Clare McKenna

Graduate

BSc Environmental Science

MSc Ecological Management and Conservation Biology

Work placement student- Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

• Collected FIT Count data as part of the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme upon which formed the basis of statistical data analysis for final university report. 
• Attended field visits with terrestrial team to survey sites for biodiversity sampling and discussed possible future management actions required. 

Data support assistant- Centre for Environmental Data andRecording (CEDaR)

• Collated a variety of data sets for a range of species groups including vascular plants, bats and mainly lichen species providing QA to approx. 6,000. Recorder 6, a biological recording database, was used to store species data, matching imported data to previously stored data.
• Cross-referenced data between corresponding spreadsheets where hard copies of data where input to Excel to create electronic versions
• Assisted with outreach days with colleagues where I promoted and encouraged participation in CEDaR associated activities to encourage submission of wildlife records.

Queen’s University Belfast

 Master of Science in Ecological Management and Conservation Biology

Commendation

• Ecological Management and Conservation Biology (40 credits)- 74%
• Skills in Ecological Management (GIS and Statistical Programming using R) (30 credits)- 71%
• Foundations for Research in the Biosciences (20 credits)- 69%
• Conservation Biology Group Project (Environmental Impact introduction report) (10 credits)- 82% (Highest grade in class)
• Literature Review: Conservation Biology (20 credits)- 72%
• Research Project (60 credits)- Report title: ‘Analysis of pollinator species assemblages between semi-natural and agricultural habitats in Northern Ireland using the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme methodology’- 72%

Achieved DegreePlus by undertaking a work placement and pursuing voluntary work.

Ulster University

 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

• Developed transferable skills including report writing, individual and group presentations
• Improved skills in Microsoft Office applications and SPSS, e.g., organizing data and statistical summaries, producing report outputs which included data analysis.
• Fieldwork undertaken locally and a residential field-school abroad to learn practical techniques
• Researched fractal effects on intertidal zone biodiversity on the County Antrim coastline for my dissertation project which involved primary research (fieldwork in remote coastal locations where species were identified in-situ) (1:1 Grade).
• Laboratory exercises undertaken throughout course to apply theoretical study from lectures