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

C-DICE Project Administrator, I have been at Loughborough nearly 11 years.

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

My day kicks off by making sure I’m fully stocked with snacks and water – essentials to keep me going! Once I’m logged in, I dive into organising my inbox by priority, tackling whatever comes my way in between meetings. It’s a dynamic flow of predictability and unpredictability that keeps things fresh and exciting!

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

Having worked around the University in different roles, the Centre for Postdoctoral Researchers in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE) which is a research project funded by Research England has been my favourite project I’ve worked on. This project has given me a unique perspective into the research side of academia, allowing me to see firsthand the incredible efforts and innovative work that goes into driving us toward a net-zero future. It has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience to contribute to such a meaningful project.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Loughborough has been a place of immense growth for me, starting here at a young age. It’s where I’ve built my confidence and found the resources to make meaningful lifestyle changes that have led to a healthier, happier life. If I could show my younger self where I am today, they’d be amazed by what I’ve accomplished, making it difficult to choose just one standout moment.

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

I have a deep passion for traveling, which allows me to explore different cultures, cuisines, and traditions. Food has always been a source of joy and curiosity for me, not just as a way to indulge, but to understand the role it plays in nutrition and overall wellbeing. Through my travels and experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the connection between food, nutrition, and health. I’m also deeply passionate about women’s health because it’s such a complex and often misunderstood area that can be a limiting factor in many aspects of life. I believe in encouraging open conversations around it, as sharing our experiences not only helps break down stigma but also makes us feel lighter and more empowered. I love creating spaces where women can connect, share, and support each other, because honest dialogue can lead to greater understanding and confidence in managing our health.

What is your favourite quote?

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” – Roald Dahl

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