Alumni

Elizabeth Hugill

I started at Northumbria University in 2007 where I studied Applied Biology. In 2010 I graduated from Northumbria with a first-class honours degree. Following university, I moved to Edinburgh for my first biology related job; an assistant scientist job in the Ecotoxicology in a contract research company. I stayed at this company for 6 years progressing up to a Study Director Role in 2014. In 2016, I moved to a new company in North Yorkshire where I continued my career as an Aquatic Ecotoxicology Study Director.

At the time of writing this (2023), I have been graduated from Northumbria University for 13 years. I am in my mid-30's and have an active life outside of work (e.g. love walking, running horse riding etc).

What are you doing now?

I work as an Aquatic Ecotoxicology study director for a company based in North Yorkshire. For this role, I study direct various acute and chronic aquatic tests to determine the effects of commercial substances (e.g. agrichemicals, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals etc) on the aquatic environment for environmental risk purposes. My position is very varied and involves me working with a range of species.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

There were multiple reasons for me choosing Northumbria; I liked the campus, I was offered a good scholarship and the course was applied so I thought this would suit my learning style better.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

I really enjoyed time at Northumbria, I found my lectures really helpful and knowledgeable. We went on a couple of field trips which were really informative (e.g. our marine biology trip in Final Year, trips to Edinburgh zoo and to Northumberland etc.).

How connected was your course with industry?

I think when I attended university, the course wasn’t as connected to industry as it could be. I would have been more connected if I had decided to do a year in industry. I did however, learn valuable lab skills which have helped me in my career.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course was when we went to Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

My degree allowed me to get my first biology related job, as a degree was essential for this position. Skills I have learnt as part of my degree have also been useful during my career.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I would say the lab skills I learnt are mostly what I most use now. Though we did cover the basics of effect concentrations etc which is now the basis of my job.