Dr Caroline Howe

Lecturer in Environmental Social Science, Centre for Environmental Policy

"I explore the relationship between people and nature and the influences, both positive and negative, of geopolitics, economics, society and culture on that relationship. Ultimately, I aim to demonstrate how a move towards more sustainable use of natural resources can ensure that both people and the planet survive and thrive long into the future, whilst making significant steps towards reducing global inequalities.

"I have two pieces of advice: firstly, don’t feel the need to define yourself, especially early on in your career. I am interested in both the natural sciences and people. For many years when asked what I did I couldn’t provide an answer, but now I am happy to sit on the fence and call myself a natural social scientist and have found a job that supports me by allowing me the freedom to be truly interdisciplinary.

"Secondly, you need back-up! I am fortunate in having an incredible family that has provided both inspiration and support for my career, in having had the opportunity to work with two leading women in the field, Professor Milner-Gulland and Dame Professor Mace and, of course, friends for life through my MSc and PhD degrees. Failure and rejection are common in academic life and these people have consistently picked me up and set me on my path again. As women, we owe it to ourselves, to those who came before and those who will come after, to pick each other up when we fall and give us that little nudge of encouragement to keep going. It is worth it!"