Currently a postgraduate student at Oxford, Abigail Brown (LHS 2019) is currently completing a Masters in Biodiversity – pursuing her passion for conservation which began at the University of Birmingham where she studied Biology. She said, “I chose Biology simply because I found it fascinating. Over time, I was introduced to concepts of animal behaviour and environmentalism, which completely captivated me. The turning point came during a three-month internship in the South African bush over a summer break. I was hooked. That experience opened my eyes to the urgent need for conservation, not just in wild places like that but globally, including back home in the UK. At the same time, I was trying to figure out my place in the world and a viable career path. Up until then, I’d only considered being a “professional animal lover” or “adventurer” as something reserved for the likes of Charles Darwin and Jane Goodall.”
With these dreams very much in mind, Abigail focused on animal ethology and conservation in her final year and then chose to pursue postgraduate study at Oxford – “I chose Oxford as I wanted to learn from the best in my field. Every day, I’m taught by experts who are at the forefront of inspiring research. I’ve followed the work of the Wildlife Research and Conservation Unit at Oxford for years, and I knew it was a place I wanted to be part of.”
Abigail’s experience at Oxford has exceeded her expectations and is an environment rich with opportunities, where you are surrounded by inspiring individuals. Abigail said, “The conversations I have with my housemates over breakfast could easily rival the best seminars! On top of this am enjoying the learning experience of my course so much, and have already covered topics I had barely begun to think about as a biology student, including; politics, international law, social science, philosophy and economics!”
So what’s next for Abigail? She plans on completing a doctorate in conservation, with a focus on human-wildlife conflicts and cohabitation and aims to foster a better understanding of the nature we live alongside, and explore ways to protect it more effectively. In the short term though she is off on an exciting expedition through the University – “Along with a team of fellow students, we’re planning a 10-week bike-packing journey through Kazakhstan to document the lives of farmers cultivating traditional heirloom crop varieties. These farmers are on the frontline of climate change and may hold vital plant genetic diversity essential for adapting global food systems. Our project will use film as a medium to share their stories while conducting an agrodiversity survey. We are currently in the process of securing funding to make this project a reality, and we’re excited about the potential impact it could have in raising awareness of this critical issue.”
Many pupils aspire to attend universities like Oxbridge and Abigail’s advice to anyone considering a degree or postgraduate study – “Gain as much experience as possible in your chosen field and pursue something you truly love. Let your dedication and passion shine through in your application. Oxford values genuine enthusiasm for your subject, so don’t hold back. Most importantly, apply! I nearly didn’t because I didn’t think I would get in, but giving yourself that chance is crucial. This is something I’ve noticed among my peers at Oxford, especially those applying for master’s programmes, believe in yourself and take the leap!”
Even though Abigail is loving her time at Oxford, she still remembers her time at the High School fondly describing it as supportive, inspiring and empowering. She said, “Some of my fondest memories of Loughborough High School are the times I spent with my friends, creating connections that made the experience truly special. I also remember the dedication of the teachers, who were always patient and willing to invest their time and effort to help students achieve their best. Teachers like Mr Morton, Dr. Burnet, Dr. Claddingbold, and Miss Kenyon stand out as individuals who left a lasting impression on me.” The years that Abigail spent at LHS provided her with a strong foundation for her future endeavours shaping her skills, values and resilience all of which she feels continue to guide her today.
Her advice to her younger self – “I wish I had known how much I would grow into myself in my adult years, being surrounded by so many driven, purposeful individuals at school, when not top of the class, it is easy to assume that you will never ‘make it’. Once you have found your cause and passion, life becomes so much clearer, this doesn’t have to happen at school! I ended up doing well enough in school to set me up and on the path to doing what I am doing today, but I definitely didn’t realise this or the future possibilities at the time.”
Abigail encourages current pupils or recent alumni who don’t know what they want to do at university or as a career to stay persistent and curious. She said, “It’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out right away. It took me until halfway through my degree to settle on a direction, and even then, my plan has evolved many times since. Many fields today value interdisciplinary skills and perspectives, so don’t be afraid to explore different interests. The key is to keep learning, stay open to opportunities, and trust that clarity will come with time and experience.”
It was within academia that Abigail discovered the possibility of living in and protecting the nature she cherishes and hasn’t looked back!
