Image of Leeds student, Hazel Mooney

Hazel Mooney

Why did you decide to study at the University of Leeds?

I decided to study at Leeds because I visited the University in year 12, for a GIS introduction course and completely fell in love with the University, and also the School of Earth and Environment. The courses available in Earth and Environment are so incredibly flexible and also offer the most powerful research from scientists that can truly inspire me.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University and why?

The best element of studying Environmental Science has been learning about topics I had never encountered before, which has totally changed how I feel about my future and the career I want to progress into. There are so many areas of science for me to yet explore and I love the thought of that.

Tell us about some of the exciting things you have been a part of so far?

Here at Leeds I am the Student Experience Ambassador for the School of Earth and Environment, which has involved organising lots of talks and presentations and socials for students and staff in the school. It’s really lovely to get to interact more with lecturers and staff, and find out more about the School.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds is a very cool city with lots of wonderful cafes, gig venues, and train access to some lovely towns and villages in Yorkshire.

What are your ambitions for the future?

At present my ambitions for the future are to pursue a PhD at the University of Leeds, possibly specialising in water biology or biodiversity conservation. I believe this is because I have been so inspired by the research staff I have met and I would love to carry out more myself.

What Experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

Leeds offers an incredible variety of services that really help to build you with both employability, and resilience and confidence to succeed. I feel the greatest experience for my career has been the level of compassion I have developed for myself through joining societies that I really enjoy, and making friends with people that are very similar to me.

What would you say to students thinking about studying BSc Environmental Science?

Be open minded. The department has such an enormous array of sub-topics, and modules to explore, that you can never be sure what you will and won’t like. Chances are, something amazing is waiting to be discovered by you.