I am a researcher in animal welfare. This means I get to ask questions and solve problems around how animals are treated. Along with research I teach students, which means I can help others understand how animals work and why their welfare is important. I love my job because

1. I am always learning new things – working in research means I investigate new areas and learn how they work.
2. I get to work on improving the welfare of animals. I find this really rewarding.
3. I get to travel with my work. For example, last week I was in Dubai talking to local experts and teaching people about animal welfare.

This is one of the creatures I came across in Dubai

I don’t really have a typical day. When I am teaching students, a lot of my time is spent preparing lectures, taking practical classes and marking.

When I am conducting research, my jobs vary according to what I am doing.

For example, today I did some experimental work with sheep, had a meeting with a student about lion research, and worked on a training program for animal welfare. Tomorrow will be different again.

My dog Tess comes to work with me when I need her to do some sheep work. Those are the best days.

Education about animal welfare is really important. If you have a good understanding about what animals want and how they work, you are more likely to care for their welfare. By teaching kids about animal welfare they are more likely to retain this knowledge when they are older, and act upon it to improve the lives of animals. I would use this money to visit a primary schools and talk about animal welfare.