Sara Fullerton

I am passionate about the wellbeing and conservation of marine animals and their various environments. I believe that it is critical to educate the general public regarding issues towards marine biodiversity and actions required to mitigate these. Additionally, I believe that research can be vital in the monitoring and guidance of conservation efforts for marine biodiversity.

I am keen to pursue a career that actively helps to improve marine biodiversity and the environment.

During my placement year, I volunteered for 6 months at a seal rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands. Through this, I gained skills such as; seal photo identification, conducted general health observations and gained experience in animal handling and welfare training. Additionally, I volunteered in an aquarium for 6 months.

During this, I improved my time management and organisation skills, as I completed various tasks between preparing and feeding the animals at scheduled feed times. I taught numerous work placement students how to measure water chemistry, record dissolved oxygen levels and prepare food. This improved my leadership skills as I taught students in a clear way and ensured that they understood how to complete the task.

I have contributed to biodiversity records with Ulster Wildlife and Sea Deep in Northern Ireland. Through this I have improved upon my basic identification skills on the marine life found on the shores of Ireland. I think it is very important to record the biodiversity on our local shores allowing the monitoring of marine health from year to year. I volunteered for one year with the Methodist Church in Ireland; this greatly improved my confidence in public speaking to crowds of people.

I am a final year Marine Biology with Professional studies student in Queens University Belfast. I am soon to be graduating in July 2024.