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Dr Anuschka Miller

Head of Communication, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban

Anuschka is a marine biologist with a research background in marine biogeochemistry and climate gases. She is now very involved in science communication.

 
5 things you do regularly in your job
  • Lecture undergraduates on the BSc (Hons) Marine Science
  • Develop science displays
  • Organise science events – eg Oban’s Festival of the Sea
  • Write and edit articles for Newsletters, press and websites
  • Talk about marine science and our work to pupils, teachers, journalists, visitors, industry etc
What made you decide to do this type of job? (teacher/ role model etc) A genuine concern for the environment, curiosity and fascination for the marine environment mixed with aptitude for writing and talking.
How did you get to where you are now? I didn’t really know what I wanted to do during school time and thus took a range of subjects to keep my options open. I was very good in languages and writing – and did consider a career in journalism. But I then settled on biology and later specialized in marine biology, doing BSc, MSc and PhD degrees. And my communication skills really helped me to do well in science as you have to write essays and reports and give talks all the time.
Eventually I got a job as a lecturer but rather than continuing with research and had the chance to combine it with ‘communications’ which used my other set of skills.
What motivates you?
  • Being able to develop my own projects
  • Passing my enthusiasm for the marine environment on to others
  • Doing something well
  • And I also like it when others tell me that I am brilliant….
  • Money isn’t the driving force for me but having to earn enough money is part of why I work
Any other info? E.g. activities you have done with schools, what you can offer schools etc. I like going to the shore with pupils to get kids exploring. I think playing in rockpools is when any kid turns into a mini marine scientist! But I cover many topics for any age group, from food chains to ocean acidification. I have also co-developed a weekend CPD course for teachers on climate change and the oceans.