The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) recently held its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements of its students. This year's event was marked by a blend of joy, pride and accomplishment as graduates, faculty and families gathered to honour the hard work and dedication of those who have successfully completed their studies.
Among the ceremony's highlights was the recognition of the PhD graduates who have made significant contributions to research in food, agriculture, environment, and sustainable livelihoods. Dr Harrison Hardy and Dr Fiona Teltscher took the time to share their reflections on their journey and the significance of this milestone.
Fiona shared her experience of searching for a job leading up to completing her degree: ‘I started looking for jobs even before submitting my thesis, knowing how competitive research positions can be. I was fortunate to secure two job offers and started working even before my viva. Writing up and completing corrections while working full time can be very challenging, but it worked out in the end, and I have a job that I love!’ Reflecting on her time at NRI, she also added, ‘I still remember our NRI postgraduate Christmas celebrations and the summer ball. The camaraderie and friendship among us PhD students are unforgettable.’
Harrison reflected on his own journey: ‘The institute nurtured me from my first undergraduate days, right through to my PhD, and there have been so many wonderful people I have met in this time. Countless conversations on the minutiae of entomology, philosophy, and anything we could get our teeth into. I have met people from around the globe, worked with them every day, and learned their stories—giving me a much wider perspective on the world and much room for personal insight.’
Harrison has begun working as a medical entomologist with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a very talented team whose overall mission is to safeguard the UK against vector-borne disease. In February, he was posted on a two-week assignment in Anguilla, where he collaborated with the local Environmental Health Protection team on a study to better understand the native mosquito population on the island.
The ceremony was a testament to NRI’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment. NRI faculty and staff expressed their pride in the graduates and their confidence that they will continue to lead and innovate in their respective fields. The ceremony ended with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today.
Congratulations to all the graduates of the Natural Resources Institute. Your hard work, perseverance, and dedication are truly inspiring.