I have enjoyed my research into the Baltic Sea sediment cores because it gave me the opportunity to conduct research in a field of study outside of my degree. The research provided me with opportunities for development within my academic career, some examples of areas of growth being laboratory work and data handling. 

Whilst conducting my research I was able to develop my critical thinking through exploring the reasons for the presence and absence of the forams in the sediment cores, such as anoxia.

I enjoyed working with world-leading academics in their fields because it gave me valuable insight into professional research and what a PhD would require after completing my undergraduate career.

My resilience was a key skill which I was able to use throughout my research when faced with difficulties or results I was not expecting.  It allowed me to progress through my research undeterred and to reach the end result. 

The project allowed me to work independently to the greatest extent that I ever have within my academic career which was a valuable experience because it allowed me to develop my critical thinking, problem-solving and research capability, all of which are vital for my degree and the future. 

My scholarship was reinforced throughout the research period through my exploration of wider materials to help me to understand the project itself but also the wider world around the project and how different climatic events and interglacial periods affected the Baltic Sea throughout its lifespan. My scholarship also enabled me to develop a holistic picture of the Baltic Sea's formation and development which was very beneficial in helping me to critically think about the transitions from core section 4 to core section 5 - the reasoning behind why the anoxic conditions dramatically shifted to oxygenated conditions for example.

I have enjoyed my six-week research period and I look forward to my Leadership in Action period next year.