Stella Piipponen-Doyle
Conservation Graduate
Stella's career journey
Since graduating from Newcastle University, I’ve had the opportunity to build a five-year career in global conservation. My journey began with a communications internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the Brussels Liaison Office to the European Union (EU).
I then progressed to a Project Associate position at UNEP, where I supported the development and management of a complex EU-funded project.
More recently, I worked as a consultant supporting collaboration between UNEP and the Nature-based Solutions team at UNEP-WCMC. Here, I supported a wide range of activities – such as resource mobilisation, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
I’ve recently started a new role as Programme Officer at UNEP-WCMC, where I am contributing to the Centre’s engagement with intergovernmental agreements and processes relevant to biodiversity and ecosystem services – such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), IPBES, and the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development. Currently, I am working across various projects under Horizon Europe, which is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation, as well as supporting the work of the Global Framework on Chemicals secretariat.
The professional skills I developed during my Master’s degree at Newcastle University have been the most valuable to my career
A strong foundation
One of my favourite aspects of the degree programme was the diversity of modules on offer. The course allowed me to explore how wildlife-related research can directly influence policy, which was instrumental in shaping my career path. At the same time, I gained valuable technical skills, such as in handling large datasets, including spatial (GIS) and remote-sensed data. This combination of policy insight and practical training made the programme highly applicable to addressing real-world environmental challenges.
The opportunity to design and carry out my own research dissertation project was also invaluable. It helped me build practical skills in research, communication, and project management – skills I continue to apply every day.
My time at Newcastle University provided me with a strong foundation for launching my career in the global conservation space. The programme equipped me with a strong understanding of global conservation policies and practices, as well as with essential professional skills in project management, communications, teamwork, and operating at the science-policy interface.
The combination of knowledge and practical skills gave me the confidence to apply for and secure an internship at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which marked the beginning of my career in the international environmental sector
Exceptional support
The entirety of my Master’s degree at Newcastle University stands out as a vital step in preparing me for a career in international biodiversity conservation. However, the Research Dissertation Project module stands out as particularly impactful.
Beyond helping me build key skills in research, communications, and project management, what made this experience especially meaningful was the exceptional support I received from my academic supervisors, Dr Louise Mair and Professor Philip McGowan. Their mentorship continued even after I completed the programme, as we collaborated to publish my dissertation research in the scientific journal Biodiversity and Conservation. The paper, published in 2021, has been accessed over 2,000 times – an achievement that affirmed the relevance of my work.