Blog: Laura Taylor - Graduate Laboratory Technician Intern, the University of Lincoln School of Life Sciences

As a student at the University I studied Biomedical Sciences and took part in plenty of practical classes, as a Masters student I demonstrated in the very same practical classes, and now as a technician I set up and run those practical classes! In my role I cover a wide range of classes and specialisms, from ecology to histopathology. I even get to train students and demonstrators on using a microtome, and assess students in exams relating to this. I really feel like I have come full circle! It felt very surreal learning how to prepare for the practical classes that as a student I enjoyed (and in some cases dreaded!) and to see how much work actually goes into these practicals. This gave me a really great appreciation for the work of technicians.

I wanted to learn more about the contributions of technicians, and help to shout about our work in a way that I didn’t do as a student, being completely unaware of the work that goes in to every class and assessment. I was told about the Technician Commitment, and was welcomed on to the working group at the University. From this, I set up Twitter and Instagram accounts to make technicians work more visible, and to connect technicians from across the University. I have been so lucky with the people I have met! I’ve petted dogs, made a metal stirrer, been taught how to use a sewing machine, gone into an engineering audio chamber, observed an endless pool in action and even been in the props room of a theatre! I have interviewed technicians from so many different backgrounds and specialities, and I’ve really enjoyed learning about the varying experiences of technicians, and what their roles entail. I have set up meets to allow technicians from different areas to meet up, and discover sharing skills, recognition, registration and professional development.

I feel that giving technicians a voice and the visibility that is so desperately needed will really ensure that people know the scope of the work that we do. As a student I may have missed this, but as a technician I am definitely using my voice to shout loud and proud about the amazing work of technicians across the University of Lincoln!

Email: lataylor@lincoln.ac.uk

Blog: www.instagram.com/techingonscience/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor96/

Tech Linc (Technician Commitment at the University of Lincoln, accounts that I set up:

Twitter: @tech_linc

Instagram: @tech_linc

Website: https://techniciansmakeithappen.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/ (this i didn't set up)

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