Description

Jennifer Sarah Choyce; jschoyce@gmail.com;  07712686780; LinkdIn: Jennifer Choyce; Twitter: @JenniferChoyce

I’m a marine ecologist with extensive experience in conservation research, environmental consultancy and work in the field. By working in a variety of roles over the last 6 years, I have developed a number of office-based and field-based skills. I am passionate about marine conservation and travelling; after recently finishing an MRes, I am determined to use these skills to deliver and manage conservation projects.
Education

2015-2016: University College London: MRes Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation. Dissertation 1 at UCL, Dr Ben Collen and Dr Robbie Smith: Effects on ocean acidification on epiphytes on Sargassum sea weed around Bermuda. Included field work to Bermuda for 8 weeks, laboratory work, and statistical analysis with R and ImageJ.

Dissertation 2 at ZSL, Dr Chris Yesson: Impacts of shrimp trawling on benthic habitats in northern Iceland. Laboratory and analysis work for 5 weeks at the Icelandic Marine and freshwater Research Institute, and statistical analysis in R and QGIS. Lead author paper (in writing)

2006-2010: University of Wales, Bangor, School of Ocean Sciences Masters in Marine Science, M.MSci. 2:1

2009: University of Victoria, Vancouver Island, Canada: Marine Research Assistant. Analyse the spatial distribution of gastropods along the Mariana Back Arc. Assess changes in abundance of an endemic limpet on a volcanically active seamount in the Mariana Back Arc region Work Experience

Work Experience

Nov-Dec 2016: Europe Conservation Programmes Intern, Zoological Society of London: Analysed 2016 aerial photos data of seal populations in the Thames, focused on comparative analysis to identify trend and habitat usage to inform conservation. Co author paper (in writing)

Oct-Nov 2016: Marine Researcher, Institute of Zoology, ZSL, London: Processed benthic photographs from West Greenland by identifying and counting benthic organisms observed, using Poseidon software (UCL/ZSL).

Aug 2015-Sep 2016: Ecology Field Surveyor: Freelance: Assistant and lead on a variety of surveys and translocation projects (focal species: Bats, reptiles, Great Crested Newt). Developed full native species identification skills. Experienced in survey work in harsh conditions

Jan-Jun 2015: Manager/ Dive Master, Sea to Sky Scuba, North Vancouver: Developed strong organisational skills by managing daily dive schedules, monthly dive courses, office bookings. Produced a business, financial and marketing plan for the store; Correspond with suppliers and set up meetings with potential suppliers; Performed daily tasks of running a dive shop (e.g. tank fills, stock take, equipment maintenance)

Feb-Jul 2013; Feb-Dec 2014: Ecological Field Surveyor, Thomson Ecology and Habitats Ltd, Surrey: Assisted on large scale projects (e.g. Wallasae Island Coastal Project). Performed a variety of surveys and assessments (focal species: bats, reptiles, dormice, voles). Developed skills in audio and visual analysis and report writing

Oct 2013-Feb 2014: Proposal and Marketing Coordinator, Fugro EMU, Southampton: Developed strong proposal writing experience by supporting proposal manager and geophysical department head to write technical proposals and reports; lead monthly press release for company; organised corporate events; advised senior geophysical staff on technical jobs; performed offshore surveys when needed.

Aug-Oct 2013: Assistant Geophysicist, Fugro EMU, Southampton: Analysed seismic data profiles and assisted in write up of the technical report for client

Sep-Dec 2012: Dive Master, Wings Sailing and Diving, Airlie Beach, Australia: Developed skills in handling small boat craft and public engagement; lead dives around the Great Barrier Reef and provide talks on marine conservation of the area.

Volunteer Experience

The variety of volunteer roles has allowed for development in research skills, ability to work in various environments, public speaking and interaction, and immersion of other cultures.

Jan 2011-Mar 2012: Intertidal Marine Biology Educator; Marine Mammal Rescue Unit volunteer, Vancouver Aquarium, Canada: Public speaking to large and small groups; hands on skills with marine animals
Jul-Aug 2009: Research Volunteer CREES (Manu Biosphere Reserve), Peru: Aid in conservation research in the field; create my own program on site with locals
Oct 2005-Mar 2006: Marine Researcher & Education Volunteer, Global Vision International, Seychelles: Data collection from the field; data input and processing; attend meetings with Government on conservation issues
Jul-Aug 2005: Volunteer/Assistant Guide, Dynamic Adventures, Iceland: Aid in navigation on trek and be motivating to the team on long walking days
Jul-Aug 2004: Volunteer, World Team Challenge, Tanzania: Teach in an orphanage and aid in reconstruction of damaged buildings
Mar 2004: Work experience/assistant aquarist, Sea-Life Centre, Brighton: husbandry skills; public engagement; assist with PhD projects on site.

Further Qualifications

Technical: Personal Survival Techniques (PST) offshore training; Marine Mammal Observer (MMO); Passive Acoustic Monitor (PAM); PADI Dive Master; Marine Mammal Medic (BDMLR); Monitoring the Oceans from Space (https://www.futurelearn.com/certificates/cpym5jv)

Health and Safety: UKOOA Offshore Medical Certificate; Emergency Oxygen Provider (PADI); Emergency First Response Instructor; Construction Skills Certification Scheme(CSCS)

Professional Memberships: Member of the Marine Biology Association (MBA); Member of the Marine Mammal Observation Association (MMOA)  Hobbies and Interests

Travelling, Photography (www.jschoycephotography.com), Scuba diving, Outdoor Sports, Kick boxing

References provided on request