Sir Thomas Pope Fellow

Trudy Watt

From 2001 to 2009 I was the first full time Senior Tutor and Fellow at Trinity.
My parents were tenant farmers in south Essex. I grew up on the farm and attended Grays Convent High School.
In the 1970s and 80s I was an undergraduate (BA Agricultural and Forest Sciences), DPhil student (Grassland Ecology) and Junior Research Fellow at Somerville College Oxford; then a College Lecturer at Somerville and St John’s Colleges, whilst also being an active partner in the family farming business.
From 1990 to 2001 I was Senior Lecturer (Statistics and Ecology), Head of Environment Department and Dean/Director of Postgraduate Studies at Wye College, University of London/Imperial College at Wye. In parallel, I valued taking distance learning courses: a BA in Mathematics and Statistics from the Open University and an MSc in Applied Statistics from Sheffield Hallam University.

Profile

At Trinity I was responsible for the strategic planning of the college’s academic activities, overseeing the appointments of Fellows and Lecturers; the admission of undergraduates and graduates, and their academic progress once on course. Following my retirement from Trinity I was locum Senior Tutor and Fellow at Merton College Oxford on two occasions.

My research at Oxford and Wye was in grassland ecology and I taught statistics and experimental design and analysis to students and advised colleagues. I have carried out research on the integration of sheep grazing and nature conservation and written a textbook: Introductory Statistics for Biology Students.

In my current roles I use my experience of plants in the field and of student mental health to support people moving towards roles out in the wider community. I am also developing an interest in architectural history by volunteering at the Cathedral, studying courses at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education and enjoying related Study Tours.

In retirement I enjoy continuing to support the College and I am a volunteer: a) at Bridewell Gardens near Witney, which provides a mental health recovery service of social and therapeutic horticulture and b) at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford as a guide for visitors.