National Careers Week: Welcoming students from University Centre Peterborough for “inspirational” visit
Ahead of National Careers Week, this week, we were delighted to receive a visit from University Centre Peterborough’s cohort of First and Third year students studying BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences.
The objective of the afternoon session was to inspire the career paths of future scientists and strengthen our relationship with the university. Addressing the students, each of the members of our multi-disciplinary team talked through their educational and career background, walking the students through each of their projects to demonstrate the wide range of research areas we’re capable of working on:
- James Tolmie demonstrated the UV-C light sensor calibrations, and also talked about our testing services with regards of UVC decontamination technologies
- Syeda Begum demonstrated the hydrogen peroxide gas calibration, and also the titration processes to determine the hydrogen peroxide concentration on solutions
- James, Enrico Allegra, and Tautvydas Karitonas demonstrated a Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide decontamination cycle in real time
- James also demonstrated the Highly Accelerated Life-Cycle Testing (HALT) he is currently conducting on pump rigs
- Enrico demonstrated the main parts of the Microbiology laboratory, and showed the students Aspergillus Spores on the microscope
- Chris Sibanda explained the process he is currently developing for the implementation of new Bacillus testing
- Daniela Rondinone demonstrated the compatibility testing on various materials using the Colour Assessment Cabinet, also giving examples of the qualitative and quantitative tests done on materials to evaluate the visual and physical properties.
Enrico, our Clinical Microbiologist and Technical Lead, encouraged, “If you have the right mindset and the right commitment then you can achieve anything. The skills can be learnt along the way.”
Speaking about their visit, Fiona Brown, Lecturer at UCP for the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences course said, “We came looking for a demonstration of the practical purpose of microbiology in the 21st century to show the students how exciting and fulfilling lab work can be. Test Labs have exceeded my expectations with their reception today. This was an incredibly valuable visit showing the practical applications of what they are learning and the immeasurable benefits of teamwork.”
Tautvydas Karitonas, Principal at Test Labs, commented, “It’s been great to share the individual and collective successes of the team to inspire those considering a career in this field. We look forward to welcoming future visits from the UCP and other educational establishments.”
Some student feedback commented on how the range of projects demonstrated a more interesting and varied workplace, and how the team were “both dedicated and interested in their work.” A key takeaway was highlighted as “Knowledge of a more ‘modern’ approach to lab set up, conditions and routines. Knowledge of the different educational paths that can help/work to become someone who works in a lab.” Students said that they felt “more optimistic” and “excited” about future careers in science.
