Dashboard – Darwin Tree of Life

Candidate CV questions (extra)

Education

University of Plymouth (2017-2018)

Master’s of Research Applied Marine Science

University of Plymouth (2012 – 2015)

BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography

St Edward’s 6^th Form, Poole, Dorset. A levels (2010 – 2012)

Philosophy and Ethics

Biology

Geography

Psychology

St Edward’s RC CE/VA School, Poole, Dorset. GCSE’s (2006 – 2010)

Mathematics

Physical Education

Science

Geography

English Language

Statistics

English Literature

French

Triple science

Religious Studies
Work History

Assistant Marine Biologist, Fugro Marine GB. 2019-2020

LUSH cosmetics, Supervisor, LUSH Spa Poole, 2016 – 2017

LUSH cosmetics, Sales Assistant, LUSH Spa Poole, 2015 – 2016.

ECIM, Marine Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 2014.

DEKAMER, Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation Centre, Turkey, 2013.
Current Job

Research Assistant for the Darwin Tree of Life project at the Marine Biological Association 2020-pres.
Employer

The Marine Biological Association

About Me:

I’m originally from the channel island of Guernsey, now I work as a marine biologist in Plymouth (Geddon!). I Love games, sports, music, worms, normal stuff!
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I’m originally from the channel island of Guernsey, now I work as a marine biologist in Plymouth (Geddon!). I went to university here for my undergraduate degree in marine biology and oceanography and stayed for my masters of research looking at things that live in and on seaweed. I play Rugby and Basketball, and i also play the drums and love to go on hikes. I have been playing a lot of games in lockdown too, mostly Warzone and Rainbow six. I am terrible at both!
My Work:

I collect marine species and send them off to Sanger to have their genome sequenced. I work at the Marine Biological Association
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I am a research assistant for the Darwin Tree of life Project. I work for the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth which is a really cool place to work as its right in the heart of the city and right on the waterfront at the same time. its also really old! My main role here is to collect, identify and process marine species in order that they can have their genomes sequenced by the wizards at Sanger.

Sometimes I feel like a Pokémon collector cause we go around searching for species so we can tick them off the list, gotta catch them all!

My main focus is on marine invertebrates, that’s species without backbones like crabs and worms.
I'm currently solving this problem:

Working around Covid and the problems it has caused us.

Working with Natural History Mueseam and Sanger institute to work out how we can get good Genome reads from some tricky groups like Actinaria (Anemones) and Polycheates (Bristle worms)

Working to find where we can best get some rare and overlooked species which have poor location records.
I'm currently working on these species doing this:

Always a whole range of organisms which is one of the favorite parts of the job for me. one moment seaweeds then worms then shrimp. So much fun!

My Interview
- How has your work progressed recently?
  
  After a slow winter when collection was difficult we are starting to speed up again which is great!
  
  What have you got planned for your research over the next year?
  
  we are starting to collect offshore organisms so lots of boat work! We are also beginning to be able to travel and collaborate with experts around the UK which will be great!
  
  How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Musical Worm Lover
  
  What or who inspired you to follow your career?
  
  David Attenborough and Blue Planet! absolutely loved that show!
  
  What was your favourite subject at school?
  
  Biology (Duh)
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  Train driver, then wildlife cameraman, then philosopher, Then marine biologist (got there in the end)
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  no comment
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  I would like to be a tour guide for the local areas, I love showing people places that they might not get to see if you weren't from the area
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  Jungle, They are so good! got to see them live a couple of times too!
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Pasta in all its many wonderful forms
  
  What is the most fun thing you've done?
  
  This of course!
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  I really want to own an Island, can i spend my three wishes on that please? does that mean it will come true now?
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  When your a Marine Biologist you keep your friends close, and your anemones closer. (Its funnier when I tell it honest)