I am part of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and manage, maintain and provide a service for various specialist equipment including a FACS Aria III, Guava plate readers, AKTA pure systems, Biacore system, Clariostar plate readers and qPCR machines.

I was part of the Centre for Translational Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow and actively researched, helped manage the lab day-to-day and supervised and new students and staff. I used and developed lab techniques such as BRET-based assays, molecular biology work and secondary messenger assays to investigate the role of GPCRs in inflammation and metabolic disease. I worked with technicians within our group and across the university to coordinate daily operations as well as developing my own skills in data handling and analysis, oral presentations, and teamwork. I also took part in other opportunities outside my role, such as being a STEM ambassador, taking part in training courses and helping achieve the LEAF awards for sustainable labs.

I volunteered and was recruited as one of the first 17 people to help set up and run the Lighthouse Laboratory in Glasgow for testing COVID19 samples during the height of the pandemic. Firstly, I was part of the team that helped to produce COSHH forms, BioCOSHH forms and SOPs to ensure safe handling of the samples. I developed leadership skills in my second role here as workstation manager and oversaw a team of 12 people for safe and efficient handling and processing of COVID19 samples to ensure public got these results. During this time, I also had the opportunity to manage a 4-day shift of around 60 people who made up the various teams in the sample handling and processing pipeline.

I was part of the Sjögren’s Research group and managed my time to design and perform experiments, analyse data, and process and biobank patient samples. I ensure patient data was efficiently and securely handled and archived in the relevant databases, as well as completing HTA training. I developed my confidence in my ability to carry out independent research and used techniques such as cell culture, ELISAs and flow cytometry.