People Like Me: Nizar
Natural History Graduates
Natural History Students
NWLA Credits
The Open University has supported the development of this page, in partnership with The University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the BBC. This page was written by Becky Seeley and Adam Smith of Bristol University, with the kind support of their colleagues.
Who studies science? We talk to students and graduates - and meet Nizar
Name: Nizar
Studying: B.Sc. (Hons) Geology and Biology (Level 2)
Ultimate Ambition: To dive with sharks and head a vertebrate palaeontology research group, My ultimate job would be a Vertebrate palaeontologist in a museum.
Life at University
I am doing what I consider to be the best degree in Europe! Although parts of every degree may seem dull (I personally dislike volcanic rocks!), they get more interesting with time. I found it easy to adjust to university life. After my degree I wish to do a PHD immediately.
My enthusiasm makes me very proactive - I have already given a department presentation, making me the first undergraduate to give a talk. I volunteer as a preparator for the Bristol Dinosaur Project, I have been to various conferences and digs, and I am planning a trip to dig dinosaurs in Morocco. I have written articles for magazines and am the author of the University of Bristol’s dinosaur website: Dinobase. I have gained valuable experience working with other experts as part of a team and have met many people and made friends with similar interests.
How I got here
I grew up in Berlin, Germany, and went to France to do my 'A'-levels. My Mother is German but my Father is Moroccan. I speak fluent English and learned Spanish too, so I speak 5 languages. I began to get interested in palaeontology very early, I remember drawing a T. rex with a bus for scale at the age of 5. In Germany everybody has to do a year of Social service so I worked as a hospital receptionist, I am happy for the experience. At the same time I volunteered as a helper in the Natural History Museum, Berlin.
Advice
My advice is: be self confident. The best way to achieve something is to get up and do it.
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Content last updated: 04/10/2004
