We are looking back on some of our MSc graduates who have excelled in scientific research, ecology and conservation around the world since studying with us.
Today we meet Matt who graduated from MSc Conservation and Biodiversity in 2014 and is now an ecologist for Wheal Grey Ecology.
Hi Matt, it’s been a few years since you studied with us, why don’t you tell us a bit about your career in that time that led you to where you are now?
I was actually offered a field contract with a coral reef rehabilitation eco-tourism project in the Maldives a month after graduating from the course. After a year I felt like I wanted to be back in the UK, so I returned and knew I needed to convert my existing skills to terrestrial ecology. I took a short field course with a consultancy and volunteered with the Cornwall bat group and got my first role as an assistant ecologist in 2019 at Spalding Associates. Using experiences and skills gained during the degree and from my time in the field I gained an Associate level membership at CIEEM to boost my level of professionalism and I am now an Ecologist at Wheal Grey Ecology in Falmouth.
What do you think makes the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus such a special place to study?
Studying at Penryn Campus was great, the facilities around campus were relatively new and the campus itself was open and relaxing with greenery all around. The support at the uni was really good from helping with proof reading reports via the student support centre to the large library with a variety of studying areas along with a separate Masters student computer area for less disruption. The relaxed and open campus, good teaching labs and lecture halls all make it a great place to study. The amount of time and level to which we could immerse ourselves into our projects once the modules were completed along with the available support from the supervisor and the lab facilities were brilliant. The field trip was also a unique and excellent experience alongside the practical survey skills.
What attracted you to study your MSc at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus?
It is a highly respected university and the department I would be in has world renowned staff, the course content was also fairly unique and suited the range of skills I wanted to improve. This choice was limited by my course selection, but the location and proximity to the coastline helped me choose the course at Penryn Campus over other options.
Why did you choose a career path in consultancy, on your return to the UK?
I found that whilst doing the rehabilitation work that it is hard to rebuild habitats and ecosystems once development work has been conducted and the ecosystem disrupted, so I wanted a career that means I would be there before the developing happens to help prevent the disruption all together or help mitigate for any unavoidable loss. I enjoy the variability of the work with every day being different, I get to see habitats and wildlife that people rarely get to see and help make a difference in the face of human development.
Do you have any advice for those looking to pursue something similar?
Get core reporting (as well as mapping) and wildlife recording skills mastered and be passionate and knowledgeable regarding the protected and invasive species of this country through volunteering and working towards protected species licenses such as Bats, Dormice or reptiles. Also be prepared for early mornings and late nights and sometimes miserable weather!
Finally, do you have any plans for the future?
I am planning to get my class two Bat licence and become a full CIEEM member and progress towards senior or principal ecologist and to become a partner at an ecological consultancy.
Thank you Matt!
If you want to read more profiles from MSc Conservation and Biodiversity graduates follow this link or explore our Graduate in Focus homepage to learn more about the degree programmes we have on offer!