Pulborough graduate proves full time work is no barrier to degree

A self-employed dressage rider and horse trainer who juggled working whilst studying, has graduated from university - and will soon start her PhD.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Aug 2015, 12:19 BST

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After studying for four years at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bonita Barrett-Crosdil, 22, from Pulborough, graduated with a MOcean Geological Oceanography at Bangor University. This degree focused on the study of marine sediments within an Earth system science context.

Growing up on a farm, Bonita spent most of her childhood around horses. Having studied physics, economics, geography and Spanish A Levels at the College of Richard Collyer, she aspired to be a geoscientist in the oil and gas industry.

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Bonita is this year’s recipient of the The Darbyshire Prize, which was established in 1986 with monies contributed by friends and colleagues of the late Professor Jack Darbyshire to mark his retirement from the Chair of Physical Oceanography. The prize is awarded for the best final year student studying for a degree wholly within the School of Ocean Sciences.

Bonita said: “I was working self-employed throughout my studies, which was a struggle at times, however the horses were a healthy study break. I believe that this contributed to my success by allowing me to clear my head and re-focus on my studies.

“I’m very grateful to be awarded the Darbyshire Prize. It is lovely to have my hard work to be rewarded aside from my degree grade.

“There were many highlights during my time at Bangor University. My Masters project was very inspiring, I studied the effect of turning on shallow gas signatures using a model I wrote myself and I sought data and support from Statoil. I also had my paper abstract accepted to be presented at the International Geosciences Student Conference in Prague in July.”

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She added: “It’s a massive relief to be graduating. I’m very happy and really looking forward to the next chapter which is commencing a PhD in sedimentology and structural geology at the University of Leeds.”

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Related topics:A Levels