Md Jakiul Islam

Md Jakiul Islam

Doctoral Researcher, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), University of Bremen, Germany - from Bangladesh

In Oceans & Lakes, I acquired knowledge which I can now use and transform to local settings and situations. I will always remember Oceans & Lakes as a hub of knowledge and opportunities for marine and lacustrine students.

I started the MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management programme in 2014.  I always dreamt about studying marine science abroad and fortunately, that dream finally came true. I was very excited when I found out that I could go to Belgium to study this master programme.

One of the most notable memories during my time in Belgium was the limnological field course to Switzerland. We spent time at the research station on the shore of Lake Lucerne where we did field research about different aspects of limnology. This took place in full summer, a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of Switzerland. This was a great experience for me.

During my stay in Belgium, I gained a lot of knowledge, experiences and met many people from different corners of the world. I learned how to work in an international environment. I also learned a lot about group dynamics and how to work on scientific topics in a group. I gained self-confidence in sharing experiences with experts and reverse learning from others. Moreover, I acquired knowledge, which I can now use and transform to local settings and situations.

I will always remember Oceans & Lakes as a hub of knowledge and opportunities for marine and lacustrine students. I truly hope that Oceans and Lakes can continue to support the people working for science and nature through providing education, training and research networks support. It would be great for me if I could contribute to expanding its network to the change makers.

Since I left Oceans and Lakes, I have been working for the Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh as a permanent teaching and research faculty member. My main role there was teaching and research. Currently, I am doing my Ph.D. in climate change impacts on fish and invertebrates at the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research and Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, University of Bremen, Germany.