Studying at Cardiff took student to Australia and Borneo
16 July 2026
A Biological Sciences degree at Cardiff University took a student round the world during her studies, conducting fieldwork and research in Australia and Borneo.
Millie Vernon, originally from a small historic market town just North of Bristol, started her degree at Cardiff University in 2022, attracted to its research and the university’s proximity to nature and green spaces.
“Biology was always my favourite subject through school, and I wanted to continue studying it at a higher level. Biological Sciences fulfilled my curiosity about how things work, alongside my love of nature and the environment.”
Cardiff University has a strong reputation for Biological sciences and associated research – but my favourite part of Cardiff was its closeness to nature. It is in a great location in the Welsh countryside.
“You could go shopping one day and go to the middle of nowhere on a hike the next. It is not too far from nature, full of pretty walks, beaches and lakes - if you can brave the cold water!” said Millie.
Studying within the School of Biosciences, Millie took part in experimental work in the laboratory and in the field, as well as learning from experts across a breadth of topics - including animal and plant biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics and evolution.
Millie said: “The course allows you to tailor what areas of biology you want to study. This was important to me because it meant I could study nature and the environment through conservation biology and ecology modules, whilst also studying developmental stem cell biology, two fields that don’t usually overlap.
“I enjoyed both, and having studied them side by side has given me a more well-rounded scientific toolkit.”
During her degree, Millie’s studies took her outside of Wales. She completed a professional training year in Australia, conducting research at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, as well as travelling with Cardiff University staff and students to complete fieldwork in Borneo.
I will always look back fondly on my travels throughout my degree.
“My professional training year was a highlight of my university studies. When I made the decision to do my placement in Australia, I was quite scared. These worries proved unfounded - the office I was in is filled with wonderful people conducting fascinating research.
“During my placement, I conducted two studies which have both subsequently been published as papers. My time at the University of New South Wales in Sydney cemented my enjoyment of research, particularly soil science. Through the fieldwork and research, I built a strong understanding of soil health.
“At the end of my second year at Cardiff, I also went to the Danau Girang field centre in Borneo as a fieldwork trip. During this trip, we saw orangutans, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills, as well as a herd of pygmy elephants, which was really amazing,” said Millie
Millie graduates on July 16, celebrating with her fellow students before starting a Master’s degree in Canada.
“I am moving on to a Master of Research at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. The research is focused on soil research in the context of oil sand mining reclamation sites.
“My placement year and dissertation project have given me valuable experience within the world of research. These projects significantly improved my fieldwork, laboratory and coding skills that are valuable for conducting research.”
Those skills have made me a much better scientist.
