Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

Eunice Olowu, Sport and Exercise Sciences Technician, University of Kent: “One of the things I love most about being a Technician in Sport and Exercise Sciences is dissertation testing; during this time, I can form a rapport with the students and share the knowledge I gained from being a student myself. I hope to inspire not only young women in Sport and Exercise Sciences, but young black women in Sport and Exercise Sciences.”

Georgia Mantle, Gulbenkian Arts Centre Technician, University of Kent: “I support shows and events from their get in, through their show, and then with their get outs. This could be audio, lighting, visual, logistics or general help related. Our department at the Gulbenkian is a pretty even split of men/women which is great in a traditionally male dominated industry. The photo is an example of our lighting control set up for our theatre space.”

Dr Hazel Harris, Lead Technician Chemistry Teaching, University of Kent: “Hazel is the Lead Technician for Chemistry at the University of Kent, she has a PhD in polymer chemistry and a PGCE in post-16 education. She has moderate hearing loss and has to wear hearing aids but doesn't let that stop her doing the things she enjoys.”

Jessica Rowland, Technician, University of Leeds: "I have been a technician for the University of Leeds, School of Performance and Cultural Industries for nearly 20 years, and what I love about my job is seeing students create some amazing pieces of performance work and knowing that I have helped support them through that process. Women are still very underrepresented in technical theatre and I hope that students seeing myself and other female technicians working at this level means that in future it is reflected more in the professional environment."

Joanna Scamp, Facilities and Operations Technician, University of Kent: “Jo works with and for the talented and hard-working technical community across the University as the Technical Manager for the Technician Commitment. Jo is passionate about creating a positive impact and inspiring others to pursue their own passions and goals. The increase in women applying for and taking up leadership and management roles within the technical workforce and the positive actions taking place to encourage this, has been inspiring for Jo to be a part of and witness.”

Qi Zheng, Electronic Engineering Technician: “Engineering Technician Qi Zheng operates within the engineering technical support team at the University of Kent. In this image, Qi is checking the printed circuit boards (PCBs) designed by undergraduate engineering students, offering feedback and guidance for rectifying any errors. A key aspect of Qi's role involves aiding Kent engineering students in their experiments and project endeavours.”

Dr Sarah Youde, School of Dentistry Research Technician (tissue cultue), Cardiff University: "Now is a great time to be a woman in a technical career. Initiatives such as the Herschel Programme have given women the opportunity to meet, influence, inspire, and motivate each other. The network is continually growing as contacts are made and common interests/obstacles discovered. A supportive community of likeminded individuals is thriving, cheerleading women technicians to fulfil their ambitions."

Dr Tatiana McHardy, Senior Scientific Officer, Institute of Cancer Research: "Dr Tatiana McHardy is a Senior Scientific Officer working at the Department of Chemistry of the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton. Her main role is to work on the synthesis of new compounds that could potentially be used as new cancer drugs."