A Day in the Life of Jodie Case, Research assistant for Waders & Wetlands Research

Jodie shares her passion for research, learning and her dog, Brian.

Is there such a thing as a typical day for you? If so, what's it like?

As part of the Waders for Real team, there is no typical day. Tasks change dramatically throughout the year (and sometimes daily); activities have ranged from searching for fox scat, surveying waders, measuring vegetation, putting out temporary electric fences, to then buying cake for our farmer meetings and next minute putting towels in log cabins for our guests at our End of Project Conference – the variety has been endless, and so has the fun and laughter! There has also been a lot of time spent at my desk, writing reports, providing updates for farmers, as well as managing lots and lots of data.

How did you end up doing what you do?

Honestly, I’m not quite sure – the past two years have been a bit of a whirlwind! I went to university slightly later in life and retrained as an ecologist, after being a legal secretary for 10 years. I graduated in 2018 but during university I did a short work placement with the Trust’s predation department and absolutely loved every second -  the Trust hasn’t been able to get rid of me ever since!

What motivates you?

Learning. I love to learn.

What’s the one thing that can make the difference between a good day and a bad one?

Forgetting something you need while out in the field.

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?

This year I went to my very first scientific conference held by the International Union for Game Biologists (IUGB), in Lithuania. I learnt so much from the scientific presentations, the discussions and the place.

How do you relax?

I walk my dog, with music in my ears.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali – her story of her struggle in life is quite something.

What is your most treasured possession?

Incredibly materialistic I know, but my clothes, I love my clothes!

What keeps you awake at night?

Keeping Brian my dog well and happy, and normal life stuff, bills, work etc – nothing too drastic

What’s the best part of your week?

Sunday, when I get to drink strong coffee and eat jam and toast in my favourite cafe, while getting lost in music and a book!