Profile
Orla Fernie
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About Me:
I live in Oxfordshire with my dog Beck. When I’m not working I like to be outdoors, running, walking or playing sports. 🏃♀️➡️ I also love watching movies and reading books, especially murder mysteries! 🔍
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I love anything that gets me outdoors, like running, walking cycling or tennis – even better if I can do it with my friends! After a good day spent outdoors I like to relax with a book or in front of a movie with a cup of tea and something sweet. I like to watch and read comedies or murder mysteries. My favourite film is Knives Out.
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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How I use Science in my work:
My job is to communicate science. I am surrounded by people who do really cool science everyday. I learn about their work by speaking to them or reading their scientific papers. Then, I use my own scientific knowledge to translate what I learned into more simple, less technical language so anyone can understand it!
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My Work:
I am a Science Communicator. This means I write articles, make social media posts and film videos all about science, but I try to make it easy to understand by anyone, including people who aren’t scientists.
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I studied Biology at university, but realised that I like to talk about science more than do the science. Now, as a science communicator I get to explore a huge variety of science topics, rather than research one specific area. This is perfect for me because I love to learn new things. Biology is still my favourite area of science though!
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My Typical Day:
I wake up and eat breakfast (always with a cup of tea). I start work at 8am, where I do emails, and read about research from our department. I have lunch with my team, often followed by a walk in fresh air. Then I plan some more work, like articles or social media posts. I go home at 4pm.
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My day usually always starts at 8am and ends at 4pm, but in between that the work I do changes everyday! Sometimes I am writing newsletters, sometimes filming and editing videos and sometimes I work at events. No day is ever the same in science communication 🙂
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Education:
I went to school at Icknield Community College in Oxfordshire. Then, I went to Wallingford School for Sixth Form.
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Qualifications:
For my GCSE’s I got:
English Language: 8
English Literature: 9
Maths: 7
Biology: 9
Physics: 8
Chemistry: 8
PE: 7
French: 8
Geography: 8
At A-level I got:
Biology: B (just goes to show you don’t need to study your best subject at uni)
Psychology: A*
English Literature: A
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Work History:
Before I went to university, I worked in a supermarket. Then, as part of my degree I worked as a science communicator at a particle accelerator for STFC. Now, I’m in my first job after graduating my Biology degree.
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Current Job:
Communications Assistant at Oxford Population Health.
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Employer:
University of Oxford
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
outdoors obsessed communicator
What did you want to be after you left school?
A vet! But then I changed my mind and had no idea... until I discovered science communication.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes I was always being told off for chatting! Now, talking to people is a big part of my job, so I like to think I was practising.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I think I would still love to be a vet - I really love dogs.
What's your favourite food?
Apples or chocolate.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
That chocolate was good for you. That I could teleport to other locations. To be able to click my fingers and make my bed.
Tell us a joke.
What did the cheese say when it saw itself in the mirror? Halloumi
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