Jess Roberts

Image

My time at University 

Exposure to geospatial modelling using GIS in my undergraduate Earth Science degree inspired me to stay another year and specialise in GIS in an MSc program here at Edinburgh. When I finish this final year of study, I hope to utilise my Earth Science and GIS knowledge in conjunction with the field of environmental modelling and consultancy.

I chose to study Earth Sciences at Edinburgh for several reasons. First of all, Scotland’s geology and landscape are globally unique. Some of the pioneering changes in Earth Science have originated both in Scotland and from Scottish scientists. Secondly, Edinburgh University is one of the leading universities in the UK, particularly in Earth Science. When I came to visit the department before studying here, it quickly became clear exactly why. The School of Geosciences in Edinburgh comprises exceptional staff with a focus on engaging and impassioning students, which makes a world of difference to the experience of studying here.

Earth Science strikes me not only as a fascinating area of study but also as an incredibly relevant one. There’s a unique enjoyment to understanding what has created the world around you, and this knowledge can be fed back into understanding how it’s changing. To have Earth Science experts in this current period of global change is pertinent and essential. Joining the ranks of those attempting to understand and mitigate global change seemed an obvious choice.

The GPG degree programme had several highlights. Firstly, the numerous field trips each year provided an opportunity to see unique landscapes in places such as the Scottish Highlands, Spain and Cyprus. Not only did these field trips take me to places I’d have never been before, but they were an enjoyable and memorable way to learn alongside staff and fellow students from the Geosciences School.  Edinburgh is a beautiful city to live in and study. It’s a big enough city to be a dynamic and exciting place to live, but it’s small enough to feel like home. The city itself is so unique – it’s built on top of ancient volcanoes! It’s a great place to live, regardless of what you’re doing here.

My time since leaving University 

Exposure to geospatial modelling using GIS in my undergraduate Earth Science degree inspired me to stay another year and specialise in GIS in an MSc program here at Edinburgh. When I finish this final year of study, I hope to utilise my Earth Science and GIS knowledge in conjunction with the field of environmental modelling and consultancy. 

Alumni wisdom

Invest in waterproof walking boots!