About me
Diane Pavat
I was born in France and grew up surrounded by mountains in Austria and southern France, however, through my travels around the world, I developed a deep passion for the marine environment. This led me to pursue a BSc and MSc in Biology and Marine Conservation. I also volunteer for environmental charities, channelling my dedication into making a positive impact.
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I have worked for three years as a Marine Ecological Consultant in the offshore wind industry, where I worked on Environmental Impact Assessments for marine mammals and seabirds. It is during this time that I developed in parallel my digital illustration skills as a media to share my passions and values.
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I am now embarking in a new journey as a PhD candidate studying southern rockhopper penguins in the Falkland Islands. This new adventure will enable me to enhance my knowledge of seabirds, but will also improve my fieldwork skills and respond to the urgent need for understanding this vulnerable species and its decline over the last few years.

​So, join me as we explore the wonders of the natural world and work together towards preserving our precious ecosystems!
Experiences
Oct 2021 / Aug 2024 - Ecological Consultant - HiDef Aerial Surveying
Jun 2020 / Sep 2021 - Foreign Ambassador - UoA Marine Society
Studies
Oct 2024 / Mar 2028 - PhD Candidate - QUADRAT DTP - UoA (UK)
Sep 2020 / Aug 2021 - MSc Marine Conservation - UoA (UK)
Sep 2017 / Jun 2020 - BSc (Licence) Biology and Life Sciences - Universite Grenoble Alpes (FR)​
Volunteering
Apr 2025 / Present - Zoo & Roots Society Social Media Officer
Mar 2025 / Present - Student-Staff Liaison Committee
Jun 2025 / Present - Co-chair PhULMaR group
Dec 2023 / Aug 2024 - Forth Island Heritage Group Volunteer
Nov 2019 / Present - WDC Shore-watch Volunteer
May 2021 / Apr 2022 - RSPB Volunteer Events Assistant​​​
Publications
Grants
Jul 2025 - Shackleton Scholarship Fund - £4,000
Apr 2025 - Watt Fund - £448
Oct 2024 - NERC QUADRAT DTP - 3.5 years funded PhD
Certificates
​In progress - T-ringing permit working towards a C permit (view ringing list here)
Mar 2025 - Outdoor/At-Sea Emergency First Aid
May 2024 - Career Mentor for MSc student
Sep 2023 - IEMA Environmental Impact Assessment
Oct 2022 - Marine Mammal Observer
May 2021 - Personal Survival Techniques At Sea​​​​​​​