What’s your job title and how long have you been at Loughborough?

Laboratory Technician (Department of Chemistry) and I have been here for 16 months.

Tell us what a typical day in your job looks like?

Working in STEMLab, a typical day for me consists of preparing for and supporting in the delivery of taught laboratory practicals for a whole range of students. I may be mixing up chemicals, growing cells or helping with the operation of analytical equipment.

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on?

Having recently completed my apprenticeship, I have had so many fantastic experiences. I loved training and developing confidence with a wide variety of analytical equipment and appreciate the time that so many people have put into sharing their knowledge. A personal favourite was helping to develop an Outreach experiment which I was then able to teach to visiting Year 13s, using some of these skills.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Definitely passing my apprenticeship. The assessment was thorough, with a long observation of practical skills, a structured interview and a test. I was able to do this and achieved a Distinction. I find it hard to believe that I only started working here in August 2023.

Tell us something you do outside of work that we might not know about?

Most of my close colleagues know this but I’m a keen walker and will regularly do 10+ mile walks at weekends and on holidays. I love being out in the fresh air, preferably by the coast whether in the UK or abroad.

When I’m not hiking, I love DIY (although I could improve my skills) and babysitting my 16 month old granddaughter.

What is your favourite quote?

“It doesn’t stop being magic just because you know how it works.” Terry Pratchett, The Wee Free Men

If you would like to feature in ‘5 Minutes With’, or you work with someone who you think would be great to include, please email Lilia Boukikova at L.Boukikova@lboro.ac.uk