Mia Constantinescu, a zoology student in the School of Biological Sciences, took home both The Research Ireland Award for Journalism Relating to Science and Technology and the Award for Journalism Relating to the Environment at the 2025 National Student Media Awards on Wednesday 9 April.

Mia's powerful work explores the failing conservation efforts in Zante, Greece, drawing on her first hand experience of working at the Mediterranean Marine Life Centre, a turtle conservation centre in Zante. 

 

"Zante, a Greek island renowned for its Caribbean-esque beaches, cheap prices and nightlife, is a crucial nesting site for Mediterranean’s loggerhead sea turtles. Unfortunately, mass tourism has overwhelmed the island as a habitat resulting in a decline in the island’s turtle population. Conservation efforts never succeeded and so, the collapse of the island’s ecosystem has begun."

Mia Constantinescu

 

Mia's article "The Price of Paradise: A First-hand Look at Zante’s Failing Conservation Efforts" and accompanying documentary, are available to view on The Gown.

These accolades mark a significant achievement in Mia’s academic and journalistic journey, highlighting the important role of student voices in environmental advocacy.