Nile Stephenson

Current Employer/Organisation Name

University of Cambridge

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I  have been continuing my research as part of a PhD investigating the ecology of the first animal ecosystems and the ecology of benthic reefs.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Because I have a passion for research, and I am interested in the fundamentals of ecology. I enjoy fieldwork and teaching undergraduates most.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of a small journal club regarding behavioural ecology.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed engaging with my cohort academically. The highlight was the fieldtrip to Kenya.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The location – living in Penryn worked really well for me.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

The course was unique and the academics offered incredible opportunities to learn new skills.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The ability to formulate a carry out a research project, project management, coding, communicating my research to the public, fieldwork skills.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Work hard, don’t worry too much about the future, read as much as you can, do what you find most interesting, if you don’t understand something then ask someone.

What are your plans for the future?

Continue in academia.