Paulina Varova

MSc Environmental Science and Climate Change

Image of Paulina Varova

" I have always been interested in biological sciences, specifically the environment, from animal species to plant species, ecosystems and habitats they inhabit. The aspects that appealed to me the most were the fieldwork opportunities and placements, which I very much enjoy. "

What motivated you to choose Environmental Science as your field of study and what aspects of the Environmental Science programme appealed to you the most when applying?

I have always been interested in biological sciences, specifically the environment, from animal species to plant species, ecosystems and habitats they inhabit. The aspects that appealed to me the most were the fieldwork opportunities and placements, which I very much enjoy.

What do you hope to do following on from studying Environmental Science?

Get a job in a relevant field, preferably field based.

Image of Pv2 (1)

What key hard skills have you developed so far during your studies?

I believe I have developed number of practical skills, research methods and data collection methods, as well as data analysis methods using R studio or Excel. Some of the practical skills include bird diversity surveys, public perception questionnaires, behaviour observations, camera trapping, vegetation surveys using transects and identification of species.

What ‘soft skills’ do you think you developed so far during your studies?

I have developed a great ability to work with other students and scientists, and also significantly improved my public speaking.

Image of Pv4

Have you enjoyed any placement/practical activities? If so, what have you enjoyed the most?

Yes, I have very much enjoyed all placement/practical activities, and the ones I have enjoyed the most are vegetation survey and plant identification practical up the rock and primate observations. I have gained knowledge on plant species present in Gibraltar, and the behavioural patterns and interactions between macaque individuals.

Plant Orientation | Autumn Flora

Gibraltar and its flora: Autumn edition is a brief, engaging video shedding light on the amazing diversity of flora found in the Gibraltar’s Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Guided by Leslie Linares and Kian Khalilian, two local botanical experts, find out what you can find on our small, yet diverse Rock!