Question: How did you get into Antarctic Etomology?

Octavia Brayley answered on 7 Nov 2023:

Great question! I carried out an Extended Project Qualification during my A-Levels which is a 5000-word essay on something you’re interested in (it counts as half an A-Level). During my initial research, I found a really interesting book on Antarctica. I realised how amazing Antarctica is and how many amazing animals live there. I was particularly interested in marine biology during my A-Levels, so I decided to research and write an essay on whales in Antarctica and the importance of conserving/protecting their main food source- krill (tiny shrimps). I enjoyed absolutely everything when I did my Zoology degree…I was interested in bacteria, evolution and dinosaurs, neurobiology etc., I also really enjoyed a module on entomology- the study of insects. I went on and did a second degree- my master’s in marine biology, and then I decided I wanted to do a third and final degree- a PhD. When I looked for Ph.D.’s, I was struggling to decide what area I wanted to specialise in (the higher up you go in academia, the more you specialise). And suddenly I thought back to my EPQ and realised that I was still really passionate about Antarctic biology. So, I decided to apply to PhD projects that were all Antarctic-based. I wasn’t necessarily looking for a project that also combined my interest in insects…I applied to ones on penguins, whales, and fossils in Antarctica. It took three years and many rejections, but I finally got accepted onto a project where I am now studying a species of insect in Antarctica. And it’s fascinating! Now that I’m in Antarctic biology, I may move to study different species and organisms, but I love how unique my project is and I’m researching something that nobody else is doing in the world! I hope that answers your question 🙂