I’m from Malaysia, and first came to Bristol on a government scholarship to study Environmental Geoscience. I’ve always been fascinated by all things sci-fi and tech – and the idea of humans one day travelling to Mars – so environmental geoscience appealed to me because of the crossover of disciplines like physics and chemistry. 

My undergraduate really fortified my interest in this area, and shortly before I graduated my tutor suggested I look at the MScR at the Cabot Institute for the Environment. I was really interested in the wide variety of projects on offer, plus the option to create your own. 

My research project 

The beginning stages of my MScR was very much about general research and exploration. I knew I wanted to do something around energy, and eventually decided to focus on the energy demand side of things. I’d meet with my supervisor every week or two to discuss my research and progress and they really helped me to focus on the specifics of my project, which examines how behaviour change and technology can assist low-income households in improving their energy efficiency.  

The opportunity to take part in conferences also helped me to focus my research area, and enabled me to really think hard about what it was I wanted to present to the public. The conference I attended was great, and was funded by the Cabot Institute Impact and Engagement Award. Meeting people from all over the world that work in such a variety of sectors was very inspiring. It also helped me realise that you don’t need to do something massive to make an impact – you can start with a small and specific area and that can lead to much bigger impact down the line. 

Beyond the MScR 

For me, the biggest difference between the MScR and undergraduate is that there’s far more qualitative research and analysis involved, and more social science. This has been really useful in helping me improve my networking and social skills, which will be important in the industry later on.  

Time management is also a big part of the MScR, since you have to set your own schedule, but the University is very supportive. They even sent a handwritten postcard to me at my prep school ahead of me joining! The best advice I can give is to make a plan and make it early. It can take a while to narrow down your research focus, and as the months go by it’s easy to start doubting yourself and your efforts. But as my supervisors say, stick to the plan and it will work out.  

After I’ve submitted my MScR project I’m planning on staying in the UK for a few years to get some industry experience before going back to Malaysia. I’m talking to a few energy companies, and I’m also working on my start-up, Solarable, which is focused on improving solar energy accessibility. There are lots of options and opportunities, and I’m feeling very hopeful!