REWARDING CAREERS

Laura Saunders shares the story of her PhD in animal psychology , which asks ‘ can humans interpret other species ?’

SECURING YOUR STUDIES

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I graduated from Portsmouth with BSc ( Hons ) Psychology , then MSc Social Research Methods , before a year of research and practical conservation experience at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Borneo . I want to be the most qualified towards my dream career of reintroducing rescued , endangered animals to the wild .

The University of Portsmouth helped me find my passion for animal behaviour and conservation . I initially chose to study Psychology at Portsmouth for its unique animal behaviour module . My passion is my

motivation . Without it I would not have secured opportunities and grades to achieve a PhD .

Through my research I ’ ll learn whether humans can interpret other species . I ’ m hoping to work in animal conservation . My PhD will allow me to specialise in animal rescue , rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild .

I chose to continue my research with my undergraduate supervisor , Dr Marina Davila- Ross * at the University ’ s Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology . Through Marina I was able to

study sun bears in Borneo , for which I was awarded the James Ost Award for Contribution to Psychological Research . The University supported my postgraduate dream and helped me secure funding .

I ’ m funded by the Economic and Social Research Council ( ESRC ) through a scholarship with the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership ( SCDTP 1 + 3 Programme ). This includes tuition fees , maintenance and additional travel supplements .

I ’ m a full-time PhD student , so my day-to-day life resembles a job . I work on my studies 9:00am-5:00pm on weekdays , allowing weekends and evenings for my personal life . My free time consists of travel around the UK , beach walks , longboarding , cooking , reading and going to the gym .

The University of Portsmouth has taught me the importance of resilience in research and academia . Specifically , picking yourself up if knocked down . Research is a lot of doing something then re-doing it , so resilience is essential for development and personal growth . The independence of a PhD has

enhanced my critical thinking and ability to plan my research cohesively and scientifically .

If you ’ re thinking of studying for a PhD at Portsmouth , reach out to supervisors you ’ d like to work with . Everyone at the University is caring and supportive . Most importantly , they are genuinely interested in your ideas for research .

I also recommend planning a trip to visit Portsmouth . It is the best opportunity to fall in love with the beach , which is my favourite part of the city .

* Read about Dr Davila-Ross ’ research on page 20

LAURA SAUNDERS

ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY PhD

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