Sharing Session Guest Mentor, Reem Al Mealla: The Journey Becoming A Scientist

 Hi peeps!

Let's start with the questions: 

Do you have plans to become a researcher? What are the reasons you want to become a scientist? Do you know how to achieve that?

On previous Friday (12/3), Adam and I did conference call with an awesome guest mentor. She is Ms Reem. This meeting ate an hour and a half and the discussion went well although there is a considerable time difference, that Indonesia time is 4 hours faster than Bahrain time.

Who is Reem?

Reem Al Mealla is a marine biologist from Bahrain with a specialisation in coral reef ecology and have experienced for 10 years of field research and experience in tropical and sub-tropical environments. She hold a PhD in Marine Biology from the University of Essex, a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London and BSc from University of Essex. She possess field experiences in Bahrain, Indonesia, South Africa and Madagascar during her study and work. Not only focus on the marine realm, but also have ever got internship in terrestrial animal conservation in Africa. She also have any project in UNEP. She worked on addressing policies and collaborating with international and UN major groups.

Opportunities are endless

Reem started the discussion with a short presentation. The first thing to say is about opportunity in life. Bringing the legend of Aladdin, Reem stated that the opportunity or request in life is unlimited, not like the one in Aladdin's story. Opportunities can be found anytime and anywhere. Adaptation is a basic ability that must be possessed to take advantage of this opportunity. The opportunity to become a scientist is very beneficial, especially for someone who likes doing new things and travelling. To hone will or skills in experimenting, a student can do an internship or training in accordance with the passion or realm of the field being studied. Reem shared her experience of being an intern in South Africa for 8 months as a research assistant in a national park when still undergraduate.

Internship activities in Africa

At the final year her undergraduate study level, Reem received her final research in Indonesia. Indonesia is a suitable place to hone her skills as a marine biologist. At that time, Reem did not want to return to London or Bahrain first because she had not satisfied with the experiences she got. She worked at Wakatobi National Park. There, she honed her diving skills, conduct underwater transect, look at behavioral studies of butterfly fish and coral reef, as well as analyze data. 

After getting a bachelor's degree, Reem continued her master's studies in ecology evolution and conservation as a further focus as a marine biologist. Masters study placements are carried out in Madagascar. She worked for an NGO, namely C3 (Community Centered Conservation). The work she did is related to marine turtles and its nesting site, shark fin trade. She did make turtle nesting site mappings in Nothern Madagasakar. This activity was carried out from the village of Kedesa by collecting data through interviews. Again, the ability to adapt is honed again when in a new place by how to interact and communicate with local residents. she doesn't think of it as a difficulty, but rather a challenge that can help her develop

Starting a career and self-branding

Reem started her career after completing her master's studies. She works in the environmental consultancy department. Some of what has been done are undertake underwater surveys, conducting marine baseline surveys (DDV, BRUVS, etc), contributing in undertaking EIA and EMP, creating a large database, and reporting whilst liasing. After being an environmental consultant for 2 years, Reem felt that this job helped her develop herself.

One of the needs of social media in this era seems difficult to be separated from social life. Reem also feels that social media is the right means to promote her activities as a marine biologist is the right step to open the eyes and participation of the community related to marine biologists. Unexpectedly, through her platform, Reem received project offers from the government several times. Until one of them, she presented the government project at the UN Environment Program Office. Since then, Reem has received many offers from her positive experiences and seems to be working for herself rather than a company. If in previous era, a scientist only conducted research, it was different from today. It is not enough for someone to just be a scientist, most of them will be a content creator, speaker, or active in organizations. So, Reem discussed that social media can certainly bring us jobs.

Expand the study

After working in the UN program and volunteering for 8 years, Reem decided to take a PhD study. The reason she wants to continue her studies is to develop marine biologist skills. Reem studied something new, namely DNA sequencing. She has conducted doctoral project studies in several countries such as Indonesia, Bahrain, and Seychelles. Reem received several criticisms while pursuing this doctoral education. The people around her thought she couldn't continue her study, but with her higher faith and desire, she could work while continuing her study. One of her goals is to complete her PhD before she turns 35. Reem carries out her work in the Seychelles National Park, and Wakatobi again. During her PhD study, Reem did not only focus on her research, but also the opportunities and skills provided. At Wakatobi, she carried out many activities as a mentor / supervisor for Makassar, Hasanudin and Essex university students as well as as a gradute lab assistant. After graduating last year, Reem returned to her country to work as a research manager. Believe it or not, she got the job through an offer on Instagram.

The conclusion

At the end of the meeting session, Reem opened a question or discussion session. Most of our questions were related to anxiety and problems related to the quarter life crisis. Reem understood that in our phase, there are so many thoughts that cannot be handled properly and wisely. She said it's okay to go through all those phases. What is not true is when we just sit around and don't move to find a solution. One of the tips he gave was that every New Year's turn, we could evaluate what has been done / accomplished and what will be done in the following year. Sometimes, we are tired of all the study or work problems. It's good to take time out. Take the time to just breathe and clear your mind, don't force everything to be finished at that time.

"Do what you want, make planning, just live it, then life will bring what you gonna be"