Student Enrichment Fund Report

Student Enrichment Fund Reports

Nick Njopa-Kaba, Engineering, Second Year

As I come to the end of what has been a great year as Co-President of the Durham University Gospel Choir, I can’t help but look back to the start. I remember spending time drafting goals for the year, with one of the most ambitious being a Gospel Choir Tour. At the time, the situation surrounding travel was still very uncertain, and the idea of going on tour felt unreachable. Nevertheless on 4th of June 2022 I found myself sitting on a coach outside Dunelm headed to Paris.

Having visited Paris before as a youngster I was excited to see how my experience of the city would differ now that I was much older. Honestly, I was charmed by the gorgeous streets, the impressive landmarks and its effortless style. Despite the beauty of Paris, what really made the trip special was the people. It was such a joy to share such quality time with the talented individuals that make up the choir. For many on the tour, it was their first time in Paris or Europe and for one member it was the first time they had ever been abroad.

Highlights of the trip include our two performances. The first was in Parc Montsouris, as part of their summer concert series, on a sunny afternoon. It was so uplifting to see how the public engaged with the music, with some members of the public asking to take photos of our tour stash to go and find out more about us online! The second was in the Church of SaintSulpice, the second-largest church in the city after the Notre Dame. It was such a privilege to perform in such a historic and breathtaking venue.

I would like to thank John Snow College for their support via the Student Enrichment Fund, without which I wouldn’t have been able to join the rest of the choir in Paris. I have gained so much from the tour, and exercised skills of leadership that have and will continue to aid my personal development.

Student Enrichment Fund Reports

Teddy Poulett, Biosciences, Year One

After my degree, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to go into. I had a few ideas, but felt I needed to gain experience in these respective fields to get an idea whether it’s something I’d enjoy. A job in conservation was the main idea for a career. When I discovered an organisation with conservation projects all around the world, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to get experience, learn new skills and get an idea if exotic conservation is the future job for me.

The expedition I decided to join was in Guyana. I’m grateful that the Student Enrichment Fund contributed towards the cost of my flights to the country. The fund was incredibly helpful in making the trip possible.

Guyana’s in South America and is still covered in largely untouched Amazon rainforest. Located in the forest is a small indigenous village called Warapoka. This is where the researchers and myself were based. Every day we went into the jungle to carry out surveys, I learnt lots of new field techniques that will be of great value for future work and for my CV. For instance, I learnt how to handle snakes and take measurements of them. I was also taught how to sample bat populations, handle them and record data from individuals safely. I did similar sampling for birds, as well as learning methods such as point counts. My favourite survey involved setting up cameras to sample the mammal populations, it was always a surprise what you’d see and very exciting.

There were so many new skills I learnt that are of great value to me and will certainly help me in future. However, the most valuable takeaway from the expedition was that I am now certain I want a career in conservation and it’s something I’m motivated to work towards. I’m already searching for my next opportunity to get more experience!

Contact us

John Snow College The Approach Durham DH1 3FR

T: +44 (0)191 334 0046 E: snow.college@durham.ac.uk

John Snow College, the modern College with traditional values

"Per scientiam et prudentiam quaere summam"

Through knowledge and wisdom strive for the highest

durham.ac.uk/johnsnow.college

Durham University and Durham University logo are registered Trade Marks of the University of Durham. Unless otherwise stated, all material in this publication is copyright of the University of Durham. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained here is accurate. This publication is intended as a general guide to University of Durham's facilities and form no part of any contract between you and the University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the University. Please note that the University’s website is the most up to date source of information and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.

© Durham University 2022 OUT_26026754