Graduate profile: Dr Celia Delugin 'I am now more confident in my expertise'

Studying a PhD at UHI Inverness provided Dr Celia Delugin with the perfect opportunity to fulfil her ambitions to live in the Highlands and work within a research institute that specialises in freshwater sciences and conservation.

The 30-year-old, who is originally from France, has completed her PhD ‘Ecotourism and engagement with freshwater biodiversity - a case study of three Scottish lochs’ at the Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation.

She now works for Scotland’s nature agency, NatureScot, as a freshwater ecology adviser, providing advice on a range of cases with the aim to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems across Scotland.

Her studies at UHI Inverness allowed her to develop valuable friendships, conduct fieldwork in beautiful surroundings and gain an in-depth understanding of freshwater conservation.

Celia said: “The balance between social and natural sciences taught me a lot about how to conduct robust research. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, I have learnt to be more confident in my own expertise and self-reliant.

“I have enjoyed the support and friendships I have built with my fellow PhD students – this has been a great help during difficult times. Travelling for fieldwork to various Scottish lochs across the Highlands and Perthshire has been a highlight, particularly the scenic beauty and learning more about the local communities.”

Before joining UHI Inverness, Celia lived in France where she studied biological and agricultural engineering, followed by a Master’s in Biology and Ecology for the Forest Agronomy and Environment. She then worked at a French research institute to study Alpine lakes, which confirmed her interest and enthusiasm for freshwater ecology.

“The interdisciplinary approach to freshwater conservation taken throughout my PhD has provided me with an in-depth understanding of freshwater conservation from both natural and social science perspectives,” said Celia.

 “Although challenging at times, this has broadened my horizon on the inter-connectedness of people and nature. It has helped me better understand the Scottish context, and I have gained skills to support engagement with stakeholders and communities on those issues.”

Her advice to future students is to find and build a supportive, safe space for you to share your research and exchange ideas.

“PhDs are often framed as an individual journey, and this why I feel it is so important to connect with others throughout,” she said.

“The best things about living and studying in the Highlands is the proximity to nature, and diversity of landscapes – Caledonian forests, coastal beaches, freshwater lochs, high peaks and so much more. I loved spending time exploring the Highlands throughout my studies, which I now call home.”