Rebecca von Hellfeld is the latest winner, after receiving the most votes from students! She wins £500 to spend on further science engagement.

Here’s what she had to say about her victory:

Wow! I did not expect to win, thank you so much! Besides the prize money (which I will spend wisely, I promise), the fact that so many of you voted for me makes me so happy. Now I have proof that it’s not just me who enjoys these Chats! 😊

I joined I’m a Scientist a while back because I wish there had been something like this when I was in School. TV shows and books make science look like this weird world where you wear lab coats and gloves 24/7 and you live in the lab. But science is so much more than that and can make a real change to people. Over the last year, I have talked with students from across the country and can say that no two Chats have ever been the same! I have been asked some great questions about my work, what I hope to accomplish, why I chose my career, and how others can get into science. I have also been asked some pretty tough questions, some about my work, but also about how we can make a difference in the world and how we will save this lovely planet. I did not have a good answer to that question the last time I was asked it, but I think now I do: By staying curious and being open to making changes.

That is something I have read in so many Chats: Students wanting to make a difference. To me, as someone who works all day to protect our planet (by trying to understand and protect our oceans), that is something that is worth so much more than the prize money (although that is a nice bonus, don’t get me wrong 😉). As my calendar fills with Chat requests for the upcoming months, I am excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions, and hope to get one or two of you interested in marine biology, or science in general!

So, thank you to everyone who voted for me: You give me confidence in the next generation. Together, I am sure we can tackle anything! Thank you to the I’m a Scientist team, for setting this up and the marvellous work everyone does, both behind the scenes and in the Chats! And lastly, thank you Sir David Attenborough and Dr Sylvia Earle for the never-ending inspiration!

Dr Becks