What sparked your interest in Life Sciences?  

“Time is finite, as are opportunities” – this is my life philosophy. I aim to take advantage of opportunities and broaden my horizons. I believed that a course in Life Sciences would both benefit me intellectually and allow me to give back to communities.

How did you get into your current role? 

My first job after qualifying was at the Royal Bolton Hospital, it’s a fantastic hospital with a great bunch of staff. Looking for your first job can be daunting. It’s wise to keep an open mind about what you are looking for in a role. Apply for those positions where the role matches your own interests.

My current role is as a highly specialised Cardiac Physiologist. I have also completed the British Society of Echocardiography exam and work as an echocardiogram technician. I have always enjoyed working with pacing and echocardiograms, and I like to keep my skills in both areas sharp, so vary my work responsibilities daily. 

Outside of the course teaching, what other opportunities did you get involved in during your time at University?  

I undertook placements across ten different hospitals across Wales. With every work placement, I developed an insight into the workings of a hospital environment and worked closely with a wide range of qualified staff members.  

Balance is essential. I matched my academic life with a variety of extracurricular activities. I joined a range of societies during my studies such as a Health Academy Society as well as representing the University in football and boxing.

What are your greatest achievements so far? 

At age 27, I feel like I’ve achieved many things so far – without blowing my own trumpet! Achieving 100% marks in graded exams and winning the LFA cup as a youth football coach were both fantastic achievements. However, a particular movement I will never forget was dealing with my first cardiac arrest.  

Working in a tertiary centre that deals with continuous primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) it was inevitable that I would need to deal with this situation. Being part of a team that is working to save a life is difficult to describe. It’s an adrenaline rush worthy of even the biggest thrill-seekers and helping those in need is the greatest achievement of them all.  

A career in Life Sciences will provide you with a journey that brings joy and challenges you intellectually. Remember that you are the future health care professionals of tomorrow. Simply be the change you wish to see in the world and always remember a weakness is just a strength waiting for improvement.  

What does diversity in Life Sciences mean to you?  

Look left, look right, you will have a different fingerprint from each person next to you. We are all diverse and unique in our own way. Diversity within Life Sciences is the same as diversity in life, it’s an acceptance of the uniqueness and difference of each individual. I don’t feel diversity should be limited to a place of work whatever that may be. Diversity is what makes the world beautiful. 

Explore your extracurricular opportunities.