Where are they now? Spotlight on our Previous Interns: Anna Safryghin

We love to highlight what our former interns are up to after their time at Forfar Field Station. Anna Safryghin was a member of the team here at Forfar during the 2018-2019 season.

How did the Forfar internship benefit you in your current job or your future career goals?

The internship at Forfar was a crucial stepping stone for the career that I wanted to pursue. Getting the opportunity to teach and educate students of all ages about the environment strengthened my passion for teaching and sharing my knowledge about the environment even further. Coming from a very marine science and research heavy background, the internship broadened my interests and made me discover my inner teacher in me, and that is a side that I will always try and include in both my current role as well as any future roles.

What professional skills did you gain from the internship?

The internship at Forfar has taught me a wide range of skills as well as strengthened abilities that I already had acquired. I am now very confident in my teaching, presenting and leadership skills, which have been proven particularly useful in my current role. Additionally while at Forfar, I was also able to develop a few practical skills, free diving, kayaking, and wilderness medicine to name a few.

What is the most memorable or favorite part of your Forfar internship?

I truly loved my internship at Forfar, and made some amazing memories with the rest of the incredible staff. Getting to construct and deliver two full credit marine science college courses to the local college (BAMSI) is perhaps the moment I remember the most and makes me the most proud.

Where is your hometown? Where are you living now? *

Originally from a small town in the north of Italy, I am now living in Edinburgh (Scotland).

What job(s) have you had since your time at Forfar? What are your responsibilities in the role?

Soon after I completed my internship with Forfar, I took on the role of Blog Manager for the non profit organization Women In Ocean Science (WOS) which is dedicated to tackling gender issues in marine science and conservation. I have been involved with WOS for the past 3 years, and have now become the Director and Operations Manager. In this new capacity I am responsible for the daily operations of the organization, securing funding, establishing partnerships and pursuing our mission to empower women in ocean related careers and learning environments.

Any current hobbies or places travelled?

While I do greatly miss being able to go snorkeling and diving in my free time, as I used to do at Forfar, I still try and spend time in the very cold waters of the North Sea through surfing. Travel has been limited for the past few years, however I have a few trips planned this upcoming summer, to name one, I will be going to Portugal representing Women In Ocean Science at the UN Ocean Conference.

Any other updates you would like to share with IFS?

Last year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I also decided to go back to school where I obtained a Master in Science in Marine Systems and Policies from the University of Edinburgh.