As a child, I was fascinated by the world around me and knew from a young age that I was interested in science. Studying Biology for my BSc at the University of Sheffield introduced me to the complexity and beautiful diversity of the world’s ecosystems. I loved absorbing this fascinating information but had no desire to pursue my own research at the time. Rather, I wanted to share this knowledge with others, and decided to undertake an MSc in Science Communication. Home to the internationally recognised Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol seemed the obvious place to do this.
Studying Science Communication at UWE opened my eyes to the world of science engagement, all the way from its history and theoretical background to its multifaceted practical applications worldwide. I particularly enjoyed my ‘Getting Science on Air and on Screen’ module where I recorded a radio show at BBC Bristol and filmed and produced a short science documentary at Films at 59, the post-production studios for the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
When it came to choosing my dissertation project, I was initially at a loss, however I remembered a book I had recently read, Bee Quest by Dave Goulson, and a chapter which particularly stood out to me, on bees in brownfields. I had become fascinated by the unique habitats of brownfields and their high levels of biodiversity, which are often overlooked in conservation. With the guidance of my supervisor, Dr Margarida Sardo, I wrote my dissertation on public engagement with brownfields sites. I loved working on this project, from interviewing the different stakeholders to writing up the findings. Margarida was a very supportive supervisor and encouraged me to publish this paper in an academic journal. After a couple of years of edits and one unsuccessful submission, this paper was eventually published in the Journal of Science Communication, JCOM, and was recently quoted in the Sunday Times. Publishing this paper planted the first seed of wanting to take my brownfield research further.
After my MSc, I spent a few years in London working in Communication Officer positions for medical and environmental charities. At this point I was hoping this would be a good entry point into the conservation sector and, whilst I enjoyed working with my colleagues, I felt a growing urge to be out in the field doing the conservation work the charities were funding, rather than being stuck at a desk.
In 2021 I happened to see a posting for a PhD at UWE on citizen science, urban ecology and engaging underrepresented audiences with science. This seemed like the perfect combination of topics for me and, after discussing with my family and Margarida, I decided to apply. Although I wasn’t successful, this led me on the path to pursuing other PhDs. I was broadly searching for PhDs on the topic ‘biodiversity’, but was particularly interested in those that had a human-angle, whether this was through citizen science or urban environments. It took me a couple of years, two panel interviews, a number of selection interviews, and numerous applications before I got offered the PhD I am currently doing.
Since September 2023 I have been undertaking a PhD on post-industrial land regeneration and Biodiversity Net Gain at Newcastle University. I was drawn to this project through its focus on human-impacted sites, particularly former mining sites, the implications for policy, and the potential to engage with different stakeholders. At the time of writing, I am now about 14 months into my 3.5 year studentship and loving every minute. I have a great team of supervisors, including a collaborative partner with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, who help guide my research with their range of expertise. I have been encouraged to shape my PhD in the direction I want and, as I am particularly interested in ecology, I spent last summer carrying out fieldwork on nature reserves around Northumberland and Gateshead. It was wonderful to finally be out in the field, conducting my pollinator surveys, pitfall traps, soil sampling and vegetation quadrats, even if it was an awful summer for bees!
I have been able to make use of fascinating residential training courses, including on entomological research and remote sensing methods. I have also been to various conferences, presenting posters of my research and making useful contacts from across the world. Each day is unique, some days I will be creating digital habitat maps on GIS, some days I will be pinning and identifying my insect samples, and others I will be in ecology research group meetings or discussing ideas for papers with collaborators. I am still figuring out my specific research questions, but I am given a lot of room for learning and flexibility to adapt my research as I go along.
Even though I am now working in ecological research, I would not be here without my MSc Science Communication. Not only did having a published paper hugely benefit me in the application stages, my supervisors have also told me that they selected me in part for my skills and experience in communication, a vital part of any scientific research. My MSc supervisor, Margarida, has also played a crucial role in my journey to PhD. Her enthusiasm of my dissertation and encouragement to pursue publication, as well as her support with applications and interest in my academic career has enabled me to be doing what I so love now.
I would certainly encourage anyone who is even slightly considering it to look into PhDs and I offer some nuggets of advice below:
- Having supportive supervisors and academic contacts is hugely important, for both checking work and applications as well as the moral support and suggesting opportunities.
- Having a variety of skills is an asset, not a detriment. Don’t worry if you’re not specialised in one field or on a particular topic. Doing a PhD is about learning, not going into with the knowledge already!
- Be prepared for rejections. It may take a few rounds of applying but the project you end up with will be the perfect one.
- There are many routes into a PhD. It’s ok if you’ve taken a linear academic journey and it’s ok if you’ve had a few years of working, volunteering or even doing something completely different! What matters is your passion for the project.
By Rosie McCallum, former MSc Science Communication student at UWE Bristol.