How long have you been working at Swansea University?
I’ve been a technician at Swansea University for over five years, contributing to research and laboratory operations within the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science.
What did your route to becoming a technician at Swansea University look like?
I grew up in Swansea and always had a passion for science. During my A-levels, the Human Genome Project was constantly in the news, sparking my interest in genetics. This inspired me to pursue a Genetics degree at Swansea University.
My first role after graduating was in a quality control laboratory. While it gave me valuable lab experience, it wasn’t closely aligned with my degree. I then joined the NHS at the All-Wales Medical Genomics Service in Cardiff, where I spent over a decade conducting genetic testing for NHS trusts in Wales. This ranged from prenatal testing and diagnosing inherited disorders to cancer diagnostics.
As we started to have a family, I sought a better work-life balance closer to home. A part-time role with a microbiology research group at Swansea University provided that opportunity. After a few years this role evolved into my current position as a full-time core technician within the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science.
What passions led to your current role? And do you feel you can fulfill these passions through your current role?
I’m passionate about optimizing laboratory operations, enhancing experimental design, and driving continuous improvement in our research facilities. I strive to create a safe and efficient environment that empowers students and academics to excel in their research.
While I do miss performing lab experiments and analyzing complex results myself, my current role focuses more on enabling others to succeed, which is also rewarding.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day is varied and involves a mix of practical and administrative tasks. This includes conducting lab inductions, ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols (particularly within our Category 2 microbiology lab), liaising with engineers and contractors on infrastructure and equipment maintenance, supporting students and research staff with technical queries, and managing essential lab resources such as glassware, autoclaves, and waste disposal.
I also attend meetings related to departmental operations, health and safety, or Technical Commitment. Occasionally, I meet with biotech company representatives to explore new products or get quotes for equipment.
Long-term projects, like planning building upgrades or replacing old equipment, are ongoing tasks that keep things interesting. There’s always lots to do!
Do you think there is a good community for technicians at Swansea? How do you think this community could be enhanced?
The Technical Commitment has done a lot to foster a sense of community among technicians, particularly through symposiums. These events are great for meeting colleagues from other departments and sharing experiences. I’ve found it reassuring to realise that many of us face similar challenges, regardless of where we work.
To enhance this community, I think more volunteers in the Technical Commitment working groups would be beneficial. It’s a fantastic way to connect with technicians across different faculties. Developing clearer career pathways, sharing best practices, and learning from adverse events could also spark more cross-departmental conversations within the technical community.
What about your outside interests?
Much of my time outside work revolves around the kids—football practice, swimming lessons, and birthday parties keep us busy! I also have a season ticket for the Ospreys, which is more about spending time with friends than following the rugby.
When I’m not busy with family activities, I usually have a DIY project on the go at home.