The Seychelles is blessed with some of the most incredible biodiversity on the planet. Wherever you go, endless white powder sands and turquoise waters encase lush forests that are home to rare plants and endangered creatures.
I was born in the Seychelles, an island nation where the environment shapes national identity and daily life. Growing up, I was surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and biodiversity, and I inevitably developed a deep interest in environmental protection.
When I learned that human development often comes at an environmental cost, I decided to make sustainability my focus, pursuing a BSc in Environmental Science and Sustainability at Keele University in the UK, followed by a MSc in Environmental Policy at University College Dublin.
Life as a graduate
I joined ROD as a graduate environmental scientist in May 2023, a role that involved preparing and coordinating environmental appraisal documents for infrastructure projects across Ireland. Over the past two years, I have contributed to Environmental Impact Assessment Screening and Scoping Reports; Environmental Impact Assessment Reports; Options Selection Reports; and Strategic Environmental Assessments and Monitoring Reports.
In addition to developing my skills in GIS work, I participated in site surveys for Fáilte Ireland’s National Tourism and Environmental Monitoring Programme 2023, which brought me to several stunning locations, including Keem Bay on Achill Island and Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula.
Project work
Since joining ROD, I have been involved in a wide variety of projects, including the Dingle Peninsula Visitor Experience Development Plan, the Ancient Destination and Experience Development Plan, the N26 Ballina Bypass Phase 1 and the Dundalk Bay to Carlingford Greenway.
Recently, I have taken on more project management responsibility, acting as the primary point of contact for our sub-consultants on the N58 Foxford Transport Project and collaborating closely with the project engineers.
The importance of mentors
Entering a new work environment, especially in a field so deeply rooted in European environmental law and Irish engineering guidance, was daunting at first. However, the mentorship at ROD has been a defining part of my graduate experience. The senior members of ROD’s environmental team are generous with their time, sharing not just technical knowledge but also practical advice and encouragement. Cross-disciplinary collaboration with environmental scientists, planners, ecologists and engineers has also deepened my understanding of the full project lifecycle.
Training and development
Continuing professional development is actively encouraged at ROD, and over the past two years, I have participated in training courses and attended online webinars and presentations delivered by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), formerly known as IEMA; the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM); and Europengineers. I have also attended the Environment Ireland Conference and the Women in STEM Summit. These learning opportunities have helped me to grow my network, reconnect with former classmates and professors, and stay informed on evolving practices and policies.
Making an impact
Reflecting on the past two years, what stands out most for me is how much I have been able to grow, not just as an environmental scientist, but as a professional in the field of environmental and engineering consultancy. I have developed a stronger sense of where I can make an impact, and I feel motivated to keep learning, contributing and exploring new directions within the field. At ROD, I have found a place where my passion for sustainability aligns with meaningful work, and that’s something for which I am incredibly grateful.