Profile
Linsey Cottrell
My CV
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Education:
Local comprehensive (North Staffordshire), then 6th Form College followed by University.
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Qualifications:
9 O levels, 4 A levels, Degree (Chemical Sciences), Masters Degree (Environmental Pollution and Control), Post Graduate Certificate (Environmental Management and Sustainability)
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Work History:
Site Chemist – Whelan Environmental Services;
Environmental Chemist – Aspinwall and Company, London;
Senior Environmental Consultant – Enviros, Hong Kong;
Senior Environmental Consultant – Carl Bro, Leeds;
Principal Environmental Consultant – Grontmij, Leeds;
Technical Manager – Sweco, Leeds -
Current Job:
Environmental Policy Officer – Conflict and Environment Observatory
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About Me:
I love the outdoors, enjoying long walks with my family and border collie.
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Read more
I always knew that I wanted a job which involved working in the environmental sector. Even all those years ago, it was tricky to focus on what this would be given the huge range of topics this covers. Now the choice is even bigger and an exciting time to work in this area.
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My Work:
I work for a small environmental charity. I use my knowledge of science to help understand how wars and conflicts harm the environment and how to increase protection for people who live in those countries affected by wars.
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Read more
Wars and armed conflicts can harm the environment in many different ways and even fighting over a short time can be very destructive, causing lasting, long-term effects on the environment.
https://ceobs.org/how-does-war-damage-the-environment/
Pollution and contamination of land caused by the use of weapons and missiles can also be very difficult and expensive to clean-up. For example. landmines and unexploded bombs can remain buried in the ground for many years and as well as risk of someone being seriously hurt or killed, the explosives themselves can harm the environment by polluting soil and water. Part of my work involves looking at how landmines can be cleared from land without causing any further harm.
We have put together a quiz and some exercises for lessons which you are access here: https://ceobs.org/projects/stem-resources/
You can also hear from my colleagues and learn a little more about our work, and why we enjoy our jobs here:
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My Typical Day:
My work is office based, involving research, connecting with others and writing articles or reports. My day is pretty flexible and I organise my day depending on deadlines for the week. I sometimes need to call and speak with people on the other side of the world, so ZOOM calls and scheduling meetings for the right time-of-day is important. I love being able to work with and connect with people from all over, and learning from others.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
We were awarded a grant to develop STEM school material from the British Ecological Society and I would add the prize money to this to help build on the material and support the Bradford-based Peace Museum: https://peacemuseum.org.uk/
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Curious, friendly, enthusiastic
What did you want to be after you left school?
Something environmentally focused
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Any other environmental role
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Several - depends on my mood
What's your favourite food?
Salt and vinegar crisps
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Be fitter, more patient, less forgetful
Tell us a joke.
Why can't you trust atoms? They make up everything!
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