Open to opportunities

Benajmin Watson

@benajminwatson

Message

MRes graduate and Graduate Teaching Assistant advancing remote-sensing glaciology and surge mechanics.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role that supports doctoral-level glaciology work—especially remote-sensing of glacier dynamics and surge mechanics—where I can build reproducible geospatial Python workflows, collaborate across research groups, and contribute to inclusive teaching.

I am an MRes student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Durham’s Geography Department, where I explore the recent surge of Austfonna’s Basin 2 by analysing brittle fracture and surface hydrology using remote-sensing techniques. I’m enthusiastic about using programmatic approaches for supraglacial water detection and masking, and I contribute actively to teaching and inclusive practice, including organising LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives within geographical research.

My current research works to describe the 2014–2018 surge of Basin 2, Austfonna, using satellite remote sensing to analyse velocity, strain, crevassing, and surface hydrology. I use Landsat-8, Sentinel-2 and ITS_LIVE and will implement DEM approaches to understand mass-transfer, while developing reproducible Python workflows (including GitHub tools) and strong scientific communication for doctoral study in glaciology.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Teaching Assistant

Current

Durham University

Oct 2025 - Present (9 months)

Support undergraduate and postgraduate learning in the Geography Department by demonstrating ArcGIS Pro practicals and marking written work. Contribute to fieldwork on the Isle of Skye by supporting students with independent geomorphological project skills.

ArcGIS Pro GIS Teaching Markings Field Support

Shop Operations

Lancaster University Student Union (LUSU) Shop

May 2023 - Jun 2025 (2 years 1 month)

Handled shop operations including opening and closing duties, cash handling, and stock management. Supported and contributed to the campus community through day-to-day store responsibilities.

Cash Handling Stock Management Closing Retail Operations

EDI Officer

Lancaster University Mountaineering Club (LUMC)

Feb 2024 - Feb 2025 (1 year)

Served on the executive committee and led initiatives to improve access and inclusion in club activities.

Diversity Inclusion

Remote Volunteer

United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT)

Jan 2026 - Present (6 months)

Remote volunteer role focused on publicising issues facing Antarctic heritage sites in changing environments.

Remote Volunteering Advocacy Antarctic Heritage Awareness

Organiser, Polar Pride

Durham University

Nov 2025 - Present (8 months)

Co-organised a departmental workshop addressing barriers faced by LGBTQ+ and disabled researchers in polar science. Coordinated event planning, discussion, and speakers to support inclusive research culture.

Workshop Coordination Event Planning Speaker Coordination Accessibility

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Durham University

MRes, Geography

Activities and societies: Graduate Teaching Assistant; supports GIS and field-based learning; contributes to inclusive practice and LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives in geographical research. Supervisors: Prof Chris Stokes and Dr Thomas Chudley.

MRes student researching the 2014–2018 surge of Austfonna Basin 2 using satellite remote sensing to analyse velocity, strain, crevassing, and surface hydrology, aiming to identify indicators of surge initiation and termination.

Lancaster University

Bachelor of Science (Honours), Geography

Grade: First Class (87%)

Activities and societies: Dissertation (LEC. 300): “Characterising the decline of Glacier de Moiry through time transgressive glaciological mapping”. Awards/grades included Glacial Systems (2:1) and multiple 1sts (e.g., Glacial and Fluvial Landscape Processes, Soil Science).

BSc (Hons) Geography with a First Class dissertation on mapping the decline of Glacier de Moiry through time, supported by module performance across glaciology and geophysical methods.