A new series of blogs will seek to shine a light on some of the incredible people working and studying at Lancaster Environment Centre.

LEC Voices aims to reveal some of the work, study and research being carried out at LEC, and the people behind it.

It will also highlight some of the huge strides being made in equality, inclusion and diversity within the department.

The first blog in the series – to coincide with International Women’s Day - comes from Amrin Golam, who recently completed her Degree in Geography at LEC.

Amrin, 21, is originally from Belgium, and lives in Blackpool.

She is currently working as a research assistant as part of the AHEAD project in LEC, and has been offered places at both Oxford and Cambridge University to study her Master’s Degree in environmental governance and development geography.

Here, she tells us what led her to study geography at Lancaster, some of the highlights and challenges she experienced, and what comes next…

What led you to study Geography at Lancaster?

Geography is such an interdisciplinary and diverse discipline.

It was the perfect degree for someone like me, who loves to learn different things about the world she lives in and is incredibly passionate about the environment.

I chose Lancaster because of the amazing course and department.

I especially liked the fact that all first-year courses in the LEC department were able to do the same foundational modules, which lets you engage with a range of different areas of Geography.

This allows you to develop your specific interests so that you are able to specialise more in second and third year.

I also chose Lancaster because of its brilliant location. It’s very close to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, which became regular visiting spots for me on weekends.

Tell us a bit more about your dissertation…

For my dissertation I wanted to try something new and really challenge myself, whilst researching a topic I was passionate about.

My dissertation investigated the representation of Global South Women in Global North Documentary Films.

My dissertation was an interdisciplinary project encompassing the fields of Media Studies, Feminist and Development geographies.

I analysed documentary films using an interdisciplinary research framework based on semiotic and thematic analysis.

I found that the documentary films in my study reinforced existing problematic representations of Global South Women in various different ways.

Writing my dissertation was a very rewarding experience but it was a difficult process; having a supportive academic advisor like Prof Duncan Whyatt really helped me throughout the journey.

What are your highlights through your time studying Geography at Lancaster?

Highlight 1: Envision Internship

In my second year, I managed to secure a UKRI envision research internship, working on the Living Deltas Research Hub project.

The Living Deltas Research Hub is a research project which supports vulnerable delta regions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change, through investigating and understanding sustainable delta livelihoods.

As part of the Lancaster University team, I researched the effects of climate change on household livelihoods across Bangladesh.

Through this research, I gained experience working within the intersection of practice and theory and I was able to collaborate with field researchers in Bangladesh.

Additionally, I was given the opportunity to attend the annual conference in Can Tho, Vietnam.

As the youngest person at the conference, it seemed like a daunting feat, but through the support and guidance of project lead, Dr Manoj Roy, I was able to immerse myself in research-related discussions with voices from various disciplines.

This internship made me appreciate research and made me interested in pursuing a career in research.

Highlight 2: LEC.318 Field Trip

My third-year module LEC.318. New York Field Course was another highlight.

It was such an amazing experience to be able to apply the theories of inequality we had been learning in lectures to a practical setting.

Our visit to New York as ‘geographers’ as opposed to ‘tourists’, was a very rewarding experience and meant that we were able to perceive and experience New York beyond the glamour of Manhattan.

We had the opportunity to carry out our own research in different areas of New York for our mini projects.

Our visit to Flatbush was an especially memorable moment, where activist Imani Henry showed us the detrimental impacts of gentrification in the local community.

What have been your biggest challenges?

Challenge 1: Covid

Covid was definitely a big challenge. Whilst having lectures online was still a good way to learn, the aspect which was difficult was to make friends and meet people on your course.

This meant that in the beginning of second year it was more difficult to adjust as I was still meeting new people after a year of studying.

I ended up making some amazing friends in LEC despite the initial setbacks, so it all worked out.

ReaChallenge 2: Cultural

Coming from a Bangladeshi, Muslim background, I experienced cultural barriers to pursuing further education in the geography and environment field.

It is not the most conventional route for someone from my background.

Despite this, I am very happy that I pursued what I am passionate about.

If you are someone like me, who would like to study Geography or an environment related course but feels hesitant to, I would encourage you to go for it.

My geography degree has been extremely rewarding and the geography and environment sector needs more voices like yours.

What comes next for you?

Since graduating, I have been travelling, tutoring and working on some projects in LEC.

I took this year to apply for a Masters in the environmental governance and development geography fields for 24/25.

I have just been offered places at Oxford University and Cambridge University.

I am currently trying to secure funding so that I am able to take my place.

Masters can be very expensive but there are many support systems in place.

I honestly never had a dull moment studying Geography at Lancaster. How can you? You get to do so many different things such as GIS to lab practicals and field trips. On top of that, everything you learn is so relevant and helps you make sense of the world around you. It was a very interesting course and I encourage anyone who is interested in Geography to study it at undergraduate level.

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Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.