Where Are We Going?

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!

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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 ties to both England and France, but the island ultimately has its own government. Jersey is part of the Channel Islands (named for their location in the English Channel) and is approximately 46 square miles with a population of about 103,000.


How long will I be there?

Part of what drew me to JICAS is that I can earn my master's degree in about a year. The program itself lasts from September through May and includes both theoretical and applied learning. The ability to learn about marine ecosystems in situ (on site) was a significant factor in my choosing this degree. While I studied oceanic environments in some of my undergraduate lectures, I am beyond excited to apply my theoretical knowledge and learn through experience!

After the term ends, each student conducts research for several months before completing their dissertation. There are opportunities to study on Jersey, but I also have the option to complete this portion on other islands. Thankfully, I don't need to make that decision for a while; I'll be able to expand my knowledge and interests before choosing a research topic and location.

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So, there's my summary for what I'm doing this year! Am I excited? Yes. Nervous? Definitely. But ultimately, I look forward to starting a new adventure where I get to learn about my passions and myself along the way.


*The photos in this post were accessed online; I do not claim rights to any of them.

Comments

  1. ShayneAugust 25, 2025 at 8:50 PM

    This is such a fabulous opportunity! Very excited to learn about Jersey through your eyes!!

    ReplyDelete

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