Humans of Warwick - Dr Steven Servin
Dr Steven Servin
Flow Cytometry Specialist, Life Sciences
“As a kid I was really into science fiction, and now I get to work with lasers. It’s a dream come true!”
“Star Wars, Star Trek, Alien, I watched and loved them all! It was a great escape from reality or maybe even a glimpse into the future.
This passion for sci-fi and discovering things led me to study Biology. Which then brought me to Warwick to do my PhD. Leaving sunny Mexico for the beautiful English weather! My first accommodation was in Warwick, the town, I didn’t know then that the University was actually in Coventry. I commuted by bus for a year, I got used to it but now live a lot closer.
Throughout my career I’ve extensively used Flow Cytometry, a technology that I find truly fascinating. It’s remarkably versatile and can be used across various research areas. And, I’ve already said it but, who wouldn’t want to work with lasers!
On a typical day in the lab, I might work with at least two different branches of the tree of life. You need a solid understanding of the biology behind each experiment and the ability to adapt the technology. That really keeps the job consistently exciting and engaging. And remember, if you come into my lab, don’t lick the surfaces! I have had to remind people of that at times.
Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are indispensable in my job. I want to be so good at it that one day the men in black roll onto campus and they say to me ‘Dr Steve, we need you to come and analyse alien life’. Yeah, I’m a believer!
I’ve been at the University for eight years and I really love the diversity here. There are so many people from so many different places. But the problem is, we don’t know anything about each other. Which is why I’m co-lead of the School of Life Sciences Race and Ethnicity Task Force. We’re committed to promoting awareness of ethnic issues. Creating a welcoming environment for everyone in the SLS community. As a Mexican in a foreign country, that’s very important to me.
I’m also a big fan of jazz music. I’ve got a couple of harmonicas hidden across campus, but my favourite place to play is under the willow tree near my lab. You may have heard me playing in the distance, sorry if you have, I need to practice more!”