Profile
Gallia Cochrane
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About Me:
I live in the beautiful Scottish Highlands with my husband, dog and two cats. I’m obsessed with plants… if I’m not in a garden, you’ll find me skateboarding or cooking. I love all things nerdy, especially Lord of the Rings and the Discworld.
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I was born and raised in South Africa, and moved to the UK in 2012. I went to university in Cornwall and studied photography, before I moved to bonnie Scotland and started studying plants.
I still love photography and art though! To me, there is always a connection between art and science.
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My pronouns are:
She/ her
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My Work:
I am a lecturer at the University of the Highlands and Islands in the Horticulture department. I also do research work, mainly focused on growing media (what plants grow in, like compost and soil) for agriculture.
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In my department I teach courses like gardening, horticulture and environmental science & sustainability.
My favourite units to teach are plant identification and vegetative propagation- this is where we grow plants without using seeds. Ever wondered how they grow seedless watermelons or grapes? now you know!
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My Typical Day:
I wake up at 07:30, grab a coffee and a couple pieces of fruit for breakfast. Cuddle my dog and tell her she’s the most beautiful dog in the world.
I get to work around 08:30 and prep my classes for the day. I get to be really flexible and teach my students in the garden, in a science lab or in a class. We get to play around with plants, compost and soil.
Then I grab some lunch, usually with colleagues.
Then it’s back to work!
I drive home and spend my evening reading and working on my research work.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
There’s prize money? That’s so cool!
I would love to travel to some remote schools in the highlands and talk to the students about the importance of growing plants and help set up/ work in school gardens.
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Education:
Falmouth University and The University of the Highlands and Islands
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Work History:
Freelance photographer,
Barista and waitress,
Royal Mail postie,
Royal Mail manager,
Hotel manager,
Horticulturalist and grower
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Current Job:
Lecturer and researcher
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Employer:
Lecturer: University of the Highlands and Islands.
Researcher: Freelance
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Plant-obsessed educator
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wanted to be a photographic journalist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes, all the time! I always forgot to do my homework and I talked loads in class
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would probably be a gardener
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Hozier
What's your favourite food?
French toast
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I wish I could read faster. I wish I had a bigger garden. I every day was a good hair day.
Tell us a joke.
What do you call it when worms take over the world? Global Worming.
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