Oyku Erciyes

Hi, I'm Oyku. As someone who spends their free time by joining every single event they see, I trust myself with what kind of events people like (anything with free food tbh). This year, BioSoc events helped me meet new people at the pub quiz, try new activities like embroidery, and visit new places for great prices (Kew Gardens for free!). As your Social Events Officer, I want to make sure these kinds of events continue as we all need to vent after a day of distinguishing between white and red eyed flies under a microscope.

Alongside what BioSoc has already done, I also want to introduce new ideas:

• Sticker making, plant pressing or cocktail workshops
• More casual talks where professors share their adventures in the field, like working in tropical rainforests.
• More subsidised or free trips: visiting London Zoo, behind-the-scenes lab visits at the Natural History Museum or birdwatching at the Wetland Centre.
• More collabs with other departments: silent discos, bowling nights

This isn't new for me. As one of the coordinators of my Social Entrepreneurship Club and the leader of the Nature Walking Club, I hosted many workshops, festivals, and events at my school. I've also led volunteer trips to a sea turtle conservation centre and a bird ringing facility. These helped me develop strong communication and teamwork skills by collaborating with multiple organizations.

If there's an event you want to see, tell me. Next year, I want everyone to feel excited about getting tickets for the events.