Why did you choose to study at Newcastle University?
I’m from Teesside, a little further south in the North East anyway, but it wasn’t just closeness to home. I went to an open day at the university and loved the campus, and really liked the staff and the fact that so many of my would-be lecturers were available to speak to me before choosing Newcastle. I heard about the range and number of lab studies and field trips that I could expect if I studied at Newcastle and that was the deciding factor.
What did you love most about your time at Newcastle University?
I loved meeting a wide range of new friends from all across the UK and further afield. I made a lot of friends that I still keep in touch with, not just at the university but also from the part time job I had in Newcastle, and through nights out and hobbies.
What did you enjoy most about Newcastle as a city and your time at Newcastle University?
No one needs to be told that Newcastle has an amazing nightlife and it is renowned for it! But there is also so much to do in the Newcastle surrounding area that means you are never bored of the city - something is always going on and it always feels like there is a new thing to do out there. Newcastle is also such a scenic, friendly, and compact city. Sprawling cities are certainly not for me, I really like how you can pretty much walk anywhere in Newcastle or get the Metro to the coast so easily on a sunny day.
How do you feel your degree has helped you to get to where you are today?
My degree helped me get set up for a career in ecology by giving me some excellent field and reporting skills. It provided me with some foundations for species and habitat identification, and how to structure and present a scientific report. It also got me used to having to balance workload and having deadlines to meet.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I really enjoy my role because I get a perfect mix of being out and about in the field, and being in the office in a multidisciplinary team, constantly learning new things. My work directly contributes to conservation of protected and priority species and habitats in the UK, and the team I work with also makes sure that other aspects of the environment are left in a good place whilst also securing development. Because I get to see what is proposed as development, I also get to be nosey and find out what might be built where first!
What piece of advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a similar career?
My advice would be to be as enthusiastic about nature and conservation at all times and try to get involved with as many people and organisations involved in nature as early as possible. Any experience you can gain whilst you are at university will really help understand how nature and development can thrive in tandem. Consider reaching out to nature organisations, local conservation groups, your local council, local charities that manage land or nature reserves, and even private companies to see if you can get involved in any way with some practical conservation or to even hear about what they do.
