Ainsley Dwyer

Mobile: 07581258673 Email: [email protected]

40 Ashdale Close DE15 9HN

Personal Statement

I studied zoology at Swansea University and achieved a 2:1. For a Zoologist, Swansea University is perfectly situated. There are countless areas of outstanding natural beauty and SSSI’s within a short distance from the city of which I frequented as I love being outdoors especially in beautiful areas. Throughout my degree I have demonstrated initiative, critical thinking, and ability to work in a team. In addition to these traits my analytical and leadership skills have developed through completion of assignments and practical work. The culmination of this was in my final year at university when I won a highly prized place on a field trip to Sikkim North East India to assess and observe the environment and society in this region. The application process was highly competitive. I attained a place together with 5 other students out of a group of 40 that applied. Our team worked with geographers and biologists on a variety of studies and I obtained a great deal of field work experience in my time there. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in this interdisciplinary team and now have an appreciation for the multifaceted and complex issues involved with studying the natural world. I also undertook a local field course in my final year in which I learnt a variety of surveying techniques of both flora and fauna, some of which I have outlined close to the end of this CV. My interests lie mainly in conservation as I believe it is our responsibility to understand how we are affecting the organisms of this planet and devise ways to minimise our impact on them. Science is increasingly showing that there is a need to change the way we consume the natural resources of our planet and I feel compelled to be a part of this change by taking part in conservation projects and research.

Education

Qualification Grade Institution Bsc Zoology 2:1 Swansea University A Level Psychology B John Taylor High School A level Biology C John Taylor High School A Level Chemistry D John Taylor High School GCSE's 8 A – C’s Abbot Beyne High School Work Experience

 Ski technician & Snowboard instructor: John Nike Leisure centres

I was required to instruct varied sizes of groups snowboarding whilst ensuring their safety at all times. I enjoyed making up little games for them to do as they learnt as the standard lesson plan could get quite tedious. I had to constantly ensure that the people on my lessons were safe and therefore had to be professional at all times. As a ski technician I had to do safety checks on all the equipment, lifts and the toboggan run. I was in charge of ensuring all groups ran on time throughout the day and ran the tubing and tobogganing sessions. Through these jobs I developed leadership skills.

 Bar Staff/Waiter: Hungry Horse Restaurant chain

My duties included taking customers’ orders, serving drinks, taking out customer’s food, stock checks and cleaning up. I had to maintain a professional attitude when with customers.

 Cocktail Maker: Fiction Nightclub

I was trained to make a wide variety of cocktails. As a cocktail maker it’s as much about the show you put on for the people as it is them getting their drink on time, I enjoyed giving people a fun and unique experience during my time here.

 Charity Work

For the past 2 years I have been invited over to The States to work with an American based charity called Youth Rally. The initial invitation was after some of its leaders saw the qualities I demonstrated whilst I was a mentor at a similar UK based charity called Breakaway. They saw my attitude and the way I helped inspire, and wanted me to be a part of their team. Youth rally works with children in America who have bowel and bladder disorders. All volunteers must have suffered with a bowel or bladder disorder which ensures a huge amount of mutual understanding, respect, and trust between everyone at the camp. I was a counsellor there looking after the children, supervising them whilst off site, as well as providing emotional support throughout camp and throughout the year afterwards. I have enjoyed my time on the camps (San Diego and Colorado) and realised the difference I make can be life changing for the children involved. This is hugely rewarding and something I will continue to give time to. Practical experience in Zoology

Practical assignments

 Bristol zoo ethogram studies

 Bristol zoo welfare assessment

 Zonation of plant species in a salt marsh ecosystem

 Zonation of organisms on rocky shores + their adaptations

 Animal form and function dissections

- Pigeon

- American Mink

- Rainbow Trout

Final year field course

 Biodiversity Of Grassland Habitat Comparison

 Bat Surveys

 Health of Freshwater Ecosystem Census

 Effects of plant species richness on invertebrate presence in a sand dune ecosystem

Dissertation

 Behaviour of the common shore crab – Behavioural syndromes (personality) and how this affects food consumption rates.

Extra Experience

 Habitat conservation – Bog clearance to prevent succession at Brownsea Island

 Volunteer work at Twycross zoo with a focus on primates