Profile
Anna Gardner
My CV
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Education:
I went to many different first and middle schools.
After college, I completed my Biosciences degree at the University of Birmingham. I worked abroad for a few years and then came back to do my PhD too 🙂 -
Qualifications:
GCSEs (12 A*-C grades)
A levels (A* in Psychology, A* in Environmental Science, A in Biology)
First class degree in Biological sciences (Zoology).
Now completing my PhD in Biological Sciences. -
Work History:
Research assistant in Peru (studying potatoes). Research assistant in Florida (studying turtles). Research leader/coordinator in Greece for marine wildlife (Dolphins and Turtles) and land wildlife (Chameleons and Jackals). Field technician: University of Birmingham.
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About Me:
I’m Anna, a wildlife loving scientist that loves to explore.
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Read more
Hi everybody,
My name is Anna, I live in Worcestershire and I spend much of my free time travelling, hiking and watching bees ( I have my own bee hive!).
I have studied all creatures great and small across the world in my career. Yet, I have recently discovered how amazing trees are. I now spend most of my days at the tops of really old trees studying their leaves. Luckily, I have no fear of heights.
I try to save my money up so I can travel a lot. Most people like beach holidays or disney world (I do love disney too!), but I particularly like visiting the oldest trees in the world!
The oldest tree I have ever visited is a 6000 year old Boabab tree but I have also visited Giant Sequoia trees in California and ancient Gingko trees in China.
Other things I like doing: Eating, diving, riding my bike, skydiving and trying new things 😀
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Read more
I work in an ancient woodland for the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research as a researcher of trees.
Here, I am studying how climate change (increased carbon dioxide) may change the behaviour of oak leaves. Trees look like they stand still all day BUT they are very very busy plants. The leaves of trees have lots of important roles including making food (carbon) for the tree, which they use to make them grow bigger.
My job is to understand how the leaves might change their appearance or behaviour in the future.
- Will the leaves grow bigger or smaller?
- Will there be more or less leaves on each tree?
- Will the leaves change shape?
- Will the leaves make more or less food for the tree?
Oak trees are very important trees for us as they help in the water cycle, nutrient cycles and carbon cycles. That is why its so important for us to know what will happen in the future.
I usually spend sunrise to sunset in the tree and have to wear a hard hat (its dangerous stuff dangling in the tree). Here are some pictures of me at work!
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My Typical Day:
Early mornings and late nights in the tree tops.
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My typical day requires me to get up before the sun rises!
I then warm up my science equipment and wriggle into a climbing harness – all ready for tree climbing in the forest.
Here, I spend the entire day in the tree tops taking measurements on the leaves.
The machine that is strapped to me measures how the leaves breathe (like how we breathe in and out). It measures how much food the leaves are making and how much water he tree needs.
My machine can see if the leaves are happy or if they need more water or sunlight. My experiment will be able to tell us if the trees will grow bigger in the future or if they might need some human help.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Inspiring students using outdoor practical nature classrooms! I will be visiting schools to teach nature/biology activites (outside) and the money will buy science equipment for my visits! Take a look below 🙂
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Brave, kind and curious
What did you want to be after you left school?
A park ranger in Africa
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes, I was quite cheeky!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Taylor swift :) Huge fan!
What's your favourite food?
Deserts like apple pie and ice-cream
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) Worry less. 2) Be happy with who I am. 3) Read minds!
Tell us a joke.
What did the shark say when he ate the clownfish? This tastes a little funny.
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