Throwback Thursday – Jake Abel-Brown

Thank you to former student Jake Abel-Brown for taking part in this week’s Throwback Thursday. Jake, previously a pupil of Rainford High School, is now in his second year of an Integrated Masters in Zoology with Herpetology at Bangor University, which has included an exciting research module in Arizona!

Jake says:  ‘After completing my GCSEs at Rainford High School. I made the decision to enrol at Winstanley, rather than enrol at the school’s sixth form. I chose A-levels in Biology, Geology and Chemistry due to my love of science and nature. I also took an Extended Project Qualification.

I made the most of my time at College and alongside my studies I became a student ambassador helping at open evenings and other college events.  I also took part in a lot of STEM enrichment, including Lab Lunches, The B-word Journal, Chemistry Olympiad, Biology Olympiad and Geology super-curricular talks. Most excitingly, I embarked on the World Challenge trip at the end of second year.

Following my A-levels, I managed to secure my dream degree of an Integrated Masters in Zoology with Herpetology at Bangor University. What particularly attracted me to this was the chance to travel and engage in research as part of the degree.

 I recently completed a research trip to Arizona which was incredible and further cemented in me that this is the career route I want to take. Another highlight is the placement I secured, analysing DNA samples from Lesser Horseshoe Bats for information on Population Dynamics

To students who may be thinking of a similar route to me, I would advise them to be persistent when it comes to work experience. It was a while before any research opportunities presented themselves to me. It came from just notifying staff that I wanted to do molecular work and after a while, my email was returned, and I got the place. So don’t be discouraged if nothing is currently available, because if you persist but are patient, you’ll get what you want.

If you have a love of the outdoors, in any area, Bangor University is the place for you. I had offers from much higher-ranking universities but chose Bangor over those and I could not be happier. There is so much variety of adventures to be had here. I’ve always been a hiker, but Eryri National Park has given me access to so much more, I’ve recently become quite a proficient scrambler and converted from indoor climbing to outdoor trad climbing. I have also seen a greater variety of the natural world here than is not available in most parts of the UK.

In summary, Winstanley was fantastic at kindling my interests and ensuring I pursue my passion for the outdoors. They supported me at every step, from induction to choosing a university.  It is far more than just a college, it is an institute for personal development that I would recommend no matter your interests. ‘

Thank you Jake and we wish you luck as you complete your university studies! 

If you are a former student and would like to share your story, please get in touch or join our alumni network: https://forms.office.com/e/2yvBTer93b