who was on the black sea map expedition? aaron sidhu...

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Aaron Sidhu -

STEM scholar

“STEM subjects are the

most challenging and the most rewarding.”

Why did you apply to be involved in Black Sea MAP?I’ve always been eager to explore new things and this project gave me the chance not only to learn something completely new and unique, but also to meet some fantastic people along the way.

What did your role involve as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar?I went aboard the Stril Explorer Research Vessel in the Black Sea gathering research to aid my scientific research leading to a report. I designed and created a scientific poster explaining my project. I learnt how to analyse real-life maritime data in many different forms including: core extractions, sub-bottom profiling, acoustic signals and many more.

What skills did you use or improve?My ability to research things independently, work on my own as well as in a team when required, and within a given timeframe to a high standard. As well as all of this, we were expected to give regular presentations explaining our work which not only helped us clarify our findings effectively but also increased my confidence to speak in public.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?Going to Bulgaria with a fantastic group and being aboard the Stril Explorer for 5 days, learning about the engineering involved in such a large project. And meeting Brian (the ROV pilot).

Which subjects did you study at school?Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology.

What are you doing now/hope to do next?I’m currently at Cardiff University studying Mechanical Engineering, hoping to do a Master’s degree.

Do you have a job you think you would like to do in the future?Become a Chartered Engineer in the Navy.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led you to that job idea? Being aboard the Stril Explorer and experiencing the engineering involved in the engines, propellers and ROVs especially.

What advice would you give a younger student?I would highly recommend going into STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects because they’re the most challenging and the most rewarding. They can be difficult, but that just means there’s always so much more to explore and learn.

Discover more people, films and activities from our expedition at www.blackseamap.com/education

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Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Atle Monsen -

ROV senior supervisor

“The most fascinating part of my

job is to see and explore places where no one has

ever been or seen before.”

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) senior supervisor – overall supervisor for the ROV team.

What did your role involve?I was responsible for the ROV crew, equipment, and operations. I helped plan the daily ROV operations with the wider team. I supervised any maintenance and repair of the ROV system and equipment including making any different tools required for the job.

What is your favourite part of your job?Obviously to fly the ROV, but also to work together as a team and perform challenging operations. The most fascinating part of my job is to see and explore places where no one ever been or seen before. Especially to discover items like ancient shipwrecks.

What skills do you use in your job?I would say 40% technical skills, 40% operational skills (navigation, orientation, safety aspect, and planning) 19% communication skills, and 1% luck!

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?To be the first person to see a wreck that might be two thousand years old, and of course, to work with and learn from the highly skilled scientists onboard the vessel.

Which subjects did you study at school?I went to school in Norway. I studied Electro and Automation – which are types of engineering.

What did you do after school?After the two-year electro and automation course, I started working on cell phone production. Then I moved to the west coast of Norway and started working in the oil and gas industry. Over the last 20 years, I’ve been working with ROVs and subsea-related systems.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led to your current career?I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, creating and operating something physical.

What advice would you give your younger self?Listen to and remember what others say or recommend - but do exactly what you want! Believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goal. If you would like to put chocolates into boxes at the chocolate factory, plant flowers in the roundabout, sit in the international space station or operate the world’s fastest ROV – do it!


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Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Catrin

Evans - Film producer

Key skills: time management, creativity and social

skills.

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?I was the Producer on the film team.

What did your role involve?On the expedition, I was responsible for finding interesting things to film and make sure that there would be a film crew ready to go if something exciting happened. I was responsible for the welfare of all those employed by BSF on the expedition, especially considering the long hours that were involved with the work. I was also in charge of the chocolate supplies! Lots of chocolate = happy crew!! After the expedition, the filming didn’t stop as we needed to know results. I was in constant contact with the scientists, so we wouldn’t miss out on key developments during the analysis and results. This filming took place in Bulgaria, Sweden and Southampton and involved organising locations, contributors, props, travel, etc. but with help from a great team!!

What is your favourite part of your job?Travelling abroad! I’m very fortunate in that I have seen many different countries around the world and been to places that I would never have been to as a tourist, and along the way, met amazing people.

Which skills do you use in your job?Absorbing a lot of information in a short amount of time; time management – knowing what the priorities are and working to deadlines; managing crews on location; social skills, as this is a people-facing role; creativity – coming up with ideas of things to film, who, where, etc.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?The expedition on the Research Vessel Havila! In particular: watching the scientists at work; learning about the processes of working offshore; and, of course, witnessing the discovery of the ancient wrecks.

Which subjects did you study at school?Geography, Music and French.

What was your career route? After my A-levels, I did an undergraduate degree in Music, specialising in the piano. After graduating, I was unsure what my next step would be, and after a year of temping jobs, I decided to do a teacher training course. However, just before I started I saw an advert – a TV company were looking for a researcher with knowledge of Classical music. I applied with no past experience in TV and was surprised when I got the job! After a year of working on music TV programmes, my next job was working on children’s and youth programmes which I did for several years, working my way up the ranks. Incredibly fun job!

What advice would you give your younger self?Go see the world any opportunity you have.


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Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Dani Newman -

Education assistant & photogrammetry

team

“I have to be very patient and meticulous in

my work.”


With thanks to

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?I had two jobs in Black Sea MAP. I was the education assistant for the A-level STEM Scholar programme and I also worked with the photogrammetry team to 3D print the final shipwreck models.

What did your role involve?For my work in 3D printing I had to reformat and clean up the files made by the photogrammetry team and decide how best to print the shipwreck. The part of my job that took the most time was finishing the physical model, sanding, assembling the prints (they were often printed in two parts), and finally hand painting the models. I was also responsible for the repair of the printers.

What is your favourite part of your job?My favourite part of my job was handing the finished model over to the scientists! It was wonderful to watch them hold and talk about what they could see, thanks to the model.

Which skills do you use in your job?My job requires a unique mix of hands on repair work and artistic skills. I not only have to fix the printers when something goes wrong with them, but I also have to do fine detail painting of the models. I have to be very patient and meticulous in my work.People skills are also very important as I have to deal with virtually everyone involved in the project, from the ship’s captain and lead scientist to the public relations team and STEM Scholars.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?The highlight for me was being able to work with some of the most talented people in the world on a project. Every day was like being at science camp with my best friends.

Which subjects did you study at school?I studied History, English, and Art.

What was your career route?My first degree was an undergraduate degree in Photography. After that I worked for four years as a chef before deciding to go back to university and do a second undergraduate degree in Archaeology. I then did a post-graduate Master’s degree in Maritime Archaeology and continued on to do a PhD in Archaeology (which I am still working on).

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led your particular career path?I have always loved history and “doing” things. I thought I wanted to study history until I realised that as an archaeologist I could actually go out and discover history in amazing places around the world!

What advice would you give your younger self?Be patient! It took me years of eliminating jobs I didn’t like to find one I think is the best job in the world.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Dragomir Garbov

- Maritime archaeologist

“Like most archaeologists I

prefer being out in the field doing hands-on

archaeology.”


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What was your job in Black Sea MAP?Deputy director of the Bulgarian maritime archaeologist team.

What did your role involve?I participated in all stages of field work conducted by the Black Sea MAP. I worked on the shipwreck surveys, the photogrammetric recording and 3D modelling of the shipwrecks. I was a diver during the Ropotamo (submerged Bronze Age village) underwater excavation and was responsible for the preservation of the archaeological artefacts we found.

What is your favourite part of your job?I love every aspect of my job, yet like most archaeologists I prefer being out in the field doing hands on archaeology, rather than sitting in an office and dealing with administration.

Which skills do you use in your job?All of us had to apply a broad variety of skills to this work including specialist scientific knowledge, computer literacy and use of specialist gear and software, competent diving and many others. Foreign languages are important, as English is the official language of the Black Sea MAP, yet not all of us are native speakers. A special skill I’ve brought to the project is digital archaeological illustration of archaeological sites, structures and artefacts.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?I’d rather say “Everything!”, yet if you wanted me to specify a certain set of experiences, I’d have to say that being a member of the team discovering and exploring over 60 completely preserved sailing ships over 2000 metres beneath the Black Sea has granted me some of the greatest moments of my life.

Which subjects did you study at school?I went to high school in Bulgaria. Throughout my school years I focused predominantly on studying foreign languages: English, German and some Russian.

What did you study at University?I studied Archaeology, Ancient History and Historical Geography at University in Germany.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led to your current career? For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become an archaeologist. Since my early childhood I’ve been motivated by my grandfather who was a historian, geographer and a passionate outdoorsman. He took me on trips to remote archaeological sites and thus sparked in me the dream of becoming an archaeologist.

What advice would you give your younger self?Always follow your dreams.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Dr Helen Farr -

Maritime archaeologist

“I’d say the main skill is to be

able to think logically and analytically to solve problems.”

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?Maritime archaeologist - prehistorian

What did your role involve?I had many roles within the project and did whatever was needed at various stages as the project evolved. This involved everything from background research to helping with the writing of proposals and papers. My main role was as a member of the Science Team advising on any questions surrounding prehistoric archaeology or the prehistoric submerged landscape, but we all did many different jobs onboard ship and took it in turns to be on watch. I am also really interested in science communication and encouraging young people into STEM subjects and Higher Education so I helped set up the educational programme.

What is your favourite part of your job?Being at sea.

What skills do you use in your job?I use a broad range of skills – that is the beauty of maritime archaeology – it combines science, technology, engineering and maths with arts subjects. I’d say the main skill is to be able to think logically and analytically to solve problems. I’m also a commercial diver, so I can study the archaeology underwater first hand.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?Piloting the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

What subjects did you study in the sixth form?Geology, Theology and English Literature.

Tell us about your career routeAfter A-levels, I worked as a water sports instructor. This really helped me decide that I wanted to work within the marine industry and it gave me many practical skills and qualifications: diving qualifications and boat driving licences, but also teaching experience. I also learnt a lot about working in the marine environment from navigation to logistics and it was during this time that I gained a passion for protecting the marine environment and the coastal and underwater cultural heritage. I went on to study for a BA in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, this was followed by an MA in Maritime Archaeology at the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at Southampton University, followed by a PhD at Cambridge University.

What advice would you give your younger self?There are so many different jobs and paths, not just the usual ones from the careers office. Do what you enjoy and you will find your own niche.


With thanks to

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Joe Chappell -

Sixth-form STEM scholar

“Try to find something that involves or combines

all your interests.”


With thanks to

Why did you apply to be involved in Black Sea MAP?My teacher had suggested that I and some others should apply based on our interests. I had always had an interest in STEM and archaeology but didn’t really know anything about maritime archaeology and how that related to either. I decided to apply and find out while taking the chance to learn some new skills.

What did your role involve as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar?I worked on board the Stril Explorer on the Black Sea helping with the core sampling and cataloguing. While there I learned about the project’s ROV operation and during the training week I learned a host of new things like how to interpret the different data types and analyse a core sample. I completed a Gold Crest Award based on my own research.

Which skills did you use or improve?I used and learnt a variety of skills during my time with Black Sea MAP including critical thinking, data interpretation, project writing, time management, project management, initiative, quick thinking, core analysis, data analysis, as well as many more skills.

What was a highlight for you during Black Sea MAP?My personal highlight from the project was being able to work with and alongside experts in the field during a large-scale project and feeling like I actually contributed. We weren’t treated like tourists interfering in their work but were able to help, which is what made it so enjoyable.

Which subjects did you study at school?Biology, History and English Literature and Language.

What are you doing now/hope to do next?Currently I am studying BA (Hons) Archaeology at the University of Winchester with hopes of pursuing archaeology as a career.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led you to that job idea?The Black Sea MAP was a huge influence on my decision to pursue archaeology as it showed me what it could be like and how much I enjoyed it.

What advice would you give a younger student?If you don’t know what you want to do in the future, try to find something that involves or combines all your interests. If you have something you love and are passionate about, pursue it. The easiest answer isn’t always the best so take some risks because they just might pay off, I took a risk in taking archaeology at university having never formally studied it and it was the greatest decision I ever made.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Professor Jon Adams -

Chief scientist

From film “The levels of technology have become so advanced

and we can do so much more remotely… but having said all

that there’s nothing quite like being down there

yourself.”


With thanks to

Profile written by Black Sea MAP STEM scholars.

Role in Black Sea MAPChief scientist

Responsibilities of the roleThe initial part of Jon’s role was to secure funding for the science research. Jon presented his ideas to the funding board trustees and designed the overall aims of the project. His next task was to obtain permits from the Bulgarian authorities to allow the research to take place. In the field and at sea his primary responsibility was to direct and coordinate the many activities collecting data for the scientific research. At sea this involves working closely with the Offshore Manager of the project like adjusting the work schedule depending on how various tasks are progressing. Jon was part of the dive teams that explored some of the shipwrecks.His other main role was to coordinate the work after the field work was completed, write reports for the Bulgarian authorities and Universities and coordinate the academic publications.

Subjects studied at schoolArt, English, Biology and Ancient History

Career routeJon attended Durham University and completed a degree in Archaeology, then aftera period of working as an archaeologist, a PhD at Stockholm University.In 1979, Jon qualified as a professional diver (having to relearn his O-Level maths to do so!) After leaving university, Jon joined the Mary Rose Project, the excavation and recovery of Henry VIII’s warship, lost in 1545. Jon says he most enjoyed this project because it led to the acceptance of the idea that scientific archaeology could be done under water.

What is the favourite part of your career so far?Being able to do research and extend other people’s knowledge as a teacher is something that Jon particularly enjoys about his career. He said that among his many ‘favourite’ projects is the Mary Rose excavation. This was because of the challenges that he and the team faced and because of the mind-blowing experiences they had. He loves being able to work with so many extraordinary people and in so many amazing places, the Black Sea for example, which is why the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project now ranks alongside Mary Rose in his ‘favourites’.

When asked “Why did you decide to get professional diving qualifications and work commercially?”...He responded by saying that he never wanted to be told that he couldn’t dive on an archaeological project because he didn’t have the right piece of paper. Working commercially in the North Sea and Persian Gulf among other places gave him the experience of a technical side of diving that most archaeologists never see but which is enormously valuable in organising and running projects. He has never lost his love of diving and archaeology, so he is in the happy position of doing the things he loves and getting paid for them.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Katarina Wagnerova - IT

specialist

“You need a willingness to

learn because IT is a subject that changes

often.”


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What is your role in Black Sea MAP?I am an IT specialist.I am responsible for everything IT-related on board the ship. I have been involved in building the infrastructure for all the computers on board, sorting out all the connections between all the different machines and computers. I managed all the data collected on the ship from places including the ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). I also make back-ups of all the data collected onto discs which then get sent back to shore as records in case anything happens to the data on board.

What do you enjoy most about your job on the Black Sea MAP? I have never done anything like this before. I would normally work in an office so this experience is great. It’s absolutely amazing being on board, meeting all the people. Seeing what everyone else is doing is the most interesting part for me.

Which subjects did you study at school?I attended a high school in Slovakia that focused on Economics, Management and Languages.

What did you do after school?When I was 18 I started working at HP (Hewlett-Packard, software company). A few yearslater I decided it was time to do my university studies, so I studied at the weekends. Inow have two degrees - a Master’s degree in International Business Management and a degree in Marketing Management.

What influenced you into going into this line of work?My dad is an IT administrator and I have always been interested in IT since I was a kid.

Which skills would you say you need to best do your job?You need a willingness to learn because IT is a subject that changes often, so you have to keep up and learn every day. If you are willing to accept that and keep learning you can do anything you want!

How does your work fit in with all the other engineering and science work that goes on in the project?I’m basically building the foundation for every single person on the ship to be able to work. (Are you the person that they call on if everything breaks down?) Yes, in effect, because I must connect everything. I’m interconnecting all the departments making sure the data is distributed accordingly and I’m allowing people to do their jobs.

Do you have any advice for people that would like to go into IT or other STEM careers?Go for it! Technology is the future and there are so many advances in technology. You may have the opportunity to come for projects like Black Sea MAP because there will always be need for technology, for all the other work to happen.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Libys

McGuinness - STEM scholar

“Adaptability was an important skill as often circumstances

changed.”


With thanks to

Why did you apply to be involved in Black Sea MAP?At school I was always interested in science and hands-on subjects. I knew I wanted to one day work in a field that revolved around these subjects. When the Black Sea MAP became available to apply for, it was an opportunity for me to step into the science world, and confirm it was what I wanted for my future. It helped steer me in the right direction to what would suit my skill set.

What did your role involve as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar?As a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar I spent most of my time talking to leading scientists in their fields, watching them work and asking questions. I was lucky enough to be one of the few chosen to attend the Bulgaria expedition, this allowed me to be able to watch and work alongside scientists and archaeologists from around the world.

What skills did you use or improve?During my time with the Black Sea MAP, I became increasingly good at listening and applying book-learned knowledge to real-life situations. Adaptability was an important skill as often circumstances changed which altered the work we could perform or research we could do.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?For me the highlight of the trip was being around so many accredited scientists and watching a working ship as its crews performed their daily routines. Making lifelong friends was also a very special factor in the programme.

Which subjects did you study at school?BTEC: Physics, Chemistry, Biology. A-level: Biology and English Creative Writing.

What are you doing now/hope to do next?I am currently studying for a degree in Paramedical Sciences.

Do you have a job you think you would like to do in the future?Expedition medic/paramedic.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led you to that job idea?Whilst on the ship we received a talk from an expedition medic. I spent most of my time fascinated by his stories and activities. He really inspired me to follow this path and I am really enjoying it!

What advice would you give a younger student?If you are given an opportunity like this, don’t wait or worry, just take it as you will never be given another opportunity like it again. I wouldn’t have changed any part of my time with Black Sea MAP, it was one of the most memorable and exciting things I have ever done!

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Lottie

Rouse - STEM scholar

“The most important

skills I used were communication and

team work.”


With thanks to

Why did you apply to be involved in Black Sea MAP?I applied to be involved in Black Sea MAP because I have a strong interest in science and scientific research, particularly the practical side of science. I wanted to learn and discover more about how and what the project involved, the type of work they were doing and how a large-scale project worked. I also had an interest in the sea, sailing and travelling as well as history. I also thought that it would be an incredible opportunity to meet new like-minded people and specialists in different fields of STEM.

What did your role involve as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar?As a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar, I travelled to Bulgaria and was part of a team of other scholars who got to experience how a large scale research boat worked. I got to work alongside scientists and engineers and helped to collect data from the sea bed of the Black Sea in Bulgaria. Another part of my role was to help educate other people about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and linked this to the roles of many of the people that worked on the project.

What skills did you use or improve?The most important skills I used as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar were communicationand team work. These were always needed, from being able to listen and understand the new information being learned, to interviewing and talking to people about their careers and the work they do as part of the project. I had to work with many different people to collect the data I needed, as well as with my group to create our careers resources. The boat ran smoothly because of good team work throughoutthe different departments.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?A highlight for me as a Black Sea MAP STEM Scholar was staying up late at night to witness a Byzantine shipwreck being discovered in perfect condition and watch and feel the excitement from the experts and everyone in the room.

What subjects did you study at school?I studied Maths, Physics and Biology at A-level and Chemistry at AS. I also took some music exams, passing my grade 8 alto saxophone and grade 7 flute.

What are you doing now/hope to do next?I have recently been accepted into the University of the West of England in Bristol to study children’s nursing and in the future hope to travel the world working as a nurse.

What advice would you give a younger student?Always do something that you enjoy. Talk to as many different people as possible and take every opportunity that comes your way because you never know what may influence you career choices.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Maria Pia

Birkett - Senior data processor

“Problem-solving skills are

very important, because if things go wrong you

may need to figure out a solution yourself.”


With thanks to

What is your job?Senior Data Processor at Marine Measuring Techniques (MMT)

What are the responsibilities of your role?I work for MMT, a Swedish company. My role involves surveying under the water, looking at how the sea bed looks, mapping it and recording any objects that maybe lying on it from oil drums to unexploded ordinances (UXOs) such as World War Two bombs or even ancient shipwrecks.My job in the Black Sea MAP is to process the large quantities of data being provided by the surveying equipment onboard survey vessels. I correct the data and reinterpret it in a clear-to-understand format such as 3D models of the sea floor.

What do you enjoy most about your role in the project?It’s similar to work I do all the time for the offshore industry but we are doing scientific research which is really interesting!

What other types of jobs have you done in the past?We do a lot of commercial projects such as wind farms, inspecting cables that sit on thesea floor and we do a lot of charts, hydrographic surveys. We do a little bit of everything.

What did you study at school?I went to high school in Sweden and I studied Marine Biology.

What did you go on to do after school?I went to university and did my first degree in Oceanography and then I did a Master’s degree in Physical Oceanography.

What influenced you in deciding your career path?I’ve been wanting to work with the ocean for a very long time, since I was 8 years old, but I wanted to be a marine biologist so that is what I studied. Then I studied Physical Oceanography and I really liked the maths and physics part of it.

What skills do you think you need to have to best do your job?Problem-solving skills are very important, because if things go wrong you may need to figure out a solution yourself. Being quite sociable is helpful as you work with a lot of people and on a boat. It is a small space to live and work together.

How does your job fit in with the other areas of study?I’m mostly a bridge between getting the information and handing it over to the scientists. I get the not ‘easy to understand data’ and convert it so it is easier to understand.

Favourite part of career so farI love the challenge of moving forward in my career and taking on more responsibilities.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition? Martin Hartley

- Expedition Photographer

“A photographer must

be very approachable and extremely

friendly.”


With thanks to

Profile written by Black Sea MAP STEM scholars.

Role in Black Sea MAPMartin is the expedition photographer. He documents the day-to-day activity of the crew at work.

Responsibilities of the roleMartin must capture key events and pictures that can be used to advertise the importance of the Black Sea MAP. He must ensure that he captures appropriate and professional shots that can be used to influence and intrigue many people who may be reading an article about the Black Sea.

Subjects studied at schoolGeology, Physics and Biology.

Career routeAfter school, Martin spent two years on a full-time photography course in Bournemouth. Beginning his career as a photographer, he was contracted to a chemical science facility for eight months, where he would take photos of the experiments. He contacted a photographer he respected and asked for a placement at his company. He was given a one-week placement at the company. Six months passed by, and he was then offered a full-time job.

Career highlight so farMartin’s career highlight was when he spent one month within a secluded village in mountains of Yemen. He needed to travel 150 miles up an iced-over river to reach the village. Once he arrived, he spent the month regularly taking photos of the village people’s celebrations. He enjoys regularly meeting many new people from all different kinds of backgrounds.

What skills are important in this job?A photographer must be very approachable and extremely friendly with all their clients so they feel comfortable. Each client must be treated with equal respect to achieve amazing shots.

Most challenging career momentPhotographing the Arctic Ocean due to the intense conditions that he and his team had to face. For example -40⁰C and chilling winds that left the crew and camera equipment unable to work for more than 20 minutes at a time!

One piece of advice for keen photographersNever quit on your dreams; keep striving for every success until you reach your goals. If you’re in a job that doesn’t suit you, think “What best interests me?” and aim for that job.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Dr

Michael Grant - Scientific officer

“Develop a range of skills so

you can have a lot of flexibility in the type of

career you wish to follow.”


With thanks to

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?Scientific officer

What did your role involve?My role had three parts: coordination of the analysis and dating for the cores and wreck sites; supporting the STEM scholars and their projects; and scientific liaison with the documentary team.

What is your favourite part of your job?The variety of projects I work on keeps me interested and means there are constantly new challenges. There is also the likelihood that new discoveries will routinely be made as I work in areas that few people have previously investigated.

Which skills do you use in your job?Daily work includes extensive use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS – a data analysis software). There is also a lot of laboratory-based time where I get to work with sediment samples, and in particular microscope work focused on the identification of pollen and other microfossil preserved within sediments.

What was a highlight for you of Black Sea MAP?Working with the STEM scholars along with the excitement that we didn’t know what results we’d get from the outset of the project; this meant that there really was a mystery to try and solve. The discovery of the pristine wreck sites and submerged site at Ropotamo (Bronze Age settlement) were highlights. The project has a very diverse and active team who were great to work with.

Which subjects did you study at school?Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

What was your career route?After school, I undertook a degree in Oceanography with Physical Geography at the University of Southampton. This was followed by a Master’s in Geoarchaeology at the University of Reading and a PhD in Palaeoecology back at the University of Southampton.

Were there any specific influences or motivations that led to your current career?During my degree in Oceanography I developed a keen interest in the Quaternary science and how the world has evolved over the past 2.5 million years. This led me down the Archaeological science pathway but with always a keen interest in the marine environment.

What advice would you give your younger self?Develop a range of skills that are widely applicable so you can have a lot of flexibility in the type of career you wish to follow.

Career Profile

Who was on the Black Sea MAP expedition?Stuart

Plumbley - Expedition

medic

“One of the most important skills is to be a good

communicator.”


With thanks to

What was your job in Black Sea MAP?Expedition medic

What did your role involve?My role was to look after everyone onboard the ship and manage any injuries or illness suffered whilst on board. I was also part of a small team looking after the divers during the project.

What do you enjoy most about your role on this project and your job?Being part of a fantastic team – I am blown away by everyone’s enthusiasm. I know nothing about archaeology but being around these inspirational people is very rewarding.In my normal job, outside the project, the most rewarding aspect is patients getting better. You can administer key clinical interventions which help a person recover and go home to their loved ones.

How does the work you usually do compare to the work you do on the ship?When I’m at work normally, I’m waiting for the phone to ring and I want to go out and help people. Here on board the ship it’s very different. I’m with my friends and colleagues and don’t want them to get hurt or become unwell. I want to do as little onboard as possible! My role becomes more about prevention and I tend to look out for potential risks where I think people could get hurt, and as a result I may suggest individuals or teams do things differently.

Which subjects did you study at school?I didn’t do particularly well at school, I have to say, and left with few qualifications. I was working in the building trade and enrolled at a local collage to study a BTEC in business and finance. Once I was with the Ambulance service, I then studied at Hertfordshire University to become a Critical Care Paramedic.

What influenced you in deciding your career path?I was in the building trade for many years. One day I watched an ambulance go by and I thought it must be good fun driving a van with the blue lights and as a result decided to join the ambulance service. I found the medical and clinical aspect of the job was interesting. I found myself being incredibly driven to make people better. I have been very lucky, working with inspirational people of many skills and disciplines.

Do you think there are any skills key to being a paramedic?Medicine can be pretty simple actually. What makes it difficult is the environmental pressures you are placed under to achieve good clinical care. One of the most important skills required is to be a good communicator - team work is key.

Favourite part of career so far?You cannot beat the feeling of being part of a team that has saved someone’s life.

who was on the black sea map expedition? aaron sidhu...

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