Profile
Sophie Smith
-
About Me:
Hello! My name is Sophie, and I am a PhD student at the University of Highlands and Islands and I am currently living in Shetland (Scotland).
-
Read more
I am originally from the South coast of England where I grew up in the New Forest and the by the sea side.
In my free time I am always outdoors making the most of seeing different places in my campervan where I like to hike, wakeboarding or snorkel.
-
My pronouns are:
She/her
-
My Work:
My research is regarding the harbour porpoise species (small toothed whale) around Shetland to develop and manage conservation strategies to help protect the species.
Office days: reading, writing, data sorting and analysing.
Field work days: A lot of looking out at sea trying to spot porpoises, dolphins and whales! -
Read more
My research is regarding the harbour porpoise species (small toothed whale) around Shetland to develop and manage conservation strategies to help protect the species.
Typically on bad weather days I decide to work in the office and do a lot of researching to broaden my knowledge about marine research.
However, on good weather days I decide to conduct field work to collect data on harbour porpoises.
The first survey I carry out is a ‘Shorewatch’, which is 10 minute survey looking out to sea to spot any cetacean species (porpoise, dolphins and whales).
The second survey I carry out is a ‘drone survey’, which is where I spot harbour porpoises and fly the drone over them to record them.
The third survey I carry out is an ‘acoustic survey’, which is where I go out on a boat and deploy waterproof microphones to record harbour porpoise vocalisations.
-
My Typical Day:
I wake up at 6:00 am and make sure to have a coffee and breakfast to be properly fuelled for the day! I head to the gym at 7:00 am before I head into work for 9:00 am. At work I will either be in the office or out in the field (depending on the weather). At 5:00 pm I finish work and will normally go for a walk along the beach. Once I get home, I eat lots of food and watch TV before heading to bed.
-
What I'd do with the prize money:
Part of my PhD is regarding ‘Citizen science’ research therefore, with the prize money I would like to be able to use it to support further outreach aimed at school children and their parents on how they can become more involved with scientific research. Therefore, this will allow the public – specific to students – to have the potential to bring together science, policy makers, and society as a whole in an impactful way.
-
Education:
PhD: University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) Shetland
University: University of Portsmouth
College: Brockenhurst College
A levels: Twynham Sixth Form
GCSEs: Twnham School
-
Qualifications:
University: First-class Honours in Marine Biology BSc (HONS)
College: 45/45 credits at distinction: Biology (21/21 credits at distinction), chemistry (12/12 credits at distinction), and physics (12/12 credits at distinction).
A levels: Math D, Music C, Music Technology D, Geography (AS level) C
GCSEs: 11 GCSEs graded A – C
-
Work History:
Throughout my education I had many jobs within hospitality such as working in hotels, restaurants and cafes. However, once I had finished university I got my first job within Science as a Science technician, where I provided technical support to teaching staff and their activities to ensure the safe and proper use of resources and equipment along with helping pupils to succeed in scientific education. Responsibilities included preparing practicals within biology, chemistry, and physics, maintaining and repairing laboratory equipment, carrying out safe practice within a laboratory setting, being responsible for the safe storage of materials and disposal of waste, and ensuring the health and safety requirements and relevant regulations are adhered to via regular checks and risk assessments.
-
Current Job:
PhD student researching harbour porpoise ecology and biology around Shetland.
-
Employer:
University of Highland and Islands (UHI) Shetland.
-
My Interview
-
What did you want to be after you left school?
I originally wanted to be a Pop star
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Not really - I was very shy and quiet
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would like to work in film music
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Noah Kahan
What's your favourite food?
Coconut
Tell us a joke.
What’s the difference between a marine biologist and a dog? One tags a whale, the other wags a tail.
-