Posts

Traveling to Jersey

Image
Hello! It's been a couple of weeks since I arrived in Jersey. After some time to recover from jet lag, it's time to explain the ordeal of getting from Butler, PA to Jersey. This would normally be a relatively simple process involving a couple of connecting flights. However, someone made the journey much more complicated: Because of UK regulations, any pets (excluding service animals) entering the country must ride in the cargo hold. This was going to be very expensive, not to mention anxiety-inducing for both myself and Carina. I decided to fly into Paris to avoid this complication. Before flying, we both needed documents: I had to secure a visa for studying, and Carina needed an Animal Health Certificate. I would recommend starting on these ASAP if they're ever part of your travel plans; both took two to three months to procure. Carina was the problem child, as she needed certificates for both France and Jersey. Eventually, however, we had our paperwork and as many belongi...
1 comment
Read more

Summer 2025

Image
The summer between my undergrad and graduate studies was full of work, fun, and growth! It gave me a brief period away from academia while expanding my skillset. ----- Work I ended up working two part-time jobs this summer, in part because it's very difficult to find jobs in science at this time. However, I found alternatives that allowed me to prepare for the upcoming year: working in a jewelry store and cleaning people's homes. Though both positions were out of my comfort zone, I found that each job enhanced my perseverance and people skills. Gardening At the start of the summer, I decided to try cultivating a native plant garden. Native plants are better suited to their ecosystems than introduced plants, and they provide benefits such as nutrients for other species. With so many areas being developed over the last few centuries, one of the largest threats to biodiversity is habitat loss. Native plant gardens can increase the environment's resilience, so I wanted to give ...
1 comment
Read more

Where Are We Going?

Image
Hi! I figure I should explain the overall purpose of this blog. When I mention my plans for the next year, I tend to get this reaction: So, here's a quick FAQ page! ----- What am I doing? I am studying for an MSc in Island Biodiversity and Conservation! I've been interested in marine environments for a while now, so this program is a great next step: it allows me to examine the diversity that occurs at the meeting of land and sea. My awesome undergraduate advisor found it for me this past year. It felt like a shot in the dark at the time, so it's been exciting to start this journey! Where is this program? My master's program is through the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies ( JICAS ), which is partners with the University of Exeter. Because of this, I will be living on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. These are not, however, the Channel Islands located off the coast of California: The Bailiwick of Jersey is a UK Crown Dependency. Its history has...
1 comment
Read more

Graduation Photos

Image
My friends and I took our graduation pictures this weekend! I'm ready for the next steps on my journey, but there's no replacing the friends I've made along the way!
Post a Comment
Read more