{"id":1151,"date":"2020-02-04T12:18:39","date_gmt":"2020-02-04T12:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.exeter.ac.uk\/exetermarine\/?p=1151"},"modified":"2023-11-28T17:15:36","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T17:15:36","slug":"msc-graduate-in-focus-liliana-poggio-colman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/exetermarine\/2020\/02\/04\/msc-graduate-in-focus-liliana-poggio-colman\/","title":{"rendered":"MSc Graduate in Focus: Liliana Poggio Colman"},"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 our Graduate in Focus series<\/a> we look at the achievements of our MSc graduates who have excelled in conservation around the world since studying with us.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Today we meet Liliana Colman, MSc Conservation and Biodiversity<\/a> graduate (2013) and now a postdoctoral researcher at projeto TAMAR in Brazil<\/a> and the University of Exeter<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hi Lili! First off, why don\u2019t you tell us a bit about what you have been up to since studying your MSc with us?<\/em><\/p>\n

After graduating from my MSc, I returned to Brazil, and whilst working as an environmental consultant there, I applied for a PhD at Exeter to work with TAMAR<\/a> (the Brazilian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme). I was granted a scholarship from the Brazilian Government through a programme called Science Without Borders, and I went back to the UK to conduct my PhD studies, investigating the ecology and conservation of leatherback sea turtles in Brazil. I have recently finished my PhD and I am currently starting a postdoctoral research to continue the research with the leatherbacks in Brazil.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo with thanks from Henrique Filgueras<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We\u2019re glad you are still working with us! How did you find the move to Cornwall from Brazil?<\/em><\/p>\n

It was my first experience living abroad and from the moment I arrived at the University of Exeter to undertake my MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity<\/a>, I quickly fell in love with the University, the Campus and Cornwall. Discovering all the cutting-edge research being carried out across the University of Exeter has been a definite highlight for me. Being able to continue surfing while conducting my studies was an amazing part of being at the Penryn Campus and I believe it helped me a lot to stay positive and a great way of making new friends.<\/p>\n

I had a great experience while living in Cornwall. I loved it so much that I decided to come back and conduct a PhD for four years in Cornwall. I think the University is very committed into ensuring students are well supported. I had English tutors who helped me a lot with the language both in academic and social aspects. The campus surroundings are super calm and easy going. Falmouth has a great student vibe, with lots going on for people to enjoy during their time off.<\/p>\n

For me it was a great personal and life experience. I had the chance to live in a different country, experience a new culture and make new friends. I learned how to improve my language skills and be able to communicate in my second language (including making jokes!).<\/p>\n

 \"\"<\/em><\/p>\n

We\u2019re glad you had such a great time in Cornwall! How do you think your time here has helped you in your career?<\/em><\/p>\n

I believe the MSc Conservation and Biodiversity definitely helped me to prepare for my current role. During the MSc I learned I wanted to be a researcher and the programme helped me to gain skills which were key for conducting my PhD. I particularly benefitted from an improved academic English (which is my second language), GIS, statistics and from data analysis during my research project.<\/p>\n

The campus is great as it is surrounded by nature. The University has modern facilities (lecture and seminar rooms, laboratories, library). There is a great variety of research being conducted at the University which makes it a place for cutting-edge research with loads of seminars, talks, workshops. And being in Cornwall makes it even better, because it is such a unique place to visit and to live.<\/p>\n

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

Do it!<\/p>\n

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

You can follow Lili and Projeto TAMAR on Twitter (@lilipcolman<\/a>, @Projeto_TAMAR<\/a>) and Instagram (lilicolman<\/a>, projeto_tamar_oficial<\/a>) ! <\/em><\/p>\n

 \"\"<\/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