News - Cornwall Student on University Challenge
University of Exeter press release
The first ever student from the University of Exeter's Tremough Campus, Penryn, is to appear on the iconic TV quiz show University Challenge. Conservation Biology and Ecology student Jacob Funnell and his Exeter teammates will appear on the show on 5 January at 8pm on BBC2.
Third year Conservation Biology and Ecology BSc student Jacob Funnell joins teammates Katy Limmer (Films Studies PhD), Tom Pugh (Social and Political Thought MA) and Richard Stearn (Philosophy and Political Economy BA). In their first match, which was aired in August, the Exeter team beat Pembroke College Oxford by 195 points to 150.
20-year-old Jacob, who is originally from Hastings, lives in Penryn while at University.
Jacob has fulfilled a childhood dream by taking part in University Challenge. He says: "I've been an avid fan of University Challenge since I was a child, and being on the show in person really brought home how much, much more difficult and involved that is compared to playing along in the sitting room! The whole experience was totally different to anything I've done before. During our matches we have been desperately behind, comfortably ahead, and involved in tightly fought, thrilling battles. It all added up to make an academic rollercoaster experience I'll forever be glad to have been part of."
Jacob believes his wide-ranging interests helped him get onto the team. Outside of his University studies, he enjoys reading on a range of subjects, across the arts, sciences and humanities. Taking part in the show allowed him to put his knowledge to the test and to experience the drama and excitement of appearing on one of the UK's top TV shows.
He added: "Seeing how the show was done 'behind-the-scenes' was especially interesting, and in person the infamous Paxman was friendly and even somewhat chatty!"
Jacob hopes his appearance in the show will inspire other Cornwall Campus students to rise to the challenge when team trials run in 2009.
The Tremough Campus is funded mainly by the European Union (Objective One), the South West Regional Development Agency, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with support from Cornwall County Council. Set in 70 acres of countryside, but close to the waterside towns of Penryn and Falmouth, the campus offers a lively student community. The University of Exeter now offers degrees in Biology, Modern Celtic and Cornish Studies, English, Geology, Geography, History, Law, Mining Engineering, Politics and Renewable Energy on the Tremough Campus, which has expanded rapidly as part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative.