Why did you choose to study at NTU?

When I first applied to NTU I did not have much knowledge about the university. I applied a year before I joined, for a course I ended up switching out for Environmental Science.

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

Throughout this degree, I have gained substantial knowledge in principles of ecology, biodiversity conservation, sustainability, the global climate emergency, biogeochemistry, marine and freshwater ecology, environmental monitoring and GIS (Geographic Information System) as well as Law and Policy. This has led me to form a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and critical analysis of complex environmental issues. Outside my degree, I have undertaken several internships that have greatly developed my work skills. The social life at NTU, especially the burlesque sports society, enabled me to meet a diversity of people that would come together and really fulfill the NTU family. I loved the support and confidence that my society gave me, allowing me to develop to be more self-assured in all walks of life.

What have you been up to since graduating?

The summer after I graduated, I got an extremely competitive marine and community conservation internship with National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy. This was an invaluable experience that helped me to develop my community outreach skills throughout our individual projects - mine was an extension of my NTU dissertation on local crabs, specifically working with local fisheries. During the internship I had the opportunity to work alongside people all over the world as well as being mentored by National Geographic explorers. I was picked out of the interns to present my research project to over 100 people and inclusive of members of the organisations. Following on from this I was awarded a seed funding opportunity to continue researching this project. I am currently undertaking this study with NTU funded by the National Geographic and The Nature Conservancy seed funding. Alongside this, I am currently doing my MSc in Marine Science and Climate Change at the University of Gibraltar.

What does your current day involve?

My current day involves a good amount of time management between my degree and the seed funding project. But generally, alongside lectures and personal study, I am undertaking field work such as plankton surveys, snorkelling fish surveys, microplastic surveys, deep sea plastic surveys and rocky shore ecological surveys.

What attracted you to this field?

Growing up in Guernsey (Channel Islands, UK), surrounded by a wealth of marine life, has inspired a deep intrinsic value for the environment, specifically aquatic systems. During my time at NTU I developed a strong passion for research, confirmed by my dissertation.

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

Highlights:

• Attaining top student at NTU in BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.
• Achieving an array of competitive funding and having the opportunity to continue studying a topic I am extremely passionate about.
• My second-year summer placement at NTU took me to the Seychelles on a six-week diving conservation project. It involved diving twice a day with sharks, rays, turtles and more, striving to further their local conservation.

Challenges:

• Working alongside local organisations or small communities as it is hard to understand and adapt what you are trying to achieve to fit the needs of the local community.
• Positive attitude all the time; following this career path can be emotionally provoking, physically hard, and you can face harsh realities.

What are your plans for the future?

I aim to follow my passion for marine ecology in the face of climate change by pursuing academics. I hope to go on to do a PhD and continue impactful research.

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

• To make the most of every second, NTU is such an amazing journey.
• It isn’t always easy, but you will find motivation drives when you are in the right subject or career for you. I never thought I could achieve even half of what I already have, so have more faith in yourself.

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

Follow every opportunity that presents itself at NTU and remember to stop, take a minute and enjoy the stage you are at. Being a part of the NTU family is something I will always carry with me; from the memories of funny nights with my society, laughing and crying with friends, motivational conversations with lecturers to the city itself. I would 100% recommend this University time and time again.