Profile
Laura Hunt
My CV
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Education:
I went to primary school in my local village and then went to Queen Elizabeth School, a state school in Kirkby Lonsdale for secondary school and sixth form.
I then went to Cardiff University for four years, which I loved, and then
moved to the University of Nottingham two years ago where I am currently studying for my PhD (a research degree) in Geography. -
Qualifications:
GCSEs – English Language and Literature, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, French, Geography and Music
AS Level – Maths (I did sooooo badly!)
A Levels – Physics, Chemistry and Geography
BSc Geology -
Work History:
My first job was as a cleaner in my secondary school. When I left school I spent a couple of summers working as an outdoor activity instructor, teaching climbing, kayaking, and archery.
At university I worked in a shop, and spend one summer working as a research assistant, helping in the laboratory working on a project studying giant clams! -
Current Job:
I am currently a PhD student – this means I am spending 4 years (!) undertaking research and training to be a scientist. At the end I get to call my self a doctor.
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About Me:
I love going on adventures in the mountains, and on holidays. I live with my 2 pet cats and enjoy running, and am currently learning the ukulele!
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I live in Nottingham with my two pet cats, who are the best housemates ever. I love going walking and camping in the mountains, and going in search of sunshine on holiday. I enjoy going cycling, and running (most of the time!). During lockdown I’ve been doing lots of baking, (although I’m not good enough for the Great British Bake Off yet) and have been learning the ukulele!
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I am really interested in how lakes in Uganda in Africa are affected by humans who have changed the local environment by cutting down trees, farming nearby and by climate change, which is making the world warmer. The lakes provide water to local people and animals and are an important part of the environment, so we want to understand how we can best look after the the lakes in the future.
We don’t know what the lakes were like before they started being affected by humans and climate change. This means we have to look at clues about what the lakes and the environment were like a long time ago. These clues are like clues left behind at a crime scene – the police use finger prints and anything left behind to build up a picture of what happened. Similarly, we can look at plants and insects and algae (tiny plants) and look at the chemistry of the sediment to build up a picture of what the environment was like in the past, and how the lake has changed over time.
I also collect water samples from across the lakes every year, so we can see if the lakes are becoming more or less affected by humans and climate change year to year.
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My Typical Day:
I don’t really have a typical day at work – my job is so varied day to day, which is great as I don’t get bored! I often spend the morning writing about my experiments, and reading about what other scientists are up to (while drinking a big mug of coffee). In the afternoons I work in the laboratory doing experiments. In the summer I go on fieldwork to Uganda for 3 weeks which is the best bit of my job.
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I don’t really have a typical day at work – my job is so varied day to day, which is great as I don’t get bored! Sometimes I spend all day working in the laboratory running experiments, and listening to music very loudly. Other days, I write about my experiments, and read about the work other scientists are doing. Often, it is a mix of lab work, writing, and drinking a lot of coffee!
I also get to go to talks by other scientists and ask them questions about their work, which is always really interesting. Sometimes I have to go on training courses…. which isn’t as fun! I teach a few hours a week, which I love, because (most of) my students are very enthusiastic.
In the summer I go on fieldwork to Uganda for 3 weeks which is the best bit of my job – it’s a big adventure, and although it is hard work, I get to see beautiful places and meet lovely people.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use the money to hold an event in Uganda for people living near the lakes I study, so I could hear about their concerns about the challenges the lakes face, and so I can let them know what we have found out.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
nerdy, curious, sleepy
What did you want to be after you left school?
A scientist studying volcanoes
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I broke a lot of glass in chemistry because I'm quite clumsy!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
ABBA (yes, I know....)
What's your favourite food?
Garlic bread
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1. An extra hour in bed in the morning 2. To be able to fly 3. Get to meet David Attenborough
Tell us a joke.
How do NASA hold a party? They planet (plan it!)
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