I have been at Reading since 1987; I started out as a Lab Technician and in the early '90s I got the opportunity to become a glassblower.
I'm the only glassblower on campus. I design, make, modify and repair scientific laboratory glassware for both teaching and research for the School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy and other University departments, as well as outside companies.
I first joined the University in 2012 as a trainee technician in the School of Biological Sciences. Now a Technical Manager, I provide teaching support as well as indirect research support. There’s a huge variety of work: prepping equipment and solutions, showing students how to use equipment and demonstrating techniques during term time, and assisting with the maintenance of research labs throughout the year.
I like the variety within the School of Biological Sciences, as well as the people I work with. If you’re part of a good team – and I certainly am – it means you’ve got a great place to work.
Having graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy, I was and always have been passionate about educating and teaching others. Having qualified I was placed into a large flagship store. The team needed a strong leader, someone whom they could confide in, support them and steer them towards the desired outcomes. I took on this role and set about achieving the best pharmacy team, placed at the heart of a thriving community, with patient-centred care as its purpose.
It is this same level of energy and excitement that I brought into the classroom when I joined the University of Reading as a Pharmacist Teacher Practitioner in October 2013. In my early months I began leading on pharmacy practice lectures, workshops and seminars; utilising my knowledge, skills and experience from my role as a practising pharmacist. This added dimension meant that the students were forever in touch with the expectations on them as learners as well as future healthcare professionals.
We get a lot of enquiries at Henley Business School, and in my role I get to speak to and meet new people pretty much all the time. I do some photography for the department as well, including events. I've been here a year and it's quite varied; no two days are the same.
I also own a martial arts club, All Abilities Martial Art. It's for everyone, any ability, we're keen to emphasise it's inclusive. We practice Aiki-JuJitsu, which is not sport-based but focused on self-defence.
