Millichope Foundation Scholarship recipient Jenna Churchill cannot wait to start her placement year at Bristol Zoo.

Academic success and a scholarship are two of Jenna Churchill’s achievements but it’s her placement year at Bristol Zoo that she is most excited about.

“I’m really excited to be a research assistant at Bristol Zoo - I will get to practice what I’ve already learned and do the practical side of things we’ve only learned the theory of so far”, says the BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management student.

“This is the first work placement I’ve had so I’m looking forward to getting as much out of it as I possibly can”, says Jenna who adds, that “Bristol Zoo has been brilliant and really considered what I want to get out of my placement.”

The placement year and the amount of practical experience on offer were two of the reasons why, Nottingham-based Jenna, chose to study at Harper Adams.

“The practical work and the experiences on offer sold the degree to me. A lot of universities don’t have the surroundings Harper does, its acres of fields and a farm - we could survey on our doorstep and practice whereas at other institutions that seemed to not be the case.”

“As Harper is smaller than the other institutions, I looked at I also thought I would get a more personal and more tailored university experience and that’s definitely what I’ve had.”

Life outside of her degree has, like her studies, been a roaring success for Jenna, recipient of the Millichope Foundation Scholarship, which is providing financial support while she gains career experience.

“I coach gymnastics and specialise in the Women’s Artistic category and having the Lilleshall Sports Centre down the road was great as I could continue with my sport and use the world-class facilities.”

Jenna wasn't anxious at first about joining Harper Adams, but after two years on campus she says she “loves the social side of Harper because everyone is so friendly that everyone fits in!”

Once Jenna has completed her degree, she is contemplating a working gap year to gain more skills and experience as she is hoping to achieve a career in conservation research or environmental consultancy.

However, she adds: “it also depends what placement leads too as well, I could make some good contacts and progress there, so I’ll wait and see before setting anything in stone.”