A fascination with biology and an interest in animals were what set Gower College Swansea student Micah Mainwaring on the career path to becoming a palaeontologist.
Micah is currently studying A Levels in biology, geology, maths and drama at the Gorseinon Campus.
They are particularly interested in palaeobiology, which focuses on the ecology and life of prehistoric creatures.
Micah’s individual project for their Welsh Baccalaureate looked at some of the recent discoveries in palaeontology. There was a focus on the evolution of feathers and their purpose, the discovery of tiktaalik, the transition of tetrapods onto land, and what melanosomes can tell us about dinosaurs.
Taking on four A Levels is very intensive, but Micah finds it rewarding too.
“Studying the biology of living animals is just incredibly important,” they say. “Maths is very helpful in all my science-based subjects, but I also find it quite fun to work through those difficult questions! I originally took geology purely to focus on fossils and evolution, but I really enjoy all the other areas we cover in class as well. And I’ve always been passionate about theatre and wanted to combine that with my other, more scientific, studies.”
After finishing their A Levels at Gower College Swansea, Micah hopes to progress to the University of Bristol to study the BSc in palaeontology and evolution.
“This particular course combines biology units with earth science which is the perfect mix for me,” says Micah.
"Micah is an amazing student who has such a focussed work ethic,” says Curriculum Leader Paul Lewis. “Micah’s enthusiasm and motivation for palaeontology is clear to see and they have a very bright future ahead of them."