Courtnae Bailey

Research postgraduate, Centre for Environmental Policy and a member of the NERC Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet Doctoral Training Partnership.

"I’m an island girl at heart, chasing her dreams to make the world a better place. I was born in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, an island in the Caribbean. It was here I developed my passion for the environment and the need to protect it.

"This has led to my current work on climate adaptation finance for Small Island Developing States such as my home country. I am also an advocate for holistic wellbeing, especially in academia where we often sacrifice our physical and mental health for academic achievements.

"It’s great to chase those achievements but always remember to make time to take care of yourself. The pressure will always be on, but remember your abilities have gotten you to where you are. Do not add extra pressure by looking at others as your competition and comparing yourself, but rather focus on being the best version of yourself. My parents have always told me ‘no matter what you do, do it to the best of your ability’.

"So don’t compare yourself, give it your best, trust yourself and your achievements will speak for themselves."