Maia Killian

Telephone: 07530 137293

Email: maia.killian@students.plymouth.ac.uk
LinkedIn: Maia Killian

Personal Profile
Currently studying Environmental Science at an undergraduate level at the University of
Plymouth. Through the first year, I have gained a solid foundation and understanding of
relevant scientific, economic, social, and legal issues related to global environmental
challenges. I have begun to grow my fieldwork experience, such as collecting air quality
data, specifically ozone levels, in Plymouth city centre. As well as a day trip to Dartmoor
national park to assess the use of Dartmoor pony grazing on heather seedlings.

Education
University of Plymouth, BSc (Hons) Environmental science

 Completed first year with a first in 2 modules

 Studied a wide range of topics, from Environmental pollution to environmental
management and protection. From each module I have gained specific knowledge on
sustainability, ecological economics, basic chemistry relating to pollution, the
biosphere, and conservation.
 This degree contains a high percentage of practical work which allows me to gain
knowledge and experience first-hand. This fieldwork helps me improve my research
skills and allows me to become more confident at analysing and processing data I
gather. I have taken part in numerous fieldtrips organised through the University.
Most recently a field trip to Wembury to collect data on the water quality of the
Wembury stream, to later analyse
 Research skills include work in the field as well as laboratory skills. Key skills I have
explored are identification methods, measuring parameters of the hydrosphere and
atmosphere, and using technology such as microscopes in a laboratory.
Significant modules
I chose these as my favourite modules due to the assignments as well as the learning
content.

 Environmental pollution – Covered the properties and behaviour of key pollutants, for
example plastics, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and air
pollutants. For each pollutant, examples of pathways, sources and impacts on
receptors were outlined. For this module, I took part in group work where gathered air
quality measurements (specifically ozone and weather) from Plymouth city centre.
We then worked together to analyse and present this data in a PowerPoint
presentation.
 The Biosphere – This module covered the key components of the lithosphere,
hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Learning about ecosystem services highlighted the
areas I which humans and the natural environment interact. We also covered key
skills, such as biodiversity and how to measure it. The main assessment for this
module was a scientific report on results from a fieldtrip to Dartmoor national park.
Relevant Skills

 Communication – I can clearly deliver a point through a presentation to an audience

of moderate size. I have shown this through assessed group presentations. For these
presentations I also had to prove my ability to communicate to a high standard within
a small group project.
 Project management – I can organise and create a plan for both group and individual
projects. I have shown this through the clear layout and structure of my assessments.
This organisation also involves time management, therefore ensuring nothing is
rushed and each task is done within reasonable time of the deadline. This allows
time for correction if anything doesn’t go according to plan.
 Problem solving – I can use a wide range of fairly complex scientific research and
literature to suggest and support solutions to a given problem.

Paid work and volunteering history

 My first job was a sales assistant at the convenience store in my town. For this job I
had to fulfil a wide range of roles which taught valuable skills at a young age. I gained
experience in assisting customers with any queries which taught me crucial
communication skills and etiquette when talking to members of the public. From this
job I also developed great time management skill as I was in charge of getting to
work on time at early hours of the morning. Working as team allowed me to learn
how to manage work within a group and split the work so the tasks were completed
before a given time.
 I also volunteered abroad, in Kenya, for a month. During this time, I learnt about local
rainforest conservation techniques and how the locals make areas more accessible
and attractive to tourists. I also attended a class on coral bleaching and learnt
through hands on experience how a local conservation programme is creating
manmade coral reefs from recycled plastic and cement. I also had the amazing
opportunity to dive down and look at the completed man-made reefs and observed
the wildlife they attracted.
 I have taken part in a few volunteering programmes. Over a summer and Christmas
holiday, I spent a couple days week helping in a local wildlife rescue centre. I live in a
rural area meaning there is high biodiversity and a range of habitats. During my
volunteering I largely cared for animals, such as birds and hedgehogs, who had been
accidently injured by vehicles. I also cared for sick animals and had the task of
administrating the correct medicine at the specified dose. I was also able to observe
interesting behaviour, from animals such as fox cubs, swans, and birds of prey.

Hobbies and interests

 I enjoy using my free time to paint and create art. I studied art all the way through to
a level and received high marks for my create thinking and expressing this is in a
visual way. I believe this creative thinking helps me think outside of the box in
everyday life, including problem solving within my course.
 I also love to spend my day sea swimming or along the beach/coast, often exploring
rockpools and intertidal zones where I can observe interesting animals and plants.
While I am there, I take notice of how much physical pollution (for example plastic) is
around and try to pick up and dispose of as much as I can.
References
References available on request.