BethanRoberts
Chiswick Hall Barn, Chrishall
Nr Royston, HertsSG8 8RA
T 07793274172
Profile
I am currently studying at Oxford University for a Masters of Science in “Nature, Society, and Environmental Policy”. I am an outgoing and fun-loving individual, with a real passion for the natural world, and an eye for a good story.
Having studied environmental history at undergraduate level, receiving a First for my dissertation, a species history of the fox in Great Britain, I am particularly interested in the stories people have to tell about the natural world. This has also been reflected in my creative writing, having written a personal reflection on extinction for the Ghosts of Gone Birds exhibition, as well as a piece for the book to accompany the project 2020vision.
I have a particular interest in wildlife filmmaking, something that I have been able to explore in my studies at Oxford this year. I have completed a course on environmental journalism, and researched projects ranging from the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone, to the representation of climate change in BBC’s recent series Frozen Planet. This has culminated in my Masters thesis, which seeks to determine the power of natural history programming as a tool for conservation. Although this year has been challenging, it has hugely broadened my knowledge and equipped me with extremely strong research and organizational skills.
I hope to be able to translate these skills into the research and production side of wildlife filmmaking, and recently completed a course at Wildeye- the international school of wildlife filmmaking in research and production for wildlife film documentaries.
EDUCATION
University of Oxford- Masters of Science in Nature, Society and Environmental Policy (current)
University of Nottingham- upper 2.1 received in BA History Hons. (2011)
The Perse School, Cambridge- 2004-2006-A levels, History, Geography, Psychology (A,A,A)
Experience
Marine Research Diver, Global Vision International — July 2009-September 2009
Working as a research diver on the island of Mahé, Seychelles. Duties involved diving twice daily, conducting fish and coral surveys, tagging turtles, sampling plankton and monitoring whale shark populations, to compile and submit a report to the government of the Seychelles on the health of the reef. Received PADI speciality research diver qualification.
Events Coordinator, El Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina — Summer 2008
Based on a polo farm outside of Buenos Aires, I was responsible for scheduling holidays, looking after guests, and pitching in with looking after the ponies. This not only gave me an opportunity to learn some Spanish, but also taught me how to relate to different customers from around the world.
Administrative Assistant, Mills and Reeve LLP, Cambridge — September 2007- June 2008
Duties involved daily use of Microsoft word, excel and powerpoint, proofreading, filing, responding to clients inquiries via telephone and email. I was also involved in creating a new property deeds filing system, as well as being responsible for meeting and greeting clients.
Work Experience, Charles Russell LLP — Summer 2007
A month spent shadowing one of Cambridge’s top commercial lawyers, involved sitting in on business meetings, being responsible for taking minutes, and being introduced to clients.
Published works
Ghosts of Gone Birds Exhibition, Rochelle School, London
Part of the Ghosts of Gone Birds ‘creative army’ against extinction. Article entitled “Empty Skies, Silent Hedgerows; A Personal Awakening”. Soon to be included in book accompanying the exhibition
2020 VISION
Contributing to AA book about the project published this year. 2020 Vision is a revolutionary project seeking to reconnect society with nature, and invest in ambitious natural landscape restoration programs to restore our wild places.
Skills
I am a member of New Networks for Nature (N3) and have attended several of their conferences with key UK wildlife professionals. I am also a member of the RSPB and WWF. I am a keen photographer and am involved with the optics company Opticron, as part of their program “A focus on Nature”, which works on bringing wildlife to a younger audience.
Whilst at University I was involved in assisting in editing some features for the student magazine,particularly the travel section. Travelling is a real love of mine; some recent highlights have been spending a few months in Egypt, diving the Red Sea.
I speak intermediate French and basic Spanish. I enjoy skiing, hockey and tennis, and compete regularly under the BSJA (British Showjumping Association), and have also competed in the National Universities polo tournament.
REFERENCES
Stephen Moss: Graduate thesis supervisor. Former head of the BBC Natural History Unit producer and author of many books on British birds and wildlife.
Tel: +447712528179 email:
Dr. Rob Lambert: Graduate thesis supervisor, and undergraduate dissertation supervisor. Environment academic at University of Nottingham
Tel: +447799126461 email: