Anne Canepa

MSc Environmental Science and Climate Change

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" The opportunity to pursue my master’s degree in Gibraltar after completing my undergraduate studies in the UK was an exciting chance to deepen my knowledge and skills in a dynamic, real-world setting. "

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?

Knowing that I wanted to further my studies within the environmental science field, the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree in Gibraltar after completing my undergraduate studies in the UK was an exciting chance to deepen my knowledge and skills in a dynamic, real-world setting. I was particularly drawn to this course for its strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, offering invaluable experience in scientific methods, data collection and analysis, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

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

I hope to pursue a career in environmental science, focusing on conservation and/or management, where I can apply the skills and knowledge gained from this course to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges. My goal is to contribute to and promote sustainable development in Gibraltar.

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

This course has allowed me to enhance my existing skills while also developing new ones, including practical fieldwork, data collection and analysis, extensive report writing and research, project development and management, and survey design. Additionally, I have strengthened my computer literacy, equipping me with proficiency in statistical and geographical software such as R Studio, QGIS, as well as transferable skills from Microsoft Office, all which will prove valuable in any career path I pursue.

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

Over my time on this course my confidence has flourished through activities requiring public speaking, group work, and scientific communication. These have enabled me to refine and enhance vital skills such as time management, adaptability, problem solving and collaboration, allowing me to work effectively in many scenarios to meet expectations and tight deadlines, while adapting to unexpected changes and taking initiative and responsibility to deliver to a high standard.

Do you feel confident in applying these skills outside of an academic setting?

Through numerous professional placements, I have gained hands-on experience in applying field techniques across diverse environments and collaborating with a range of stakeholders. These experiences have not only strengthened my technical skills but also enhanced my ability to adapt to different challenges and work effectively outside of an academic setting. I now feel confident in applying my knowledge in real-world scenarios, demonstrating flexibility, problem-solving, and a proactive approach in professional environments.

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

The practical activity I enjoyed the most was the camera trap practical in which we set up camera traps at four different locations in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve for a week. After retrieving them, we analysed the footage to identify and count the species captured, revealing areas most commonly frequented by apes, foxes, rabbits, and birds such as the Barbary Partridge. This introduced me to new field techniques and methods while offering a glimpse into the more elusive wildlife of the Upper Rock which is rarely observed. This practical was one of many that provided me with a deeper appreciation for the extensive wildlife management taking place in Gibraltar.

Plant Orientation | Olive Tree

In this video we showcase one of the iconic species of Gibraltar, the olive tree (Olea europaea), which is a key species of the garrigue environment present in Gibraltar. We explore its significance in Gibraltar’s natural environment, contributing to the Rock’s biodiversity, history, and heritage, while also discussing its adaptation to the sunny, dry climate of Gibraltar.