Verónica Méndez
Post doc
University of East Anglia
Norwich, UK, with fieldwork in Iceland
Follow Verónica on Twitter @VMendezAragon
Most likely to be found…
…Somewhere between Norwich, Portugal (winter) and Iceland (summer)
Involved with the BOU as:
Ordinary member
BOU member since: …I cant remember…I think in 2010
Why are you a member of the BOU?
I only joined the BOU to attend my first ornithological conference as a 1st year PhD student, as it was cheaper for members, and then became even cheaper for Early Career Researchers!! At that time I had no clue of how much I would end up getting from it all. Becoming a BOU member at that stage, and given the effort the BOU puts into helping ECRs involved with ornithological research, was massive to my development as a scientist. And now, as a post-doc it is great to continue to be part of all that!
What would you say to anyone who is considering joining (or leaving!) the BOU?
BOU support a great and diverse ornithological community while managing to make each member feel “at home”. It produces one of the best scientific ornithological journals and for an early career researcher, the BOU provides different workshops in a really friendly atmosphere. I have not found this in any other scientific organization (although the Wader Study Group is very close…).
If you’ve attended a BOU conference, what did you get out of it?
I have attended four BOU annual conferences and I always have the same feeling. Talks are great and the conference provides a great opportunity to meet people, from students to more “experienced” professionals. BOU ECR workshops are great! In a BOU conference, (educational) fun is guaranteed.
What is your most memorable bird-y experience?
First time I went to Iceland during peak breeding season. I could not believe the density of breeding waders. It was incredible being able to hear so many different species at once and see the fluffy chicks walking around in still almost pristine habitats!
What is your favourite outdoor place and why?
Anywhere I can enjoy nature and disconnect from society, preferably on the coast.
What do you predict to be the future big research areas in ornithology?
How individuals respond to global environmental change and how it can be scaled up to populations.
What would you say to anyone considering research in ornithology?
Do it!
Has your career in ornithology turned out how you expected it to?
Much better!
What are your interests outside the world of ornithology?
I am interested in understanding the consequences of global environmental change for biodiversity in general. I have a long-term passion for conservation and I am involved in conservation projects across the globe.