I feel fortunate that from a young age I had a rough idea of the career I wanted to pursue; marine biology. When choosing my A Levels, I selected subjects that aligned with university requirements for Marine Biology, including Biology, Geography, and Maths, while also keeping my options open with Environmental Science.

After receiving my results, I chose to study Marine Biology at Newcastle University. Before starting, I took a gap year in South Africa to complete my Ocean Yachtmaster qualification. While not directly linked to marine biology, my interest in sailing and boats complemented my future studies and work.

At university, I explored different areas of the subject and developed a particular interest in fisheries and conservation. This guided my dissertation topic on lobsters and led to a placement at a lobster hatchery, where I gained practical experience and valuable contacts, including with the local fisheries authority. During my summer breaks, I also worked as a skipper in the Mediterranean, further developing my skills at sea.

After graduating, I applied widely for jobs and reached out directly to organisations I admired. My first break came through a cold email to a fisheries consultancy, Marfisheco, where I worked freelance on tuna management plans for the Pacific Islands. Although working remote back at home, this experience deepened my understanding of fisheries policy and management.

I feel fortunate that from a young age I had a rough idea of the career I wanted to pursue; marine biology. When choosing my A Levels, I selected subjects that aligned with university requirements for Marine Biology, including Biology, Geography, and Maths, while also keeping my options open with Environmental Science.

After receiving my results, I chose to study Marine Biology at Newcastle University. Before starting, I took a gap year in South Africa to complete my Ocean Yachtmaster qualification. While not directly linked to marine biology, my interest in sailing and boats complemented my future studies and work.

At university, I explored different areas of the subject and developed a particular interest in fisheries and conservation. This guided my dissertation topic on lobsters and led to a placement at a lobster hatchery, where I gained practical experience and valuable contacts, including with the local fisheries authority. During my summer breaks, I also worked as a skipper in the Mediterranean, further developing my skills at sea.

After graduating, I applied widely for jobs and reached out directly to organisations I admired. My first break came through a cold email to a fisheries consultancy, Marfisheco, where I worked freelance on tuna management plans for the Pacific Islands. Although working remote back at home, this experience deepened my understanding of fisheries policy and management.

My aunt and cousin are marine biologists who provided me with the idea that I could follow a career to do with the ocean. I also grew up fishing with my dad and that is properly were my initial interest in the ocean started.

A typical day in my role is never quite the same, as it depends on weather, sea conditions, and the survey plan. Most mornings start with a quick breakfast and coffee before helping to prepare the boat to leave the dock or anchor, this can involve handling lines, checking equipment, and making sure everything is secure. I’ll then meet with the skipper to agree on the day’s plan, including the survey areas we want to cover.

Once we set off, I begin the survey work by starting up the computer and software that tracks our continuous GPS location. I also brief the crew, outline the day’s objectives, and organise them into a rotating watch system for spotting marine life. Whenever a sighting occurs, I’m notified immediately so I can record the details, take photographs of the species, and log the information accurately.

At the end of the day, once we’ve returned to dock or dropped anchor, I review all the photographs, cross-check them with my records, and ensure the data is stored properly. After that, the crew and I share a meal together onboard. Evenings are usually relaxed, often ending with a card game or a board game, before getting an early night ready to start again the following morning.

While the work can be demanding requiring focus, organisation, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions, the reward comes in the unique experiences at sea, contributing to meaningful conservation research, and the sense of camaraderie with the crew.

The most challenging aspect of the role is its intensity. Living and working on a full boat can be socially demanding, requiring constant energy and positivity, even in poor weather conditions. At sea, you also have to remain alert and ready to react quickly, as sightings often occur unexpectedly and require an immediate response.

I bring a positive attitude to the boat, which I think is essential, especially when welcoming new crew. Helping them adjust to the quirks of life onboard and being able to laugh about the oddities (like minding your head or only using the kettle when docked), goes a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere.

I think it’s important to keep your options broad at school so you remain open to discovering different interests. At first, I didn’t particularly enjoy science, but after one lesson on fish, I realised I actually found it engaging because it connected with my hobbies. From there, my interests developed, from science to biology, then ecology, and eventually marine biology.

That said, I also learned that within any field there will be areas you enjoy more than others. For example, I find the chemistry side of marine biology more difficult to stay interested in, but I recognise its importance for understanding the bigger picture.

Looking back, I feel I chose my subjects well for my career path. The only subject I wish I had taken would be Photography. At the time, I didn’t realise how central it would become to my work, particularly in recording and analysing sightings. But hindsight is always clearer, and overall, I think my choices gave me a strong foundation for where I am now.

I went to boarding school in England and so had quite a unique education. I started in London at Harrow School where I did GCSEs and then A-Levels, which is sort of the English equivalent to the Leaving Cert.

For GCSE I took Spanish, English Lit, English Lat, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies, History and Geography (with lots being compulsory).

For A-Levels I took Maths, Biology and Geography.

I think the key one is taking Biology and Geography at A-Level as you need to do at least two ‘science’ subjects to qualify to apply for the degree. At university is where I narrowed down my interests mainly into fisheries policy and conservation.

To-date my proudest achievements in my career are just being able to do a job that I truly love and am passionate about. I think it is very rare at my age but is something that is highly attainable.