Current Profession: Marine Biologist
Marine and Freshwater Biology BSc (Hons) – University of Hull
Marine Biology MSc (Distinction) – Bangor University
Profile
I currently work for the Coral Reef Research Foundation based in Palau (an island country located in the Western Pacific region), and am involved in a project aimed at creating detailed bathymetric maps of the reefs, which in turn allows us to develop a greater understanding of the marine environment.
The best part of my job is that it requires me to spend days at a time out on the pristine waters surrounding Palau and in the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. We regularly see manta rays, turtles, and dolphins on the morning commute to our survey areas.
We are also really lucky that, due to the remote location of Palau, we are one of the few countries with no confirmed cases of COVID-19, so not much has changed for us in day to day life. Fingers crossed it stays that way.
What’s your best memory of GIS?
I have so many good memories; it’s tough to narrow it down to just one! Sports was a huge part of my GIS experience: the football, athletics, swimming and the FOBISSEA Games. I was a late bloomer academically, so the sports were a great outlet for me. We had some fantastic athletes at GIS and I always enjoyed the competition and rivalries we had with the other schools in KL.
What inspires you?
This is a tough question. I’ve never really thought about it, but I’d probably say kindness. In today’s world with social media and the other million distractions out there, it’s very easy to get caught up with our own lives and not think about how we can help others. People that work for next to nothing on conservation projects or those that save/help stray animals, those people inspire me.
Describe GIS in 3 words…
Sports, diverse, humid!
How did GIS shape who you are today?
GIS had a massive influence on who I am today. For activities week that took place at the end of the academic year, when I was in year 8, Ms Marsh organised a dive trip to the Perhentian Islands. There I fell in love with coral reefs and the marine world and knew I wanted to be a marine biologist. Over the last 12 years I’ve worked on conservation and research projects all over the world and I think if I had not had that experience at GIS, I might not be doing something anywhere near as fun!
Message to current student at GIS?
If you have a dream to achieve something, chase it. Ignore the people that tell you otherwise. When I told my dad I wanted to be a marine biologist, he thought I was crazy and wondered how I’d ever make a living! If you really want something, with hard work, passion and perseverance you can achieve anything……..Oh yeah and stop using single-use plastics!
Thank you, Alexander, for taking the time and sharing your experiences with us.
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