Nour studied BSc Marine Biology at the University of Aberdeen, developing knowledge of ecology, nature conservation and marine resource management. Through a placement at the NAFC Marine Centre (Shetland), he assisted with the collection of biological data to calculate annual fishing quotas of different fish stocks. At the Aegean University in Lesbos (Greece), he helped to evaluate the seaweed biodiversity and status of damaged seagrass through underwater sampling, environmental health assessments, and using special biodiversity assessment software. This experience furthered his interest not only in seaweed biodiversity research, but also in environmental restoration and nature conservation. For his honour’s thesis, he studied seaweed communities along salinity gradients of the Ythan Estuary (Aberdeenshire). Since graduating, Nour worked at the egg hatchery of Aquagen (Dumfries), following his interest in the potential of aquaculture as a sustainable fish production alternative and where smart technologies can enhance and optimise energy, nutrient and water usage.
Being a polyglot, Nour loves to communicate and has a strong sense of inclusivity. Apart from his two mother tongues (French and Italian), he speaks English, German, Mandarin (Chinese) and Spanish. His passion for nature conservation, travel and new cultures has been translated perfectly to his most recent experience with critical conservation projects at the Pacuare Reserve (Costa Rica). Here, he not only grasped the complexity involved when implementing conservation strategies, but also the importance of working with local communities. Furthermore, he enhanced his communication skills by teaching tourists and students about major environmental issues like the absence of fishery regulation and protection against poaching.
Nour joins us through the Working With Rivers funded placement scheme led by NatureScot in partnership with Graduate Career Advantage Scotland (GCAS) and Fisheries Management Scotland (FMS). He first learned of cbec through the Threave Landscape Restoration Project while living in Dumfries and Galloway last year and is now eager to develop his knowledge and skills in fluvial data collection and analysis, as well as develop his knowledge of sustainable river restoration. As a Junior Field Technician, he will support cbec’s field teams, gaining experience in topographic and fluvial audit surveys, data processing, data analysis and reporting.
