Profile
Katie Spencer
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About Me:
I live with my partner and rescue pup (Winnie <3 ) in Essex, but I’m from the West Midlands and work in Canterbury, Kent (England). I’m a wildlife conservationist (conservation scientist/biologist) working on mammal conservation in Indonesia. I love being outdoors – whatever the weather! I enjoy outdoor hobbies as well as just catching up with friends at the pub 🙂
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I had no idea what academia or conservation really was in school – I wanted to be a vet. A rejection for vet school sent me on the “zoology” path and the rest is history!
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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My Work:
I’m a researcher in Conservation Science at the University of Kent. My research focuses on tropical ecology and wildlife conservation in Indonesia
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My research is focused in the tropical forests of Indonesia (Southeast Asia). I’m am looking at how the populations of mammal species (e.g., sun bear, clouded leopard, pigs, deer etc…) have changed over time and what is causing these changes. Which species are threatened and where? Is it caused by habitat loss? or poaching? I’m trying to figure this out!
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My Typical Day:
My work is really varied and my hours are totally flexible, which I love!
Generally, I work from home 2-3 days a week, these days usually revolve around looking after my dog. I tend to work 9 – 12, go for a big walk with Winnie, then continue working until around 6pm.
Office days are really social. I come into university for around 9am, have lunch with my friends at 12.30 then continue working with lots of chats and coffee breaks in between! I also play tennis and go for runs around campus.
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My day-to-day work varies. Sometimes I’m reading and writing scientific papers, doing analysis, teaching, having meetings…
But a large part of my work is also working abroad. One or two times a year I work in Indonesia for a couple of weeks, catching up with colleagues and having meetings. This also usually involves fieldwork where we travel to the forest to collect data – the best part of the job 😀
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would love to run a BioBlitz event on campus for local school children. This is where we conduct plant and animal surveys over 24 hours with local experts to count the number of species we have on campus! It would be great to teach local children about all the amazing wildlife on their doorstep.
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Education:
Kingsley College (High School, Yr 9 – Yr 13 )
University of Liverpool
Nottingham Trent University
University of Kent
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Qualifications:
GCSE’s – I can’t remember exactly… but I took Science, Business Studies, Geography and Art (I think!). My grades ranged from A* to C.
A-level: Biology A*, Chemistry – C, Business Studies – A.
BSc Zoology (1st)
MSc Endangered Species Recover and Conservation (Distinction)
PhD Biodiversity Management.
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Work History:
I have had loads of jobs since the age of 14! Most aren’t relatable to my degree, here are a few:
Dog Grooming Assistant – a job I was offered after my school work experience week
Catering Assistant
Customer Service Advisor/Assistant
HR/Admin Assistant
Research Assistant
I’ve mainly done volunteer work to get enough experience for my career e.g., at safari parks and as a Mammal Scientist for a conservation expedition organisation – this took me to the tropics for three summers.
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Current Job:
Postdoctoral research Associate in Conservation Science
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Employer:
University of Kent
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Dog-mad conservationist
What did you want to be after you left school?
A vet
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No - I was quite quiet in school
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would love to work in forensics - using biology for another type of career
Who is your favourite singer or band?
The 1975
What's your favourite food?
Pizza!!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) Make a real difference to in conservation 2) Rescue more animals 3) Travel to more countries
Tell us a joke.
What do you call a bear with no ears?.... A "B"!
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