London HQ - Interns

Tim Allen - Conservation & Biodiversity Intern

I have always had a keen interest in the natural world, which after 3 eventful years in Leeds, translated itself into a BSc in Biology. After some time away, I enrolled at Exeter University and graduated a short time later with an MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity. My time at Exeter exaggerated my increasingly overt passion for the biological world and having failed miserably in my quest for international stardom at the Beeb, I applied for the Biodiversity and Conservation internship at Frontier.  

Along with my studies, I have been on numerous trips around the world in order to explore my personal interests, spread joy and happiness and to actively contribute towards conservation. I have worked on terrestrial conservation projects in Australia, marine conservation projects in South Africa and have also spent time studying the ecosystems of the Masai Mara. 

Although I am truly delighted with everything I have achieved thus far, my heart will always lie with the enchanting marine environment and I hope to use my opportunity at Frontier to help progress my career in this area. 

Laura Ireson - Conservation & Biodiversity Intern

I have had a huge interest in wildlife since a very young age. I remember always wanting to go for walks in my local parks and nature reserves to see what wildlife I could spot. This passion increased further after completing a three year degree in Environmental Science. From this degree I developed my passion for science and I enjoyed my conservation and ecology modules the most. I also participated in extra ecology and wildlife courses while at university to increase my knowledge further in this area and am now a proud owner of a certificate in British mammal identification.

As well as wildlife and conservation I am also very passionate about animal welfare; I guess this passion was sparked by owning numerous pets throughout my life. I have previously gained work experience in a veterinary surgery, a cattery and am currently volunteering at an animal rescue centre where I look after abandoned and rescued domestic pets.

After graduating I knew I wanted to work within a conservation organisation, so I applied for the Biodiversity and Conservation internship at Frontier. My internship fulfils my conservation and scientific passion and has increased my knowledge on conservation in several different countries as well as giving me a deeper insight into how an NGO operates.

 I have yet had the chance to go travelling around the world and experience different cultures and see spectacular wildlife but it is definitely on my ‘to do’ list and I hope to go travelling in the near future. My dream career would involve working abroad, and carry out important conservation research. This amazing opportunity I have as an intern at Frontier will enhance my scientific report writing, data analysis, and other essential skills; all of which I will need to pursue my dream career.

Charlotte Jackson - Overseas Operations Intern

I have always had an interest in the natural world which led me into studying geography at University. During this time my knowledge and passion for conservation and development increased. After graduation I went overseas to Malaysian Borneo to volunteer for three months. It was great to get out into the world and see and put into practice the things I had learnt about. Some of the highlights were piping fresh water into a rural village (and seeing the massive smiles on their faces!) and trekking through some of the only untouched rainforest left in the world.

Upon returning I was keen to get more involved in this sector. That’s where Frontier came in. Working here gives me the opportunity to see how an NGO is run. There is so much support work that goes into sending volunteers abroad I wanted to be a part of that and enable more people to have the experiences I did and make a difference in the process.

I would love to do more travelling in the future, but for now, I am learning new skills and hopefully am on my way to a future career in conservation.

Shadia Maali - Overseas Operations Intern

Ever since I was six years old and given my very first snorkel set I was hooked on the underwater world.  Before heading off to university I spent some time in Malaysia working on a turtle and reef conservation project out in the Perhentian Islands. Seeing these beautiful creatures wading up the beach to lay their eggs fuelled my desire for learning as I then went on to study Marine Biology at Newcastle University.

During my degree I was lucky enough to spend the summer between my second and third year working on the Great White Shark Cage Diving boats out in South Africa, whilst also working on other conservation projects run by the company. The experience of seeing Great White Sharks in their natural habitat was absolutely unforgettable!

After university I had a belated gap year where I travelled from Mexico to Vietnam and many places in-between. This gave me the great opportunity to work my way up to PADI Dive Master and dive in various amazing spots throughout the world! Recently I returned from the Maldives after diving and working for a resort as their resident Marine Biologist.

After a hefty bout of travelling and the completion of my degree I knew I wanted to work for a conservation organisation and learn more about the behind the scenes work needed to keep projects abroad running smoothly, so I applied for the Overseas Operations Intern position. I have loved my first week here and can’t wait for the next six months. In the future I’d really love to keep on working for a conservation company so hopefully this internship is the first step in the right direction.

Natalie Gardener - Project Coordinator Intern

My first exposure to travel was from a very young age when my family relocated to the States. For the next few years we toing-and-froing between the UK and USA...as I grew up and became slightly more tolerable to travel with, I was fortunate to join my parents on trips further afield such as Tanzania, Hong Kong and Singapore. It was bred into me, this need to experience and see as much as possible. And I learnt from my parents that travelling is as much about the sights you see as the people you meet.

Following my interest in cultures and the physical world I took a BSc in Geography, and developed a particular interest in sustainable development and design. Afterwards I was unsure what path to take, so like so many of my generation I ventured off on the gap year I had lusted for pre-uni to gain some perspective.

After some time contemplating life on beaches, trying out some extreme sports and clocking up some serious air-miles, I returned home. But unlike those who considered travelling as an interval between university and a career, I began to think it could be much more. I didn’t want to dismiss my three year degree or interest in development, so I looked to further my experience.

So now as the project development intern I spend my days researching new and exciting projects, liaising with potential partners abroad and writing up/ publishing projects for the website. It’s been a fantastic way to buff up on my geography, and learn about the responsible travel sector. It’s also great to know I’m helping others to go out and have their own adventures, whilst making a difference!

Annoyingly the mass accumulation of travel experience in the office has led to an ever increasing list of places I want to visit. My plans for the future are heading towards community development projects abroad and ultimately I wouldn’t mind running my own educational eco-resort. Might as well aim high.

Hannah Jones - Online Journalism Intern

About 6 months ago I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Biology; this was followed by unemployment and a brief stint in a very boring call centre until Frontier saved me and gave me the best opportunity ever – to spend all day writing about my favourite things: travel, nature and conservation. As an online journalism intern it’s great to bring to life exciting conservation news and let everyone know about the important conservation research work frontier volunteers are carrying out around the world, to safe guard species from extinction and maintain important ecosystems.

Whilst at university I went on a research expedition to the Arctic Circle where I studied the impact of global warming on the arctic ecosystem. The trip was amazing, the landscape is absolutely spectacular and with 24 hour sunlight you can go exploring all the time. I would definitely say diving into a frozen arctic lake under the midnight sun with the stunning Lap Gate on the horizon is the best way to relax after a hard day data collecting.

In the future I aim to see the world and visit all those places I lusted after whilst sat at home watching Planet Earth and every other nature documentary going. That’s why Frontier is such a great place to work: not only will this internship give me valuable experience, but everyone has exciting traveling stories and fantastic knowledge and tips to offer. In the future I hope to work on scientific and conservation research projects all over the world as well as working in journalism and media promoting conservation in the public domain. Long term goal to be the next David Attenborough – joking, unfortunately I don’t think I have the soothing peaceful voice required.

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