Four years of study took Holly on a voyage of personal and professional discovery – from expanding her perspectives with work experience and field trips, to learning how to live and study in a way that played to her strengths and cared for her mind.
Now, working at Sea Life London, she’s putting everything she’s learned into practice, with her eyes still firmly set beyond the horizon and whatever the future holds next.
Setting sail for success
Instead of being stuck at her desk, Holly got stuck into practical tasks while at Southampton, learning on boats and in aquariums, sharing specialist spaces with experts, and working side by side with academics at the top of their game.
“Learning directly from researchers and engaging with their work was exciting and inspiring, especially as it was grounded in the most up-to-date findings,” she says.
"I particularly enjoyed the practical components of the course, especially the boat work on the RV Callista, and working with the team in the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS) aquarium for research was amazing."
Holly Kyprianou (MSc Marine Biology, 2023)
But it was the field trips that sparked true excitement. From the south coast of Devon to the shores of Thailand, the world opened up to her – and handed her the skills she needed to become a research expert herself.
“The field trips were highlights for me. The Thailand field trip was an unforgettable experience; seeing corals and the processes I had been learning about for years in real life for the first time was unforgettable. The Plymouth field trip also offered a fantastic hands-on opportunity to work in a real marine environment aboard the RV Callista, carrying out research along the coast and further offshore.
“Professionally, I have gained a solid foundation of knowledge in marine biology. I have learned how to conduct research and write up findings, skills I’m currently applying as I work towards publishing my first paper.”
The semester that changed everything
Sometimes, it's easy to pinpoint the moment in life where you know you’re where you’re meant to be. For Holly, it happened in Sweden, when she spent a semester abroad studying at Gothenburg University.
“My semester abroad was a transformative experience,” she says. “It helped me understand how I learn best. I am a visual learner, and the problem-based learning style combined with a lot of practical work really boosted my confidence.
“Living independently in Sweden helped me grow into my own person.”
That one significant semester led straight into Holly’s final year, where momentum continued as she kept her future career in sight. More hands-on experience took her even further around the world, until she landed back in the UK, ready to make her passion her profession.
“My semester abroad and my final year truly shaped my university experience. My final-year project, working with bamboo sharks at NOCS, was a big step up and helped me develop both research and aquarist skills,” Holly shares.
"These experiences led to my current role as an aquarist at Sea Life London, where I now work with larger marine animals and continue to build my professional skills in marine biology and animal husbandry."
Holly Kyprianou (MSc Marine Biology, 2023)
Staying afloat with the support of others
While your time at university is largely focused on pursuing your chosen subject, it’s also a safe space to learn more about who you are. For Holly, her years at Southampton helped her to build strong relationships with herself.
“Since joining the University, I’ve gained a lot of confidence. I used to be very unsure of myself, and while I still have moments of doubt, I now have evidence of my abilities to back it up,” says Holly.
However, the journey towards graduation isn’t always smooth sailing. Holly had her own worries and personal challenges – but thankfully, she also had people around her to help navigate these choppy waters.
“Life at university can be hard at times, the student support services, along with friends, really helped me navigate some very tough periods.”
Holly made good use of our 24/7 support networks, ensuring that the challenges she experienced didn’t stop her from getting to where she wanted to be.
"The Student Support Team were always there to check in on my wellbeing, and services such as free counselling are available to support students who may need extra help during more challenging parts of university life. It was reassuring to know that this support was available whenever it was needed."
Holly Kyprianou (MSc Marine Biology, 2023)
“Going through these challenges has given me a deeper understanding and empathy for the struggles of others – something you can only truly appreciate by experiencing it yourself.”
Not just a drop in the ocean
Holly’s education experience, her personal journey, and resulting expertise are already having a ripple effect on the world around her.
She’s been busy making an impact on marine ecosystems, and she’s keen to prove that this work can make a world of difference to our planet.
“I feel that I have made a small but meaningful impact on the reefs surrounding Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, helping with coral restoration and regeneration by growing corals and outplanting them onto the reef and conducting coral research,” she explains.
“I hope to use this expertise to contribute further to marine conservation efforts in the future.”
