Building a future in Marine Science
For Connie, choosing to study at Queen Mary set the foundation for a career in marine ecology and conservation. Through supportive mentorship, broad scientific training, and opportunities to grow beyond the classroom, her time at QMUL helped turn an early passion for marine life into a global research journey that now includes whale shark monitoring and doctoral study.
Obtaining my Zoology BSc and Freshwater and Marine Ecology MSc from QMUL solidified my ambition to work in scientific research and conservation, reflecting the teaching, mentorship, and dedication of the academic staff. Although I knew early on that I wanted to pursue marine ecology, I chose to keep my undergraduate studies broad through Zoology, a decision confirmed the moment I attended an open day and met the lecturers. It was truly the best decision I could have made for shaping my perspective on research and my career path. Their vigour and genuine passion were immediately evident. Seeing academics who were not only experts but who clearly loved their work allowed me to envision myself following a similar path.
From my first interaction through to graduation and beyond, my time at QMUL was defined by the unwavering support and openness of the staff and postgraduate students I met. They were consistently approachable and generous with their time, whether discussing lectures, refining dissertation ideas, supporting outreach, or advising on career decisions. Across both degrees, I always felt able to seek their guidance, and their belief in me carried me through moments when I did not fully believe in myself. They pushed me in the right direction, created opportunities to showcase my work and develop skills beyond the modules, helped me recognise where I was excelling, and constructively challenged me to improve. That balance of encouragement, honest feedback, and high expectations built my scientific confidence and resilience.
When I returned for my Master’s, I was deeply honoured that so many staff remembered me and were excited around the potential to work with me again. Their enthusiasm reinforced that QMUL was more than a university; it was a supportive academic environment where mentorship extended beyond formal teaching. Their continued guidance, references, and professional advice have extended well beyond graduation. The critical thinking, scientific rigour, independence, and self-belief they fostered now underpin my career in marine biological research and conservation. I actively engage in mentoring opportunities myself, hoping to pass on the knowledge and perseverance I gained.
The staff and students showed me there is no single “right way” into a career in science and that with curiosity, persistence, and guidance, anyone can forge their own path. That mindset has enabled me to pursue diverse avenues within conservation, from delivering outreach on UK amphibians to young children, to supporting adults in establishing river conservation groups, and now contributing to marine research initiatives globally. I have been working in Qatar since 2022 on a collaborative Whale Shark Monitoring Program between industry, research, and government, and have recently begun a PhD on whale shark ecology in the Arabian Gulf alongside fellow QMUL alumni. I also work in partnership with the Marine Research and Conservation Foundation in the UK, supporting their shark research initiatives in the UK (blue sharks) and Thailand (whale sharks), whilst encouraging early-career scientist outreach opportunities and supporting shark research in these regions. Without the sustained encouragement, training, and personal support of the staff at QMUL, I would not be where I am today.
Connie Flora Chapman
Learn more about the BSc Zoology programme here.