Environmental science researcher in UCD
Dr Margherita Gioria, Environmental science researcher
What were the main career decision milestones in your life so far?
An unstable economic situation in my country, as well as a strong desire for financial independence, led me to undertake a degree in economics. After five years (that is the duration of a science degree in Italy), I obtained a very good job as a financial advisor and analyst in one of the most important financial institutions in Italy.
Over time, however, I discovered that what I really wanted was to research environmental issues. I decided to leave my job and do an MSc in Environmental Science. I loved the experience and I went on to do a PhD in Botany, which I successfully completed more than a year ago.
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
Some of the lecturers at the Department of Environmental Resource Management at University College Dublin inspired me with their passion for nature and encouraged me to pursue a career in science.
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Building a career as a researcher is a long process, but it has also given me a lot of satisfaction. Among the things that I like most of my job is the opportunity to study invertebrate and plant communities, and being in contact with nature.
University researchers are task-oriented so the hours are flexible, although I spend most of my spare time in the field. Presentation of my research at conferences is also a plus.
I have visited many countries over the past four years and established contacts with international researchers. Teaching and supervising the projects of undergraduates and postgraduate students is also very rewarding.
Describe a typical day
From April until October, I spend a lot of my time in the field collecting data and samples. This gives me the opportunity to get in contact with nature and meet very interesting people although it can be very tiring, especially under bad climatic conditions.
The identification of plants and insects, the chemical analysis of water samples, as well as the statistical analysis of the data collected are the most important aspects of my job. Writing scientific papers and attending and presenting the findings of my research at conferences are also a key part of my research work.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
My main responsibility is to conduct research on the effects of agriculture on the biodiversity of ponds. This involves collecting plants, insects and water samples in the field, mainly from ponds within farms, golf courses and other habitats.
Approximately half of my time is then dedicated to the statistical analysis of the data that I collect, as well writing and reading scientific papers and reports, attending conferences, and keeping up-to-date with research in my field.
What are the main challenges?
Writing papers for publication in international journals is one of the biggest challenges of my job.
What’s cool?
I like all aspects of my job, from field work to the analysis of data.
What’s not so cool?
Jumping into ponds in a rainy day… Finding highly polluted water-bodies with little life in them.
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
I have the ability to independently develop research projects, and also possess good written, oral and interpersonal communication skills. Originality, creativity and innovation are also traits that have helped me in my career.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
I took Maths, Biology, Physics, Latin, Philosophy, History, Italian and English. I believe that all these subjects helped me in my career. I still use some of the basic ideas I studied in school, and the study skills I developed in schools helped me later on in university.
What is your education to date?
I hold a BSc in Economics (5 years), an MSc in Environmental Resource Management (1 year), and a PhD in Botany (3 years)]
What personal qualities do you have that help you in your career?
I am determined, curious, analytical, organized, and creative. I have strong management skills and I love reading, writing, and giving seminars and lectures. My strong passion for nature has also helped me a lot in my career.
What is your dream job?
One that allows me to conduct research that helps the conservation of nature, as well as teaching the value of biodiversity to students and people in general.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
Be determined, organised, and creative. Good management and communication skills are essential, as well as a strong educational background and analytical skills.
What kind of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
Working for an environmental consultant or the Environmental Protection Agency would be good experience.
