What sparked your interest in Natural Sciences?   

I’ve always loved biology and I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon when I was little. When I went onto college, I decided to do a BTEC because I didn’t have great grades in science. 

I focused on laboratory work and chose to study microbiology topics. I had an extremely enthusiastic teacher and really enjoyed the investigative side of the course. It reminded me of solving puzzles.

What was your first job after graduating? Tell us about the process of discovering the opportunity and applying to it.  

I have been the Wellbeing Officer at Manchester Met’s Student’s Union since I graduated. I came across the opportunity by chance when applying to do a postgraduate degree in Food Microbiology and decided to attend a BootCamp exploring the role and responsibilities of officers. After this, I spent two weeks thinking about the things in society that I have been wanting to change and how it would be good to start at a university level.

To become an officer, you nominate yourself and campaign to earn students’ votes. There are so many rules around it and other candidates running - you need to be prepared for anything. This was a difficult thing to do, as I had assignment deadlines at the same time.

As a Wellbeing Officer, I work to voice student issues to the University and get them to amend any problems. For example, I managed to get MetCard money transferred into students’ bank accounts. This followed months of negotiations when students told us that this is what they wanted. 

I have also been able to secure funding to buy personal alarms for students which were given out for free. Also, I have set up different kinds of help for students struggling with addiction and have made sustainable products available in the Students’ Union shop for those who have financial difficulties. It’s a difficult but rewarding role. I also attend many university meetings about different topics such as education, race equity and much more.

Outside of the course teaching, what other opportunities did you get involved in during your time at Manchester Met?   

I took a year abroad in Australia where I furthered my understanding of different topics which I had struggled with in my first and second years. I also volunteered part-time at the Science and Industry Museum.

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Natural Sciences?  

Engage with your tutors and dissertation supervisors. My supervisor was supportive of me while I was considering taking a postgraduate degree. He showed me the kind of things I could achieve and always encouraged me to believe in myself. Other than yourself, your supervisor knows you the best.

Make sure you use all the resources available to you, from study skills advice to learning difficulty support. I only approached the Disability Support team in my final year where I found out I was dyslexic. My final year for easier after that.

What does diversity in Natural Sciences mean to you?  

Diversity in the Natural Sciences industry is the same as diversity everywhere else. During my time in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, I saw a lot of different faces and learned about the achievements of a variety of people. I was taught by lecturers from different backgrounds and I learned about the different fields in which they had interests. This all affected the image I had in my head of who a scientist can be.

Diversity is important, as it helps the younger generation to see themselves in different roles. Seeing role models gives them confidence that they can be successful. Diversity shows that in any field, no matter who you are, you can achieve great things too.

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