Erika Warnatzch Thompson

My time at University 

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I have completed an MSc Carbon Management (2008-9), PG Certificate in Digital Education (online) (2015-16) and PhD (2016-21) at the University of Edinburgh. I initially moved to the UK to pursue the MSc. 

I knew from an early age that I wanted to study the natural environment, and I discovered more about climate change in my undergraduate. I learned how climate change impacts all aspects of the human and natural world - all nations, systems, and industries. I wanted to know more but was not ready to focus on just one aspect of climate change – I wanted to explore natural science and understand all the various interactions. The University of Edinburgh leads the world in many aspects of climate change research, offering the expertise, facilities and resources to carry out inter-disciplinary learning. The MSc Carbon Management is a somewhat unique programme. It is one of the only places to learn about climate change at this level and because it allows students to look at the science, business, economics, and policy of climate change. Students on the MSc learn the facts, but they also gain insight into the barriers others face and the language necessary for us all to work together to solve this global challenge. 

In addition to the factual education that the MSc Carbon Management provided, the programme's structure helped me gain real-world skills. The dedicated staff helped improve my confidence in applying these. Most importantly, the MSc introduced me to a beautiful community of people. I built great friendships, but I also gained a robust network of passionate and talented people I can rely on for advice and help. The MSc programme also opened doors for me to meet a range of inspiring and influential people and speak at internationally relevant venues and events, including the Royal Society of Sciences and UN Climate Change Conferences. 

My experiences since leaving University 

After completing my MSc, I went on to work in the private sector for five years. My work was mainly in carbon accounting, and through this work, I had the privilege to work with businesses, policymakers, communities and individuals from around the world on climate solutions. During this time, I was lucky to call fellow alumni colleagues, business partners and clients. As the years went on, it became clear that the alumni network was multiplying, and graduates from the MSc Carbon Management were filling roles in critical areas around the world, influencing real decisions very soon after graduating.

In 2012 I was invited to come back to the University to provide some guest lectures. I enjoyed the experience of teaching and began integrating this into my current role by creating training programmes for my colleagues and clients. However, when the opportunity arose to return to the University and teach full time, I jumped at the offer.  I initially joined the University of Edinburgh as a member of staff in 2014 to help build the new online MSc in Carbon Management. Being alumni of the on-campus programme gave me an emotional attachment to the project. I knew that I wanted to provide all our online students access to the outstanding education gained from The University of Edinburgh and the sense of community that I cherished and still enjoy. 

While working, I decided to take up the opportunity of a staff bursary to pursue a PG Cert in Digital Education through Moray House School of Education. This programme helped me understand the pedagogical theory and skills required for online teaching, but it also gave me the beneficial first-hand experience of being an online student. 

In 2016 I began a PhD through the E3 DTP Programme. I carried out interdisciplinary research under the supervision of Professor Dave Reay (School of GeoSciences) and Professor Liz Grant (School of Public Health). This research concentrated on the impact of climate change on food security and health in Malawi. During my PhD, I took two maternity leaves to welcome my daughter in 2017 and then my son in 2019. I also continued to teach on the online MSc. Carrying out a PhD while working and raising two small children was challenging at times, and the global pandemic didn't make things easier. However, the DTP programme team and my supervisors were nothing but supportive. Being busy helped focus my work and helped keep me disciplined. Having children also provided me with an added focus and determination to do my little part to help tackle the climate crisis. My journey also helped me further relate to our online MSc students, as many join us mid-career, with a range of work and family commitments to juggle while carrying out their studies. 

I am currently working at the University of Edinburgh as a Digital Education Designer and University Teacher. This role includes postgraduate teaching and continued development of the MSc Carbon Management (online) programme, as well as the development of a suite of international climate solution MOOCs. 

Alumni wisdom

Have fun! There will be stressful times and pinch points, but postgraduate study is such a unique opportunity to surround yourself with people who share the same passion as you. This is the time to learn but also make lasting friendships.