Your impact: Naomi Lefroy

Each year, the Bratton Bursary is awarded to support a student during their studies to obtain a Master’s degree. Naomi matriculated as a Geography undergraduate in 2016, and, following her undergraduate travel to the Alps as part of her third year research, she was inspired to continue to study as a postgraduate. In 2019, Naomi began her MPhil in Polar Studies, as the Bratton Bursary recipient.

“The Bratton Bursary will support me over the coming year as I hope to broaden my knowledge through research of the polar regions. Without this fund, this year of study would not have been financially viable for me. So far, I have written a literature review discussing the utility of satellite remote sensing in transforming our understanding of ice stream dynamics. My dissertation will draw these themes together to consider how the surface hydrology of ice shelves fringing the Antarctic Ice Sheet can affect their stability in a warming climate.

“The MPhil is based at the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI) in Cambridge. I feel so privileged to be able to work in an Institute which has such a rich heritage of polar research and exploration amongst other people who are passionate about understanding Earth’s Cryosphere and communicating its importance. I plan to volunteer at Polar Museum’s night-time experience to engage the public with the research being conducted at the Institute. 

“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for the support that the College and Bratton Bursary has provided.”