Jack McCarthyAddress: 47 Brett Drive, Bromham, Beds, MK43 8RE

Contact number: 07810357689 Email: jack.mccarthy47@me.com

I am a driven, enthusiastic, and adaptable first class physical geography graduate from Plymouth University. My focused and active approach to work means that I can work well as a member of a team and also effectively as an individual. I have a keen interest in energy and the environment, shown by the topic of my final year dissertation, based on fracking. My advanced knowledge gained from my degree including current research makes me a fantastic candidate for a career involving the environment, climate, and energy.

Geography BSc (Hons) 1st Class Plymouth University 2012-2015 Stage 4 modules:

Catchment Science and management- A follow on from “rivers”, using advanced process knowledge of the catchment system to inform correct management practices.

Geohazards- Exploring a variety of hazards, including science and geology, along with social context, prediction and mitigation. Exam based on the role of technology in reducing disaster, such as using catastrophe modeling (1st gained).

Global climate change- Learning about past/present/future climate change, exploring causes, feedbacks, past events and future prediction using current theory and technology. High 1st achieved in coursework involving use of UKCP09 climate model.

Advanced fieldwork- The changing American west Dissertation in Geography (1st achieved)- “The environmental sustainability of Fracking in the UK”.

Stage 2 modules: Rivers Cold environments Geographical information systems (GIS) Fieldwork in Geography- Fieldtrip to Western Ireland including a 3-day group project, self

formulated and conducted.Stage 1: High 2:1 achieved (69%)

A-Levels Sharnbrook upper school 2010-2012Geography: A, Physics: C, Chemistry: D, Media Production: B

GCSEs 2007-201012 GCSE’s grade A*-C including Maths, English and three Sciences

Fieldtrips throughout education 2010-2015 Advanced fieldwork module to the Pacific Northwest USA included a variety of staff formulated tasks in both the physical and human environment travelling round 3 states. Focused on link between physical geography and management. A 4-day group project formulated ourselves was undertaken, which included environmental assessments of habitats in burnt and un-burnt forests to test to see if a regular fire regime increases biodiversity. Other fieldtrips at university include a trip to western Ireland where another group project was undertaken related to habitat heterogeneity in river channels and results were then presented and reported. Stage 4 field days in catchment science and management utilized skills of environmental monitoring, lab work, and follow up reporting as coursework. Fieldwork has helped build on my skills including communication, collaboration of ideas, and reporting and presenting results.

Dissertation (1st achieved and awarded sustainability prize) Plymouth University 2014-2015In my final year at university I had to individually design a 12,000-word research project consisting of new research to fill gaps in academic literature. I explored whether fracking in the UK can be environmentally sustainable. I did this by conducting literature reviews and designing and undertaking fieldwork at various UK sites. This included taking multiple samples of water, air, and soils along with making observations and

Personal statement

Relevant experience

Education

recording various parameters of the environment. Planning skills were developed in this project and also correct methodologies of environmental sampling. Samples were then analysed using various chemical analysis in the lab. I then presented the results of the analysis in a variety of ways, including using GIS and cartography, graphs and tables as well as statistical analysis. I then made the conclusion that fracking can be sustainable in the UK, although strict frameworks on practice are needed, along with data transparency. My dissertation gained 74% from 2 markers, and also won the ISSR (Institute for sustainability solutions research) student prize for geography, which recognizes student work that contributes to excellence in sustainability.

Teaching as a team 2011 Part of a group of passionate A-Level geography students that spent day in a middle school collaborating to put together activities to teach wide aspects of geography to younger students. This developed communication skills and thinking on my feet, as well as communicating my passion for all areas of geography to younger students.

Kitchen porter The Bedford Arms, Oakley, Bedfordshire 2011-2012Mainly washing dishes making up key part of functioning kitchen, communicating well in stressful situations and performing any task necessary for the good of the team.Paving company Andy Moffat Paving Co. Summer 2014Laying patios and driveways, along with other handy jobs and labor. Working with others requiring communication and hard work and also listening and operating under clear instruction, yet also having to use initiative and common sense

GIS- Stage 1 and 2 modules in GIS. Accurate and in depth in use of leading software ArcGIS. This is combined with theoretical understanding of GIS. Skills utilized in other coursework and my dissertation.

Practical and advanced research skills- Experienced use of many pieces of industry leading field and lab equipment and familiar with undertaking various methods of laboratory analysis. This has been done in research projects and my dissertation to a first class standard. My dissertation involved monitoring of air, water and soil pollution, using a number of advanced sampling and chemical analysis techniques including ICP-MS, Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The science and geology behind fracking has been researched for the project and I am also researching seismicity and exploration of shale gas.

IT- Reliable and confident user of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Statistics- Ability to perform a wide range of statistical tests rapidly with software packages such as

Minitab and Statplus. Cooperative- Open minded and communicative developed from number of group projects successfully

conducted at university, and globally on fieldtrips.

Academic excellence: Achieved one of the top ten marks in stage 1 and 2 of my geography exam results and was contacted by the university praising my academic achievement. 1st Class degree earned, showing I consistently work to a high standard, over a variety of tasks, both on my own and in teams. ISSR award for my student dissertation.

Kick boxing and cycling: I reached purple belt in three and a half years kickboxing (B.C.K.A) Skills of discipline and dedication gained from harsh training and sparring sessions. I am also a keen road cyclist, training for a trip to Paris to raise money for charity.

Golf: I am an aspiring golfer. Experience of playing for Bedfordshire county golf team and my club playing in county interclub competitions. Also a member of the University golf club. Individual focus and logical mindset is needed playing at a good level, combined with collaborative skills in paired events. Experience of playing with all age groups and genders.

UK driving licence (Clean).

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