Oscar Falconer
Current Employer/Organisation Name
University College Dublin
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
I created and have begun a self-generated research PhD (currently investigating the wonderful world of the holobiome) and a nascent science communication programme aimed at fostering inquiry into the wonders of the natural world in the wider public via podcasts, talks, social media, and artwork (yes, the sciences and the arts complement each other rather nicely).
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I have an almost zealous attitude when it comes to knowledge acquisition, and as such I love conducting my own research. I fervently believe in a holistic approach to academia and do not limit my inquiry and interest to one academic field. Instead, I delight in combining various diverse fields of academia and utilising aspects of various academic disciplines in my research. I delight in investigating science as a whole and believe it should not be researched solely within separate disciplinary boundaries. Having the opportunity and freedom to pursue any avenue of inquiry and to discuss research with a range of academics is incredibly exhilarating. Equally as delightful is communicating and sharing the many wonders of the world of scientific research h with the wider public, (In particular seeing how people contextualise the information they have being supplied and hearing what questions or queries they find pertinent to ask.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
Nature Watch
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
The broad and diverse range of lecture topic areas. Having the opportunity and freedom to approach and convince supervisors from a range of disciplines to get on board with my own self-generated Research project in an area never before studied at the University. In addition, being given the freedom to conduct, drive, and complete this project was incredibly satisfying and an incredibly advantageous piece of experience for future research.
What did you most enjoy about studying here and why did you choose to study at Exeter?
The range of academics and research ongoing at the University of Exeter
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
The laboratory experience was incredibly beneficial as too was the experience in conducting and driving my self-generated novel research project.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
Don’t be afraid to attempt to pursue research avenues you really love and find exciting, and do not compromise your enjoyment solely to have your name on someone else’s paper.
What are your plans for the future?
To complete my PhD and continue to explore my research interests and potentially set up my own research programme. Additionally I would love to continue and increase my involvement in science communication (by creating more documentaries, conducting more talks, and providing lectures).
