Experience reports from the FWJ in the macroplastics working group
Experience reports from the FWJ in the macroplastics working group
Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the Macroplastics working group at the University of Oldenburg.
Mayra Lenz, FWJ 2018/2019
Where are you employed and what are your areas of responsibility?
I am part of the research consortium Macroplastics at the ICBM and now mainly work in the geoecology working group. They deal with the tracking of macroplastics in the southern North Sea and the rivers that flow into it by using wood and GPS drifters to trace the paths of plastics. This will be followed by an exchange of knowledge with local interest groups (industry, tourism, fisheries, nature conservation organisations, etc.) in order to lend weight to the results.
One of my tasks now is to process scientific findings into teaching material for pupils, which will be published as part of our working group's publicity project called "Müllkoffer". To do this, I read current papers on the scientific findings and follow global and political debates on the topic of "plastic in the sea and consumption". I am also working with the biodidacticists at Oldenburg University to develop material for pupils. I also follow the research of my working group by accompanying doctoral candidates and students in field experiments, litter monitoring and drifter releases. Furthermore, I have already accompanied the public relations work of our research group and will go to schools myself in the coming year to put our student project into practice and improve it further. I am also attending courses in biodidactics and environmental science internships to experience more of the day-to-day research and student life.
Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Year of Science?
I always felt very comfortable in the natural sciences. But what you learn at school is not the same as studying such a subject. I wanted to find out what I would be facing in the coming years. The degree programmes seemed to me to be very differentiated and rich in choice. In order to be able to make a decision in favour of one of them, I wanted to gain a little more experience first. A voluntary year or internship is possible in many other areas, so why not go into the sciences for a year?
Moving to another city also promised me a level of independence and responsibility for my own household that I had never experienced before.
What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?
I am trusted to do a lot in my working group and am given a lot of autonomy. This gives me more confidence and further development in my own abilities. I also learn a lot about university life and everyday student life through my work at the university. I also deal with a highly topical subject and can familiarise myself with the scientific perspective. I plan and time the student project on my own and learn to deal with it responsibly.
Organising and finding my way around a new city then came naturally.
What advice would you give to future volunteers?
This year serves you. You grow not only in your tasks but also as a person. Learning to deal with your independence also means taking on responsibility. Try out as many things as you like and don't be afraid to ask why or how something works. Your environment is very open-minded and willing to give you answers.