Glenda is a Lecturer in Geology at the University of Keele. She studied a BSc in Geology and Applied Environmental Science, and a PhD in Environmental Geophysics using Electrical Resistivity Imaging at the University of Keele. 

Can you give a brief description of what the company/employer does and how your role fits in?

Keele University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and apprenticeship courses across various Geoscience disciplines including a specialist pathway BSc degree in Geology (Applied Geophysics). I teach across various Geoscience courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level and I’m involved in geophysics research and induced seismicity outreach.

What does a typical day in your working life look like?

If mid-semester, my typical day will involve teaching or prepping for teaching, mentoring students, supervising dissertation research, too much admin, maybe some marking and often numerous meetings ranging from liaising with industry contacts on student facing opportunities to discussing research results and their importance (or lack of!).

What was your pathway to what you do for your job now?

BSc Degree + sector relevant internships followed by employment as an Applied Geologist then return to academia to do the PhD followed by a career break to start a family. This was then followed by a return to Keele as a sessional lecturer with various research contracts involving the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) and the Anthropogenic Hazards research platform (EPISODES). That eventually led to becoming a Teaching & Research Fellow prior to my appointment as a Lecturer in Geology.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career like yours?

Studying geophysics Chase your interests, take on the scary challenges, learn from failure, persevere and say yes to some of the seemingly less aligned opportunities that come your way.  Oh and read, read, read!