A programme with purpose

After studying marine geography at Cardiff University, I realised I wanted to do something meaningful in the environmental sector. I thought about pursuing research and originally considered doing a PhD, but that’s a big time commitment, so when a friend introduced me to the Cabot Institute and the MScR programme it seemed like a much better fit for me. The breadth of the programme really appealed to me, especially as at that stage I wasn’t completely sure of the area I wanted to continue my studies, but I wanted it to be purposeful.

My research project: ocean exploitation 

My MScR thesis looks at the perceptions and exploitation of the deep-sea bed, focused on a deep-sea mining project in Papua New Guinea. Western society often thinks of the ocean as having limitless resources, but really, we’re quite detached from the ocean as an ecosystem. People in Papua New Guinea have a completely different viewpoint because of their close relationship with the ocean and their reliance on it for everyday life. There was a lot of opposition to the mining project and it ultimately failed, so my project also looks at that and what it means for the mining industry now and in the future. 

Boosting professional development

The programme has really helped me expand my skill set in many different ways. Firstly, the nature of my project means I’m working with both the English department and the Earth sciences department, so I’ve been looking at things I hadn’t really studied before. Secondly, the professional development aspects of the programme have been extremely valuable. The workshops, Cabot Annual Lecture, the Challenger Conference. These have given me the opportunity to speak to really interesting people in my field and have helped map out future steps for me. These opportunities help you to see the bigger picture and patterns throughout different disciplines. It’s been great for my confidence, too, helping me get more comfortable with professional conversations, knowing how to ask the right questions and so on. 

A unique opportunity

I definitely struggled with imposter syndrome at the start, particularly because I was exploring all these new topics which have their own concepts and language. But I had regular meetings with my supervisors who gave me guidance and feedback, and I met other people on the course. Even though you’re spending a lot of time on your own during the programme there are always opportunities to work ‘independently together’, which was great for getting out of the house. Later on I was also volunteering at St Werburghs City Farm which provided a nice change. There have definitely been challenges, but I’m really glad I joined the programme. This kind of flexibility and support to pursue your own research – over a manageable period of time – is a really unique opportunity.