Mark Anju, Nigeria
Geologist Mark left Nigeria to pursue a new career in environmental research, but found himself back in the oil and gas industry in a fantastic job with Industry Technology Facilitators (ITF).
Tell us about your background
I was brought up in Lagos, studied geology at the University of Port Harcourt and worked as a geologist acquiring and interpreting geological data in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
What brought you to Scotland?
I had started to get involved in the occupational health and safety side of the business, as well as environmental issues, so I decided to study in Scotland as Robert Gordon University had the best course: an MSc in Environmental Analysis.
I arrived in 2007 and, after my studies, was kept on by the Fisheries Research Services' Marine Laboratory, where I was researching the environmental impact of chlorinated paraffins.
What attracted you to ITF?
ITF acts as a conduit between innovators and the oil and gas industry to identify technology gaps and develop solutions.
My role is to project manage this process, from bringing industry representatives together to identify the issues, communicating these to academia and innovators and helping an idea develop to an actual application, tool or process that will help the industry.
It's a fantastic area to work in and I feel very priveleged to work with people developing ideas that will benefit the industry.
How do you find living in Scotland?
I enjoy visiting other parts of Scotland, such as Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as the countryside. Scotland has a rich history and I enjoy visiting the tourist attractions here like castles and even a few of the whisky distilleries nearby!
I also particularly like the Highlands as I come from a highland area of Nigeria and it's nice to be reminded of home.
Eventually I will return to my home country, but working here is not only giving me great experience, it is also personally enriching too.