{"id":801,"date":"2026-04-01T14:51:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T14:51:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/gses\/?p=801"},"modified":"2026-04-30T11:14:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T11:14:13","slug":"meet-our-graduates-jonathan-a-coastal-processes-scientist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.exeter.ac.uk\/gses\/2026\/04\/01\/meet-our-graduates-jonathan-a-coastal-processes-scientist\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet our Graduates: Jonathan, a Coastal Processes Scientist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I studied Oceanography and Coastal Processes as an undergraduate degree and really enjoyed the coding and data science element and wanted to develop that further. That\u2019s what led to me to broaden my skillset, and I found the Applied Data Science and Modelling MSc programme<\/a> online. I was already aware of Exeter\u2019s good reputation, so I went to the open day<\/a> at the University\u2019s Penryn Campus<\/a> and talked to the lecturers about the course content. I found the applied focus of the course attractive, as I felt it would provide me with more experience and practical knowledge, I could use in my future career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having the opportunity to use real data was my favourite aspect of the programme. During one of the modules, every two weeks we\u2019d work with different external partners who would bring data, explain the problem and then we were set off in groups to figure out how to answer a question and get meaningful results. I found solving problems and getting hands on experience very enjoyable. I also loved being in Penryn. It\u2019s close to the coast which suited me, as I do quite a lot of water sports. It meant I could have a good balance between my studies and life outside that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For my MSc research project, I developed a control system for a wave energy converter. It was more engineering based, using MATLAB for simulations to try and maximise the amount of energy output. There are different pathways with the Applied Data Science MSc<\/a>, making it easy to introduce different topics, which is how I ended up working on something with such strong renewable energy focus. You were able to tailor your project to your interests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working as a Coastal Processes Scientist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since graduating, I have started working as a Coastal Processes Scientist at South West Coastal Monitoring<\/a>. We are based in Plymouth, and cover the entire South West England coastline. Knowledge of data science, along with the ability to handle and present data are very valuable skills to have when monitoring coastal areas. Coastlines are often very populated areas, especially in the South West of the UK, so it\u2019s important to know how best to protect and manage these areas. South West Coastal Monitoring collect and process freely available, high quality, long-term data, which can be used by anyone. We collect a wide range of data types, from topographic and LIDAR surveys to hydrodynamics and meteorological data. It can be quite varied; there is always something different or something new to learn. There are always new ways of doing things, it\u2019s an evolving space which means there is lots of opportunity for me to input. The role nicely combines my undergraduate and my master\u2019s into one, it\u2019s been the ideal thing for me. I feel like I\u2019m having a really positive impact through my work.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n