Profile
Sarah-Jane Walsh
Thank You So much guys you've been fantastic, look out for my new website ill build with the prize dor more answers to your marine biology questions!!
My CV
-
Education:
Annecy Roman Catholic School, Seaford Head Community College, Sussex Downs College, University of Essex, University of East Anglia
-
Qualifications:
GCSE’s, A-Levels, Batchelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc), Finishing my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
-
Work History:
I’ve tried everything, at school I worked as a waitress, in a nursing home and at the Co-op. At university I worked as bar staff and a tour guide. Scince qualifying as a marine biologist I’ve worked for charities around the world including Operation Wallacea and Earthwatch
-
Current Job:
Most of the time i work at the University of Essex as a scientist and teacher, however i still work as expedition staff for Operation Wallacea and Earthwatch in Africa and Asia
-
Read more
I look at how different environments can produce species that are more resilient to stress such as climate change. Superman came from Krypton right so maybe there are place on earth that breed super-beings. I work in Africa, Indonesia and in our super high tech aquarium in Essex to try to identify where these habitats may be. Once we find these super species we can develop strategies to help protect our oceans from the impact of climate change.
Half a billion people worldwide (7% of the all the people on earth) get their food from coral reefs. If they die then all these people will go hungry. we need to make sure coral reefs survive in order to keep producing the food we need to feed the world.
-
My Typical Day:
Wake up, eat, dive, eat, dive, eat, work on some data, sleep, repeat
-
Read more
When I’m in the field we live very basically, usually we have huts with no electricity or running water. However we get a spectacular view and a hammock so I’m easily pleased!
I have to be in the lab before sunrise, which is at 6am, so usually take a leisurely stroll across the pristine sandy beach to the lab at around 5.40 which takes ten minutes. I have to take some measurements using a special machine which basically tells me how healthy my corals are. after that i need to change the water before heading off to get breakfast which is fried rice or porridge, yum yum.
Then its time to get wet! We need to characterize the environment we are studying and collect samples so get to dive on some of the most biodiverse reefs in the word about twice a day. Lunch is around 12.30 before its off for another dive.
At about 5.30 i usually get to grab a shower. As there is no running water on the island we only have a limited supply of slightly eggy well water = However its not as bad as it sounds, i quite enjoy a ‘mandi’ after a while.
After that its back to the lab to take more measurements, type up data and run experiments. I usually stop for a break at 6pm to watch the amazing sunset before pulling a late one and working till midnight.
When i walk back to my hut i have to watch out for all sorts such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, giant lizards and holes! However i actually get quite excited when i see any of these as i love all wildlife, hopefully i also have my camera ready too!
-
What I'd do with the prize money:
To buy some high tech underwater camera equipment and build a new website focused on education and outreach
-
My Interview
-
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Cheeky, Enthusiastic, Go-Getter
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only all the time
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Daft Punk
What's your favourite food?
Mexican Fajitas
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To go to every single country in the world, stand on the north and south pole, be remembered for making a difference
Tell us a joke.
What did one rockpool say to the other rockpool?… Show me your mussels
-