Oscar

Bioscience Education

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I am a dedicated and compassionate student with a passion for the welfare and wellbeing of animals. I have always enjoyed science and have become increasingly interested in zoology and in particular Herpetology.

 

During A Levels, I studied 2 extra courses at The Reptile Academy, a Centre of Excellence for Reptile & Amphibian Education and Animal Welfare. I worked with a diverse range of animals, specialising in reptiles and amphibians, gaining skills in exotic animal handling & husbandry and understanding different care & welfare needs, feeding & enrichment.

 

I’m an excellent communicator and confident in creating and delivering presentations to an audience & enjoy engaging with peers, staff and visitors. I completed work experience and have since gained employment as a Volunteer Reptile Ranger, working with exotic animals as well as supporting children with SEN.

 

After A-Levels I wish to continue focusing on zoology, furthering my studies to gain greater experience of a wider range of species, and develop my knowledge & understanding of animals to enable me to pursue a career in zoology.

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International Trips

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This year to support my studies & expand my environmental knowledge, I’ve been on several international field trips in addition to a 4-week expedition to Borneo.

 

I travelled to Geneva, visiting the Palais des Nations, learning about the United Nations and witnessing a debate taking place on humanitarian issues.

 

I visited CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research and travelled into France to see the Hadron Collider Control Centre.

 

I then went to Iceland, visiting the Volcano and Earthquake Centre (LAVA), geothermal lagoons and explored the spectacular sites of the Golden Circle.

 

My Strengths 

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I have many strengths, being autistic, I am creative with excellent problem-solving skills and able to really focus on tasks. I'm empathetic, loyal and have a strong sense of justice and care deeply for people, animals and the environment.

 

I am determined and independent and even when sometimes things are harder for me, I have proved to myself and others that my disabilities do not stop me from doing anything. This summer I travelled to the Sabah region of Borneo on a 4-week expedition with Camps International. I wanted to help people less fortunate and make a difference, working on environmental projects and wildlife conservation programs to help preserve biodiversity and protect vulnerable habitats.

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Enterprise Skills 

 

To participate I raised £5000, I set up a successful 3D printing enterprise business & sold realistic 3D reptile models at fetes & the Academy. I also applied and secured grants from 3 different foundations totalling £1,800 and along with other fundraising ventures I exceeded the target.

 

The expedition was an amazing experience, staying in rural camps & working on different community projects to improve tourism, education and infrastructure. I engaged with the local Dusan Native communities promoting environmental awareness & sustainability and visited the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary learning about conservation and the effects of deforestation.

 

Staying in remote camps in the Kinabatangan Jungle I slept in hammocks & worked on jungle restoration projects. I saw animals in their native habitat, some of which are critically endangered and others endemic to Borneo.

 

My highlight was visiting Mamutik Island, exploring the marine biodiversity & completing the PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course, gaining professional certification as a diver which will be useful for marine zoology.