Aquatech Community Manager Ireland

Name: Jessica Giannoumis

Job: Aquatech Community Manager Ireland

Study Programme: International Environmental Studies

Completed studies at NMBU: 2016

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your current role? How did your career path lead you there?

I currently work at Hatch Blue, a global investment platform focusing on sustainable aquaculture. As the aquatech community manager for Ireland, I focus on regional economic development across Ireland and Europe and get to work with a lot of start-ups and small businesses that have innovative solutions to revolutionize aquaculture and subsequently make aquaculture more sustainable. After I finished my Masters at NMBU, I decided I wasn’t done with research yet and started a PhD at University College Cork focusing on smart blue growth and developing coastal marine regions sustainably across Europe. During that time, I worked on several diverse research projects including on academically-led accelerator programs for marine sectors, projects focusing on sustainable coastal marine tourism and drone technology, and technologies for the shipping sector to reduce underwater noise pollution (among others). The last one was close to my heart, as my own Masters focused on the policy framework around underwater noise pollution (full circle moment!). After I completed my PhD, I was approached by Hatch Blue and decided to take my academic learnings into the real world. I was very fortunate to be able to see how my research translates to real life and create meaningful impact within the sector and across the marine.

What attracted you to your programme at NMBU?

I had a clear idea what I wanted to research before I started my Masters, and I knew that NMBU would be the best place to do it because the faculty members had such great and diverse interested that I felt my own interests would fit right in.

What was the most rewarding or memorable part of your studies?

Being able to travel to India and make lifelong memories (and friends) there was amazing. This was a great course to immerse yourself in a culture, explore different regions of the country, and learn so much. Academically, this was a very rich experience too as we got to build a research project around a topic of interest and collect data (which had its own challenges), and really understand what it takes to deliver robust and scientifically sound output.

How did you experience the academic and social environment at NMBU?

I started my academic life a bit later than the average student which made fitting in during my undergrad very challenging. But coming to NMBU, I felt like most of us were there for the same reason: to follow our (academic) passion, so I felt instantly included and connected. We had so many power study sessions together, particularly during the final write up, where we supported each other, sent each other articles that we thought would be interesting and relevant and discussed anything under the sun. I had a great experience all-around and can say, without a doubt, I learnt a lot academically and made great friends (from around the world!) along the way too.

How do you use the knowledge or skills you acquired during your studies in your current job?

I was fortunate to join the writing center as an advisor for a little while and really enjoyed working with students. I learnt a lot about how to write effectively – learnt some absolute power skills here! I was also very fortunate that my Masters advisor was not only tough and fair but also allowed me to do research outside of his comfort zone. We worked it out together, trying to see what makes sense and what doesn’t and that commitment to my research (and my passion) stayed with me and I carried that forward into everything I do.

What further career plans do you have?

To me, the most important thing is to create positive impact and ensure that whatever marine development we do undertake is sustainable. No easy feat but a rewarding and very enjoyable mission. In short, I have no idea where my career will take me next, but I know that it’ll be an exciting journey!

What advice would you give to current or future students?

If you’re not having fun, why are you doing it? Of course, there will be challenging and tumultuous times but passion for what you do and the good times, will get you through most of everything else.