MDE Profiles: Emma Phillips
Emma Phillips
ABPmer, GIS Analyst
Hi, I’m Emma. Since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the environment.
PERSONAL PROFILE
My passion for the marine world in particular started after a field trip to Belize, where we studied the significance of coral reef communities and the threats that face them. Since then, I have taken every opportunity to learn more and try to make a difference!
Favourite hobbies: Scuba diving, running, wildlife photography and painting
Favourite marine creature: whale sharks, I love the gentle giants of the sea
Party trick: I know some kickboxing moves!
2 truths & a lie: • I’ve met Bear Grylls • I can surf • I’ve held a tarantula
CAREERS PROFILE
I recently completed my MSci in Marine Biology at the University of Southampton. Graduating in summer 2022, I travelled in the Autumn, before joining ABPmer in April as a GIS Analyst.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-rm-phillips/
Company/organisation: ABPmer
Role: GIS Analyst
Responsibilities: I am primarily involved in data highlights and quality assurance here on the MDE. I also focus on figure creation in ArcGIS, data analysis, and GIS support for a range of projects.
Why did you choose this career?: I am incredibly passionate about the marine environment and wanted to make a difference, so choosing to study marine biology was a no brainer for me! I chose this career as it has allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I learnt to real world problems. My role gives me a chance to learn more about a variety of marine issues, while also utilising my skills in data management, GIS and writing.
What do you love about your job?: I love being involved in exciting projects from a variety of topics such as offshore renewable energy and protected areas. I enjoy working with my team and collaborating on projects, and working in partnership with the team here at the TCE.
What do you find challenging about your work?: During quality assurance, it is important to be very precise and accurate, so I have to keep focused on the guidelines in order to spot everything.
Skills: • ArcGIS • R Studios • Scientific report writing • Data analysis • Teamwork, organisation and time management from my time as captain of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) netball team
Career Pathway: After studying Environmental Studies and Biology as two of my A levels in college, I completed a four-year degree in Marine Biology at the University of Southampton. In between my first and second year, I completed a scientific internship in South Africa which taught me a range of skills such as using BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video systems), conducting a shark dissection, estuary monitoring, and handling small sharks for tagging. I also worked as a Biological Research Assistant onboard the whale watching and shark diving boats, which developed my skills in surveying. My independent master’s project involved a shoreline survey of the invasive Pacific oyster, and the potential impact of this species on birds and native oysters. Throughout my final year, I undertook a module in GIS, and have been using it since! This led me to my role at ABPmer, which is my first role in this industry.
Advise to someone looking to move into the marine sector: Take every opportunity to learn a new skill, as learning GIS in my final year led me to my current role. Get involved in volunteering and internships to gain hands on experience, and develop skills such as teamwork and organisation, which can be applied to any future role you apply for.
