This guest post is by Nikira Bowen, Graduate Intern. We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by Welsh Government and Swansea University in enabling this placement.
Hello, my name is Nikira and I’m the newest member of the team at Afallen. I’m originally from Mumbles on the Gower Peninsula. Growing up, I spent most of my time outdoors – usually at the beach – and since then not much has changed. My hobbies include reading, sea-swimming, and baking, and I love spending time with my friends and family.
I hold a BSc in Physical Earth Science from Swansea University, graduating in 2019. This had a strong focus on geology, palaeontology, climate change, ecosystems, and natural hazards. My undergraduate dissertation involved using satellite imagery to predict volcanic eruptions, using Wolf Volcano in the Galapagos as an example. It was during my undergraduate degree that I became passionate about climate change, and the decision to study for a master’s degree in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change was an easy one. It involved studying the science behind climate change, climate policies across the globe, and the environmental consequences of climate change such as wildfires and sea level rise. My studies have taken me far and wide, from geological mapping on the Isle of Aran in Scotland to studying karst landscapes and plant adaptations in Mallorca, and studying landslides and biodiversity in Sikkim in the Indian Himalayas.
Facts about me:
- I single-handedly built the empire state building*
- I drink a LOT of tea (exclusively earl grey)
- I’m a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race
- I’m excited to be part of Afallen!
*out of Lego, not to scale.