In this episode of Wild Research Bites Emelie interview two students writing their master thesis project at the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental studies at SLU in Umeå. Michelle Etienne is a German student that did her previous studies at Stockholm University and is currently doing a 60 credit thesis about Golden eagle movements in relation to linear infrastructure such as roads. She is studying if these structures form ecological traps for the eagles and how this is affecting the population. She is interested in movement ecology and aspires to continue with a Ph.D. in the future. Raul Lira Rodriguez came all the way from Chile to Umeå to study the master program in Management of Fish and Wildlife populations and writing his thesis linking plant community composition, abiotic factors to competition and management of livestock and wildlife such as Ibex and Snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan. I ask them about their general experience of doing a master thesis so far, what has been the hardest part and the easiest part. Another important aspect of enjoying your work is the setting. What do they think of Umeå as a city to study in? Do the possibilities of seeing the auroras in winter outweigh the huge amounts of mosquitoes during summer? Listen to find out more about their topics, their experiences and their best advice for someone starting their thesis! Thanks again to Michelle and Raul for joining this episode. The plan is to follow this up with more episodes of students sharing their experience with doing a master thesis. Let us know if you think this would be of value to you and if you would like to be featured in a future episode!

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More informationBecome a master at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/faculties/s/education/mastersofnature/Master students Instagram: @slu.mastersofnatureMore examples of thesis projects at VFM: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/education/advanced-level-courses/master-thesis/meet-our-students/Doing a thesis at VFM and vacant projects: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/education/advanced-level-courses/master-thesis/Master program convenor John Ball: [email protected] convenor Therese Löfroth: [email protected]