Scientist Interviews

In these videos, from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), scientists talk about what their jobs entail and what they enjoy most about their chosen career.

The nine scientists are:
*Dr Michael Pocock - ecologist
An ecologist is a biologist who studies the relationship between organisms and their environment. A Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Maths

*Dr Caroline Nichol - environmental physicist
Scottish Higher Qualifications: English, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics

*Dr Matt Horstwood - geologist
Geosciences, or geology, are the scientific study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the earth and its natural resources. A Levels: Biology, Geology, Chemistry

*Jamie Hannaford - hydrologist
Hydrologists are principally involved in monitoring, managing and conserving the Earth's freshwater resources. They study the quantity, trends and implications of freshwater in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, aquifers and glaciers. They also monitor and analyse rainfall. A Levels: Geography, History, Physics

*Dr Clare Postlethwaite - ice modeller
Computer modellers use computers to help them understand how the world works and to help predict what might happen in the future. Sea ice modellers use computer software to simulate how ice freezes, melts and moves and how different things such as ocean temperature affect it. A Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Art

*Dr Iain Staniland - marine biologist
Marine biologists study organisms in the world's oceans, ranging in size and complexity from viruses to whales. They examine how these organisms interact with the environment and with each other and measure the effects of human activities and environmental changes on marine ecosystems. A Levels: Biology, Maths, Chemistry

*Dr Martha Clokie - Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and protozoa. They are involved in many areas of work, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water and agriculture. A Levels: Biology, Maths, Chemistry

*Vicki Smith - physicist
Physicists are involved in a wide range of activities, including electronics, energy, space, transport, medicine and materials. Their work can involve designing and conducting experiments, simulating real-life problems and conditions in laboratories, or making a series of observations which are written up in reports. A Levels: Physics, Maths, Sociology

*Dr Tamsin Mather - volcanologist
A Volcanologist studies the impact of volcanoes on the atmosphere and our planet as a whole. Volcanologists often work to try to understand how to better predict eruptions and minimise the effects on people arising from them. They may use computer modelling or satellite imagery and often work on or around volcanoes taking measurements. A Level: Double Maths, Physics, Chemistry

NERC is a part of the Research Councils UK (RCUK) partnership of research councils.

• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx6b5