We are delighted to welcome Miriam Remshard to Darwin this term, in the part-time role of Project Manager (Sustainability). A PhD student in Psychology at Peterhouse, Miriam is researching misapprehensions around climate change, and how its threat and solutions can best be communicated. The position at Darwin therefore offers a unique opportunity both to have a practical impact in advocating and implementing sustainable solutions, and to see climate communications in action within a small community.
“It’s the perfect complement to my research, working towards the same overarching goal,” Miriam explained.
She will be walking in the footsteps of Meg Groom, who held the position over the past two years while completing her PhD in Physics at Darwin. Meg’s initiatives, from Project Second Life to Green Week, have become part of the fabric of Darwin life, but Miriam believes that her perspective as a non-Darwin member will benefit both Darwin and Peterhouse.
“It’s interesting to see so much going on at Darwin that isn’t happening at Peterhouse. I like to think it will be helpful to bring a fresh pair of eyes.”
She is used to juggling College affiliations, having sung for the past year with the Pembroke College Chapel Choir, as part of which she travelled to Zambia this summer.
Before beginning her studies at Cambridge, Miriam completed a BA in Experimental Psychology at Oxford, and a Master’s in Environmental Science and Climate Change Communication at Yale.
Miriam is particularly excited by the longstanding engagement of Darwin’s Catering Manager, Ivan Higney, with research. Darwin’s catering team has worked with numerous PhD students, taking part in studies and supplying information and statistics, and also responds to new findings by changing its approach.
But Miriam’s remit is far wider than food. She’ll be working with students and staff across the College to support sustainable activity and ensure that Darwin’s impact on the environment continues to be considered in every aspect of College life.
“For this first term I’ll mostly be getting to know people,” she says. “I’m looking forward to finding out what’s happening at different levels, as well as where I fit in and what I can push for.”
