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

I’ve been at Loughborough for 22 years this October, my job title is Head of Business Operations and Development based at the National Centre for Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT). I also hold an honorarium role as Deputy Community Warden, which I’ve held for over 10 years.

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

Everyday varies which keeps me on my toes. I have overall responsibility for NCCAT’s business support functions, so a typical day would include leadership of the administrative team, making budgetary decisions, dealing with any contractual matters or HR queries that arise, and in-between troubleshooting to resolve all sorts of issues that arise to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible on a day-to-day basis. I also act as the primary interface with NCCAT’s key stakeholders and manage and nurture those relationships. Each week I progress work on longer-term projects which are aimed at enhancing NCCAT’s role as a national centre such as identifying new partnerships and income-generating opportunities and working on marketing projects to promote the group’s research. One of my current projects is working with the Aerospace Technology Institute to create a video that showcases NCCAT and its primary objective to help meet the net zero carbon challenge faced by the UK aerospace industry.

Within my honorarium role as Deputy Community Warden, I work as part of a team of nine supporting students living in the community. From general pastoral support, promoting good relationships between students and other residents in the community, to disciplinary duties the role is varied and interesting.

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

100% the NCCAT project. When I first joined the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC) in AACME back in 2013 NCCAT was just an idea. Being part of a team responsible for delivering a world-class multi-million-pound National Centre has certainly had its challenges but it’s been the most rewarding project I’ve worked on and probably will ever work on in my career. I really am incredibly privileged to work alongside an amazing team of people.

What is your proudest moment at Loughborough?

Probably graduating with my MBA from the Loughborough Business School in 2017. I completed my master’s on a part-time basis alongside my NCCAT and warden roles and became a new mum halfway through the course! It was hugely challenging, and I often felt like giving up but the sense of achievement at the end was all worth it.

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

My life outside of work is pretty much devoted to spending time with my family and close friends. I love the outdoors, including lots of walking with my cockapoo Marley. I also enjoy cooking, in particular seafood dishes (with the odd glass of wine of course!).

What is your favourite quote?

“No matter what anyone tells you, words and ideas can change the world” – Robin Williams

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