I am a third-year BSc Earth and Ocean Science student at the University of Brighton. I am also a volunteer assistant researcher and advocate for a very small conservation organisation called Operation Cetacean. Our work is predominantly looking at the effects of marine vessel acoustics on the behaviour of harbour porpoises in Devon, with the view to put some protection policies in place and educate the public and local fishing communities.

I am hoping that this class can help me with these goals with Operation Cetacean alongside my future employment prospects. Many conservation graduates fail to gain employment in this sector as there are plenty of people who will do the job for free simply because they enjoy it and have other income. This course will hopefully equip me with the skills to put my knowledge gained at university into context and make me stand out against my peers.