Olivia Azevedo

Olivia's Story

Olivia Azevedo was inspired to study Environmental Science after writing about related issues in her previous career as a journalist – and the birth of her first child.

“I wrote many articles about sustainability and environmental issues,” Olivia explained. “I always felt that I could contribute so much more to the future of the planet if only I had the depth of knowledge to make it happen.

“Education changes the way you see the world and yourself – and so does motherhood. It makes you want to be the best that you can possibly be – to become a role model.

“Stirling seemed like the perfect place to study because the campus is beautiful, the feedback from students is very positive and there is an access course that allowed me to get the necessary qualifications to apply for the degree of my choice.”

Including her access course, Olivia has studied at Stirling for five years and, during that time, received the Altajir Trust Scholarship, which helped fund a dissertation fieldwork trip to the Arctic.

Olivia, 41, has successfully applied for a PhD position at Stirling. She added: “I feel like I am still dreaming.”