Nature and Conservation Society: Events Secretary

I am nominating for events secretary as I am passionate advocate for nature and conservation. I have a background in field biology and engaging people with nature through research and education. Thus, I am looking forward bringing my practical expertise to the society. I will do so by planning events that will increase our awarness and knowledge on the current situation of nature conservation from field activities to talks with experts in the field.

I'm Ilina, and I'm a first year BASc Arts and Sciences student. I am standing for the events secretary position since I have a strong passion for nature and conservation, and because I want to help brainstorm and execute ideas for activities that society members can partake in.

I developed my leadership and organisational skills from my work experiences in the environmental space. As an engagement intern with WWF Singapore, I helped facilitate the Cyber Spotter Programme, about how to identify illegal wildlife trade listings online, and was an assistant guide for a nature park walk, where I introduced the park's wildlife and history. At bioSEA, a Southeast Asian biomimicry firm, I explored the possible real-world applications of various materials inspired by nature. As a volunteer with the Herpetological Society of Singapore, I operated a booth at events like the Festival of Biodiversity, to educate people about their work, and the nation's reptiles and amphibians.

I can use my network to arrange virtual talks with environmental professionals I have worked with in these organisations, and reach out to their UK based colleagues to organise in-person talks.

I enjoy doing wildlife photography in my free time, and post my photos on Instagram (@ilinanaturepics) with descriptions of the species' ecology and behaviour. My interest in photography has incentivised me to research good places to go for nature walks in London, which I could use to plan such events for the society.