What was your first job after graduating?

I was lucky enough to work at the University of Cambridge as part of the Conservation Evidence Team. They strive to make Conservation Science more readily available and easier to understand for decisions makers. I read scientific studies from across the world about various species and habitats and then would summarise them for the Conservation Evidence website.

I heard about this job through my volunteer position at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds when the job went around the office. In my voluntary role, I had been working on a really relevant project about the EU law that protects nature in the UK and that was the focus of the role at Cambridge. I almost didn’t apply because I questioned my ability but I applied and got invited to the interview. I found out that I was successful on my graduation day and started working three days after I graduated.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?  

Currently, I’m a PhD researcher at the University of Leeds. My PhD looks at how changing urban green spaces can benefit people and nature. I work with local organisations and community members to co-design changes to the green spaces, I help to evaluate the impacts on health and wellbeing and I also conduct fieldwork to measure biodiversity and understand people’s connection to wildlife.  

Studying a Natural Sciences subject gave me a broad understanding of the natural environment. This breadth means that I can understand a range of terminologies used by different disciplines.cIt also gave me the freedom to remain a generalist until I chose to become more specialist in Ecology. My studies also gave me opportunities to develop skills such a mapping, data analysis, data visualisation, communication and laboratory skills. I took modules that focused on developing transferrable skills such as problem-solving, presenting and teamwork. I have used science-based skills in my career but the social and teamwork skills are just as important.

Outside of the course teaching, I volunteered for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in their Communications Team. I was lucky enough to be part of the team that helped with communications during BBC Springwatch, so I got to see the behind-the-scenes of how the show is made.

I would recommend volunteering for a few hours a week with a relevant organisation in your field. I learned so much about how big organisations work and it was nice to have some office experience and understand the post-university workplace more. It also gave me extra skills and experience when I was applying for jobs.   

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

I always wanted to continue pursuing interdisciplinary research that involved stakeholders and had a positive impact on both people and the environment. I am very happy that I was successful at securing a PhD that does exactly that, which combines Ecology and Social Sciences. 

I’ve worked with and met so many wonderful people from different backgrounds and have also always been interested in how environmental policy is made. I became aware of an opportunity for PhD students, provided by the British Ecological Society to work in the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and write and write a brief on a scientific topic for Parliamentarians. The role meant working near and in the Parliament buildings and engaging with MPs and Lords. I was successful in my application for this role and had an incredible experience working with the people at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and learning from the experts that helped me write the reports. 

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Natural Sciences?   

Ask lots of questions and know that you can learn something from everyone you meet. Be more than a student, do interesting things, like volunteering or an internship. It will develop you as a person and give you useful skills for your future.

Try to engage with science from outside your field. This will help with situations where you may have to apply your skills to a subject that you are unfamiliar with. Become a member of a learned society, as they provide so many opportunities for networking, training, internships and support. I am a member of the British Ecological Society and the Royal Society of Biology. Often they have specific activities for early-career scientists or to encourage and support diversity in Ecology and Ecology-related careers.

What does diversity in Natural Sciences mean to you?   

Diversity in Natural Sciences means that we support everyone and enable them to follow their passions. It means that we help future scientists to feel inspired and accepted. It also means a lack of imposter syndrome and a wealth of good role models from a range of backgrounds and cultures. It results in representative and inclusive research activities and ensures that stakeholders and communities are involved in our research.

Broaden your horizons with extracurricular opportunities.