Yasmin Brain
Yasmin is Assistant Technician at the University of Exeter, in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the ESI. Originally starting in the medical school, Yasmin joined as a science technician in November 2020. Previously, she has a background in fine art but says it’s the hands on nature of working as a technician which drew her to the role at Exeter.
“I’m a really hands on person, and I think there’s so many transferable skills from my previous experiences. I just love being in a hands-on environment, where there’s lots to do.
When I saw the opportunity with the Christmas lectures I knew I had to apply, and my manager encouraged me to go for it too.
I’m still new as a technician, and wasn’t expecting the opportunity as someone without a background in science, but I think it will be a great opportunity for me to use all the skills I’ve learned both in my fine art experiences, and as a science technician in Exeter.”
Understandably, the team at Exeter and Yasmin’s family are very excited and proud of her for securing the placement with the Royal Institution.
“Everyone’s very excited - my Head of Technicial Services was very excited to tell the technical team, and my manager was so pleased. I had a little celebratory dance in the lab when we found out the news!
They’ve told me to take lots of pictures while I’m there. I think I might be the first person from the University of Exeter to work on the lectures so they’re really proud. I think it’s especially encouraging as I’m from an Arts background too – it’s not an everyday occurrence to get an opportunity like this.”
The 2021 Lectures with Jonathan Van-Tam will be recorded on 14, 16 and 18 December at the Ri and broadcast on BBC Four and iPlayer between Christmas and New Year. The theme is ‘Going viral: How Covid changed science forever’.
There’s plenty to be excited about, but it’s not quite sunk in yet for Yasmin.
“I’m so excited to take part, but I don’t think it’s quite sunk it yet for me. I don’t think it will until I’m on the train to London. I’m really looking forward to being completely immersed in the environment, ad getting to put my skills to the test.
I’ve spoken to Georgia who will also be working on the lecture on behalf of the Technician Commitment, so I’m looking forward to meeting her. I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic.”
Georgia Colbourne
Georgia recently started her journey at the University for the Creative Arts in September 2020, where she now works as a FE & International technician. Having previously worked in architectural modelmaking and prop for theatre, event and tv production, Georgia now uses her technical skills to help bring to life the projects of Fine Art students at UCA.
“Everyday is different for me – but typically my role involves being in the woodwork shop, working on the machinery there. I help induct all the students to use the tools there, they’re always so keen to learn.”
Georgia saw the opportunity to work on the Royal Institution lectures via an email sent by her manager.
“My manager sent an email, so I did some research. I remember a couple of years ago there was an incredible mobile which descended from the ceiling, it was beautiful. I thought it would be a great opportunity to create some really interesting models.”
Much like Yasmin, Georgia is looking forward to getting stuck in to the challenge.
“I’m mainly looking forward to doing the making. I find it really interesting to take difficult topics and make them understandable. Natural history and science is a big passion of mine – so I’m really looking forward to be able to create things, and combine that passion.”
Find out more about the Royal Institution Christmas lectures here.
