What is your current role and what does a typical week look like?

I am the Teaching Lab Manager for SLS, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the teaching laboratories.

My primary duties include managing a team of nine technical staff who provide essential lab-based support for practical classes (for students and outreach activities), collaborating with academic colleagues to develop and improve practical classes, and ensuring health and safety is managed and maintained in the laboratories.

During term time, a typical week involves ensuring my team has prepared the necessary lab equipment, reagents and consumables for the year 2 practicals on Mon and Tues and year 1 practicals on Thurs and Fri. I also oversee the clearing and tidying of labs after each session, providing guidance and support for my team regarding waste management, ensuring the labs are ready for the next practical especially when turnover times are tight due to late finishes. Each week is unique, with different practicals led by different academics and supported by different graduate teaching assistants which keeps my role dynamic and engaging. Additionally, depending on the challenges that arise each week, I have to meet with different stakeholders to get things resolved, adding further variety to my role.

Nationality:

I am British but my parents are originally from Hong Kong. Having lived there for five years during my early life, I have been deeply influenced by its culture, customs and values.

Which part of your role do you enjoy the most, and what are the biggest challenges?

I thoroughly enjoy being in the labs during practical classes with students. To listen to the academics teach, to watch the students carry out their practicals and engaging with them when they ask questions is highly satisfying. Knowing that we have prepared well for the practicals and receiving positive feedback from academics and hearing the students say they enjoyed it makes it all worthwhile. The biggest challenge I faced was when I first started in the role. We were understaffed, more than half my team was new and the first-year curriculum had changed. The second term was particularly intense, with little preparation time and back-to-back practicals. However, my team is amazing, and we worked together to make sure we delivered the practicals as best we could.

Who would you say is your role model in your personal and/or professional life?

My parents. They immigrated from Hong Kong in the late 60s with very little money and did not speak English. Through their hard work, perseverance and sacrifice, they showed me that anything is possible, no matter the circumstance. Above all, they instilled in me the importance of kindness, always encouraging me to be helpful and compassionate to others.

Which skills help you most in being able to perform your role?

My interpersonal and communication skills are crucial in my role, as I frequently liaise with team members, academics, students, ESS, technical services teams, finance, contractors and even sales representatives to secure good quotes for equipment. Being open and approachable makes it easier for people to come to me to discuss issues or request for help. Additionally, my problem-solving skills have been essential in addressing a wide range of challenges in the labs, from water leaks to faulty equipment. I take the initiative to find solutions, whether that involves reaching out to colleagues who can assist, researching online or through trial and error.

What is your favourite place on campus and why?

My favourite spots on campus are Tocil Wood, when the blue bells are in full bloom, and by the lake in Spring, when the ducklings and goslings are born.

What are your main interests or passions, outside of work?

I absolutely love travelling with my family. We visit Hong Kong quite often since my in-laws are there, and whenever we go, we make the effort to explore other parts of Asia as well. Our most recent trips took us to Japan (Osaka and Kyoto which I really loved) and Cambodia. I would love to visit Korea one day. In addition to travelling, I have a passion for baking, particularly Chinese buns. Some of you may have tried my homemade Chinese roast pork pastries! Another interest of mine is growing my own fruits and vegetables. I have a small garden where I grow blueberries, raspberries, Pak choi, chayotes, shark fin marrows, cucumbers, mini tomatoes and spring onions. Summertime is my favourite time of the year when I get to enjoy a steady supply of fresh, organic and flavourful homegrown produce.

Interview date March 2025

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