Profile
Rosamund Portus
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About Me:
I live in Bristol and, when I am not doing environmental research, and a portrait artist and illustrator. I also love to dance and cycle!
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Alongside myresearch work, II am a a painter and illustrator. I began to formally develop my practice in 2017, when I started taking classes with the Leith School of Art. I specialise in portraiture, but also enjoys more illustrative work. I have previously exhibited at the 2018 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Beetime Residency Open Studio, and the 2020 Countervoices Exhibition. I most recently exhibited a design project at the COP26 Exhibition at Glasgow Science Centre in 2021.
I do lots of dance, but my favourite is Carnival fitness (similar to Zumba) and ballet! I also love to sew and cook lots of great vege food (I have been vegetarian my whole life)!
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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My Work:
I am an environmental anthropologist, which means I study environmental issues through thinking about how people and communities are affected by them. I have also done lots of research with animal culture and extinction, and have worked very closely with the subject of bee decline.
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In my current role I work as part of the āChallenging the Climate Crisis: Childrenās Agency to Tackle Policy Underpinned by Learning for Transformation Researchā Project. I am also leading on a project examining childrenās nature connections and parental perspectives, and I am part of a project team examining young peopleās engagement with climate literature. My PhD research at the University of York considered the social and cultural dimensions of the decline of bee populations.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up and after a breakfast (I love toast and peanut butter!) I cycle to work (0r just go upstairs if it is a work from home day) and start by 9am latest. After email admin, I spend lots of time writing or doing research activities (like interviews and focus groups). After lunch, I might have a lecture to give to students, or spend time designing creative slides for public communication. No two days are the same! I finish at 5pm.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would love to design a public workshop for getting people involved with climate knowledge and activities! I would make it really creative, bringing in my skills as an artist, and help people feel empowered to make change in their community!
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Education:
I went to Deer Park school in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. I then went to Cirencester College. After that I did a degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Sussex. I have an MSc in Environment, Culture and Society from the University of Edinburgh, and a PhD from the University of York.
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Qualifications:
After my GCSE’s (for my additionals I studied history, French, art and textiles) I did three A levels in Anthropology, English Literature and Textiles. I also did an AS-level in Psychology. I have an undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology, an MSc in Environment, Culture and Society, and a PhD in Environmental Studies.
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Work History:
Paid Roles:
2021 – Present: Research Fellow and Associate Lecturer at the University of the West of England
2019:Ā Visiting Researcher at Julie’s Bicycle
2018 – 2021: Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of York
2017-2021: PhD Research, University of York
2016-2017: John Lewis Cafe Assistant
2013-2015: Nanny
2010-2012: M&S In Store Baker
2009-2010: Cafe Assistant
Voliunteer Roles:
2022 – Present: National Cycle Network Volunteer at Sustrans
2020 ā 2021: Project Reviewer at The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
2019-2012: Trustee at St Nicks Nature Reserve & Environment Centre
2016-2017: Midlothian Group Coordinator at Sustrans
2015: Admin and Communications Assistant at Drop4drop
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Current Job:
I am currently a research fellow and lecturer in Environmental Management at the University of the West of England.
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Employer:
University of the West of England
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
An artist - although I still do it in my spare time!
Were you ever in trouble at school?
I was a chatterbox, but managed to stay out of trouble... I think I only got one detention in total!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would love to do painting full time :)
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Ooh that is hard... I think I would have to say Julia Jacklin!
What's your favourite food?
Bean chilli with lots of spicy salsa and cheese
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I would love to be able to travel to any period in history, to be able to have the time to write a book on environmental storytelling, and to buy a house with a big garden one day!
Tell us a joke.
What do you call an Island entirely populated by cakes? Dessert-ed!
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