{"id":1064,"date":"2019-12-02T12:39:43","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T12:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.exeter.ac.uk\/exetermarine\/?p=1064"},"modified":"2023-11-29T09:48:40","modified_gmt":"2023-11-29T09:48:40","slug":"msc-graduate-in-focus-jennifer-cruce-horeg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/exetermarine\/2019\/12\/02\/msc-graduate-in-focus-jennifer-cruce-horeg\/","title":{"rendered":"MSc Graduate in Focus: Jennifer Cruce Horeg"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our world-leading marine research underpins a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes: Research-led teaching | Exeter Marine | University of Exeter.<\/a> In this #MScGraduateInFocus series we are looking back on some of our MSc graduates who have excelled in marine conservation around the world since studying with us.<\/h4>\n

Today we meet Jennifer Cruce Horeg, MSc Conservation and Biodiversity graduate (2009) and now working for the U.S. Department of Navy in Guam, Micronesia!<\/em><\/p>\n

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Hi Jennifer! It’s been 10 years since you studied with us, why don’t you tell us a bit about your career in that time that led you to where you are now?<\/em><\/p>\n

I now work in Guam for the U.S. Dept of Navy as a Conservation Resource Program Manager.<\/p>\n

After I graduated I continued to work under a grant with NOAA-NMFS to monitor the nesting sea turtle population in Ulithi Atoll, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). In 2011 I accepted a biologist\/Deputy Refuge Manager position with the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. In 2015, I accepted a position as a Natural Resource Specialist at the Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. After two years I moved to the Joint Region Marianas Office (still on Guam) as the Conservation Resource Program Manager.<\/p>\n

Before studying my Masters I had been living and working in Yap, FSM working under a NOAA-NMFS grant to study the nesting sea turtle population in Ulithi Atoll. I spent a year contacting schools who offered relevant masters programme\u2019s. My goal was to continue the research in Ulithi and use the data I was collecting for a master\u2019s thesis. All of the schools in the US stated that they would be unable to accommodate my work overseas. I would have to work on funded projects within their department. Finally, I contacted Dr. Brendan Godley who was very positive and responsive to my inquiry and thought that the MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity programme would be a perfect fit with the research project I was working with in Yap.<\/p>\n

We’re glad you chose to study with us! What did you enjoy most about studying in Penryn?<\/em><\/p>\n

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I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Penryn Campus! It was safe, comfortable, and conducive to learning.<\/p>\n

Being from the US I was so excited to live and study overseas. The Penryn Campus is in a beautiful location. I walked about 45 minutes from my flat to campus and spent about every day, all day on campus studying and going to class. It was a safe and lovely campus. I felt like the environment helped me be and do my best.<\/p>\n

The location is very unique being at the southern end of England in a beautiful location. Other MSc students and I students took weekend trips to tour around Falmouth, Penzance, and other southern towns for fun. The town of Penryn is very low key and quiet. I enjoyed it very much.<\/p>\n

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How did the MSc help you in your career, and do you have any advice for students looking to pursue a similar career?<\/em><\/p>\n

Through my 10-plus year career since graduating I would say that all of the coursework we studied in the MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity has surfaced at one time or another. I appreciated how practical some of the coursework was. I also gained a group of intelligent, funny, and diverse friends from my programme that I still keep in touch with. This network of colleagues along with our instructors have helped me many times along the way.<\/p>\n

Some of the basic skills that are needed but rarely covered in most master\u2019s programmes\u2019 such as: how to design and present oral and poster presentation, preparing a quality CV, writing a grant proposal, etc. I still have the instruction and templates from when I was a student and have referenced them several times during my professional career. Those were very helpful.<\/p>\n

The programme itself was solid and fun. I grew and learned so much in my time there.<\/p>\n

Finally, Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of applying to any of our programmes at the University of Exeter?<\/em><\/p>\n

The key to everything is to have no perceptions or expectations \u2013 meaning keep an open mind. If possible be willing to travel. Take every opportunity to attend a lecture, presentation, conference, field training, etc. This not only helps you grow in knowledge but widens your network. Also, it helps to be nice and easy to work with. I can say that a lot of my movement up in my career has been because I am a team player and I get along well with just about anyone.<\/p>\n

I would highly suggest any programme at Centre for Ecology and Conservation<\/a>. The instructors and support staff are amazing! I have seen all of my friends from the 2007-08 MSc group go on to have amazing careers.<\/p>\n

Thanks Jennifer!<\/em><\/p>\n

If you want to find out more about any of our suite of #ExeterMarine Masters and Undergraduate courses use the links below!<\/em><\/p>\n