Meet Hedda Matteoni - Master's student in Marine Science
Hedda Matteoni's best advice for those who want to study a master's degree in marine sciences? Be curious and don't hesitate to get in touch with researchers working on topics you find interesting. And if you have the opportunity: go on an exchange!
What are you doing right now?
"I'm currently working on my degree project, where I'm studying what happens to bacteria in seawater when exposed to different concentrations of methane gas. The need for the project came after the Nordstream leak in the Baltic Sea, where a lot of methane leaked into the water. There are certain bacteria that use methane for energy, so the aim of the project is to see how different levels of methane affect the bacteria. The hypothesis is that there will be more bacteria that can utilise methane when there are higher levels of methane in the water."
Can you tell something about what your days look like?
"Since I just started the project, I spend a lot of time in the lab, at least four hours a day. I think this is great fun, I like being in the lab and I wanted to work on a project that involved a lot of lab work. Every week I have a meeting with my supervisor and the research group where we talk about how things are going and what needs to be done next. Once I have finished the DNA extraction, the samples will be sent externally for analysis, and after that we will analyse the data we get back and summarise the information in a report."
Why did you want to become a marine scientist?
"It started in high school, where I was interested in science subjects, mainly biology. Then I saw a BBC documentary called Frozen Planet and the penguins got me interested in marine biology. Since I was also keen to move to Gothenburg, the choice was easy when it was time to apply for a programme. So first, I studied the Bachelor's programme, and now the Master's."
What is the best part of the programme?
"The best thing for me is the practical work, being in the lab or in the field. On the first course we had to do a big project and I think that was probably one of the best things. It was so much fun to plan and take responsibility for the project. It was like a test to see what you could do and what you have learnt along the way. I have also been on exchange twice, first to the University of Southampton in the UK and then to the University of Tasmania in Australia. If you have the opportunity, go on an exchange. You learn so much, both academically and about yourself – it’s a real personality development. You also meet many new friends from all over the world."
What is easy and difficult in the programme?
"For me, statistics and maths have been a challenge. It’s very fun, but difficult. I also find chemistry challenging. But all subjects in marine science are important to understand the ocean as a system, you just have to bite the bullet and learn all the subjects. Then you can always have a favourite subject that you want to do further research in, mine is biology."
Do you have any tips for those thinking of applying?
"Be curious and get in touch with researchers working on topics you find interesting. I’m interested in microbial biology and ecology, so I looked in our degree project catalogue and researcher Carina Bunse had posted several projects on microbial biology. Therefore, I contacted her."
What happens after graduation?
"I’m looking forward to working after my programme and would like to stay in Gothenburg. There are many good opportunities to find a job related to my education."
