Nicholas Reed

nicholas-reed@live.com

I am currently studying BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at Plymouth University. My curiosity about the natural
world and the connections it has to society is what drives my passion for studying environmental science. I’m always
excited to discover new innovative ideas that can be implemented to have a more sustainable impact on the only
planet we have. I am keen to develop my skills and knowledge further in the environmental science sector and have a
growing interest in contaminated land, pollutant pathways, soil science and freshwater ecosystems. I am currently
developing a strong foundation in scientific research skills as well as sampling and analysis techniques.

Qualifications
2021 – Present: The University of Plymouth - Bachelor`s degree Environmental Science (1 st class - 1st year)
2nd year
Modules Completed: Currently studying:
- The Physical Environment - Environmental Issues and Communication
- The Biosphere - Environmental Field and Research Skills
- Environmental Management - Environmental Pollution
- Environmental Management and Protection - Environmental Expedition
- Sustainability Science - Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Global Environmental Challenges - Natural Ecosystems and their Conservation

2009 – 2021: Plymouth City College

 Access to HE Science (Distinction)

 Plymouth City College - Level 3 NVQ Professional cookery

 Plymouth City College - Diploma Hospitality and Professional Cookery

2002 – 2006: Estover Community college

 7 GCSEs including Science (B), Science Additional (C), English (C), English Literature (C), Mathematics (C)

Relevant experience
Citizen science – Westcountry Rivers Trust (2021-present)
This is a voluntary role in collecting data for a charity that I began at the beginning of my degree as a way of gaining
more data collecting experience while actively contributing towards a scientific data set and having environmental
benefits to my local area. Each month I sample six river locations for Phosphate, TDS, Temperature, Turbidity, and
visual observations of wildlife, litter, point source pollution, stream flow rate and spatial measurements such as
estimated width and depth of the stream. The data is used by WRT to protect wildlife and habitats, contribute to the
resilience of rivers, and collaborate and advise landowners, stakeholders, and policymakers on how to reduce
environmental impacts.

Scientific skills
Laboratory skills: measuring parametres of water, sediments, and soil samples for pH, total dissolved solids, organic
matter, dissolved oxygen, and the determination of trace metals such as lead, zinc, copper, and Iron.

Fieldwork: ecological surveys, identifying taxa in the field and representing ecological data in scientific reports; In-situ
river parametres such as flow rate, flux, water quality parametres and the collection of water/sediment samples for ex-
situ analysis.
 Scientific research: Projects have included desk-based site evaluations of, for example, the water quality of the river
Tavy and presenting the report in an ARC G.I.S based interactive online story map; Critically analysing the
environmental impacts of lithium mining in Cornwall against socio-economic factors; Determining the ecological
impacts of pony grazing management on Dartmoor; Identifying natural and anthropogenic factors to stream water
quality in river catchments presented in scientific reports.

Experience in using: HACH handheld spectrophotometer, Jenway spectrophotometer, and Mechanical flow meters.

Software: Microsoft Office, ARC G.I.S, QGIS, Minitab.

Transferable skills
 Project Management: Determining air quality in Plymouth City Centre to propose ways in reducing the levels
of air pollution present. Data were collected from within Plymouth City Centre to identify the levels of NO2 that the
public is exposed to and how those concentrations compare with the current set air quality standards. The findings
were tested statistically and presented to a group. Strategies to reduce air pollution were also presented. Although
not in a scientific/academic, setting I have managed a large catering operation with up to 2000 guests a week at
catering events, weddings, balls, and theme nights.

 Communication and relationship-building skills: I have worked with a diverse group of people in my
degree so far in fieldwork including ecological surveys and collecting water/sediment samples; in the laboratory
processing samples for accurate measurements; and collectively researching topics such as early warning
systems for natural hazard events with findings being presented to small audiences.

 Drive and determination: Strong enthusiasm to drive my career that is demonstrated with ongoing
premotions at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Making a complete career change was a big move for me, but I am
confident I can contribute to the environmental sector with ongoing progression.

 Problem-solving: Dealing with supply issues; Unaccounted for guests sometimes with allergens would need
to be catered for quickly very often; Staff shortages would require careful replanning of Rotas. As Head Chef,
problem-solving has become one of my strongest attributes and I believe this level of organisation and adaptability
is what has helped me succeed in my degree so far.

 Team management: I have been fortunate enough to work with several highly skilled chefs and have
successfully managed a team of up to 13 employees, in high-pressure environments, whilst maintaining a positive
and engaging workplace.

Work experience

Head Chef | The Duke of Cornwall Hotel Jan 2017 to Jan 2020
72-room privately owned 3-star hotel built in 1865 and located in Plymouth City centre.
Commie Chef, Demi-chef, Chef De Partie, Sous-Chef | The Duke of Cornwall HotelJan 2013 to Jan 2017
72-room privately owned 3-star hotel built in 1865 and located in Plymouth City centre.
Chef | The Tutor Rose Tea Rooms Jan 2011 to Jan 2013
Small Tea rooms can seat 60 covers at once, located on the barbican in a listed building with an enclosed garden.

Additional qualifications
- Full clean UK driving licence.
- Member of the Charted Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM)
- Member of the Institution of Environmental Science (IES)

Referees
On request.