Nature and Conservation Society: Events Secretary

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.

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.