Student spotlight: Millie's Living Lab biodiversity internship

Yesterday, we shared a story about Environmental Sustainability at York's (ESAY) Living Lab interns. Today we're hearing from their second intern, Millie O'Neil, to find out what she has learned from her experience.

Millie, who has just graduated with a Masters of Biology in Molecular Cell Biology from the University of York, worked as a Living Lab Digital Communications Assistant over the summer. We asked Millie to share more about her internship:

Tell us a bit about what you were doing as a Living Lab intern?

In my internship, I explored a variety of ways in which we could aim to engage staff and students in regards to biodiversity. I aimed to generate ideas, events and communications channels to share the work that is happening on campus, focusing especially on engaging prospective students that are coming this year.

Additionally, a large portion of my internship involved creating a static map, designing graphics using adobe illustrator on the different species of birds on campus. These maps would then be used to show the variety of birds we have on campus, and where they can be seen. 

Tell us something you have enjoyed about this internship.

Something I enjoyed most about my internship was engaging and meeting with the different people at the university. It was so exciting and rewarding to learn about the variety of research that goes on in ESAY, and other areas of biodiversity research on campus. Collaborating with these people in regards to effective engagement of biodiversity was something that greatly aided me in my internship. 

What have you learned from your experience?

I have learnt most about graphic design skills in adobe illustrator. Starting with this new software, I was able to develop my understanding, and demonstrate my technique using this software. Learning this skill not only allowed me to be creative, but also allowed me to learn about many species of birds, which I greatly enjoyed. 

What are you looking to do in the future?

I am looking to start my PhD in September in Molecular Biology At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. I know that in my future career as a research scientist, sustainability, environmental practice and biodiversity will be something I will pursue in my daily life and wherever I work. My internship with ESAY has strengthened this passion of mine, and it will always be a part of my future. 

A huge thanks to Millie for all her hard work during this internship. We look forward to sharing Millie's digital campus bird map with you soon, and we wish Millie every success with her PhD!