Urja Thakrar
Role: Recent Masters in Environmental Technologies graduate from the Centre for Environmental Policy, Natural Sciences, Imperial College London. Currently a PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College.
Subject area: Climate change and agriculture
Nationality: British
I am an environmental and animal welfare scientist exploring the future of animal health as we move towards a Net Zero society. Before starting my PhD, I had a mixed academic experience with an undergraduate degree in history followed by an environmental science Masters degree. My route to a PhD has been unconventional but I believe that being able to draw on both the natural and social sciences will offer interesting perspectives on issues that are traditionally dominated by the natural sciences.
GCSE (or equivalent): Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, History, ICT, English literature, English language, Religious Studies, French, Gujarati
A-level (or equivalent): Mathematics, Biology, History, English Literature
Degrees:
• BA (Hons) History, University College London
• MSc Environmental Technology, Imperial College London
• PhD UK Food Systems Centre for Doctoral Training (ongoing), Royal Veterinary College
Details about Urja
![SiA My research icon](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/my-research-icon-for-T4.jpg)
My research
My research looks at the relationship and trade-offs between climate change and animal health and welfare. I am looking for ways to encourage dietary change in the UK in order to reduce agricultural environmental impact and promote greater welfare outcomes for livestock.
![SiA my inspiration icon](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/my-inspiration-icon-for-T4.jpg)
My inspiration
During a summer internship I worked with Defra on a project to reduce meat consumption. Whilst there, I met many policymakers and academics passionate about creating a more positive future for UK food systems. I knew that this was something I also wanted to contribute towards with my own background and love for animals.
![SiA My STEM Hero icon](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/my-Stem-Hero-Icon-for-T4.jpg)
Who is your STEM hero?
My answer to this changes every few years, but currently it’s Dr James Davies, a psychotherapist, academic, and author. His book. Sedated: How Modern Capitalism Created Our Mental Health Crisis fundamentally changed my view on mental health and my own life.
![Three tubes of penicillin powder, two of International Standard](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/Three_tubes_of_penicillin_powder,_two_of_International_Stand_Wellcome_L0059014-(1).jpg)
Most significant discovery/invention?
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming – antibiotics are one of the foundations of modern health, animal health, and food systems as we know them today.
![three chickens eating on brown ground](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/Imperial-Silwood_Dan-Weill-Photography_high-res-22-3000X2000.jpg)
Career options after study
- Academic researcher and/or lecturer
- Consultant for environmental, public health and animal welfare issues
- Researcher for private environmental or animal health organisations
- Sustainable finance advisor
- Policymaker or scientific advisor for governments and NGOs
![Books piled up](https://pxl-imperialacuk.terminalfour.net/fit-in/720x462/prod01/channel_2/media/images/landscape-3000X2000/Case-Studies.png)
My hobbies
I love to read and have to carry a book wherever I go; I often have several on the go. I also enjoy most racquet sports, but mainly badminton and tennis.