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Rachel Armitage

    • About Me:

      I live in Leicester with my husband and daughter. I work as a lab technician at De Montfort University. I enjoy walking and mountain biking.

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • My Work:

      I am a Senior Lab Technician at De Montfort University. My background is in analytical chemistry, but my passion is microscopy.

    • Read more

      I help support other peoples research by looking at their samples under the microscope. These can be looking at fibres and hairs and looking to identify where they came from to looking at clothing damaged by knife blades. I also look at samples for my own research and these can include looking to see if someone has been near a gun that has been fired or if a medicine is what it says it is.

    • My Typical Day:

      I cycle into work every day, no matter the weather. I usually start work at 8am, I tend to have a cup of tea and a chat with friends and plan my day. I will often look at various samples under the microscope with students and staff. Some days I will teach students about microscopy and other days I can be doing outreach work. Each day I can be looking at something new. I normally finish work around 4.30pm.

    • Read more

      I really enjoy my job, as it can be different day to day. I love working as part of the forensic team at DMU, as they are supportive and friendly. I enjoy doing research and teaching students.

    My CV

    • Education:

      I went to school in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire, I stayed at the same school to do my A-levels. I was the only student to do A-level Chemistry, so the headteacher cancelled the course. If it wasn’t for my chemistry teacher,  teaching me in her free periods I wouldn’t have passed my exams. I then went to Keele University to study chemistry and biology.

    • Qualifications:

      I left school  with 10 GCSE’s, including Maths, English and Double Science.

      I did Biology, Chemistry and History A levels and AS PE.

      I have BSc (Hons) in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry and Biology and a PhD in rapid detection methods for substandard and falsified medicines.

    • Work History:

      When I left university I went to work in industry as an analytical chemist, I would test pharmaceutical medicines to various specifications to make sure that they were safe for people to take. I then changed roles within the company, as I wanted to use my biology degree and worked in cell culture.

      For the last 15 years I have worked at DMU as a Senior Lab Technician, I initially only took the job as a ‘stop gap’ as I wanted to work in industry. Throughout my time I have been able to complete my PhD part time, (where I looked to find substandard and falsified medicines using various methods), teach students and take part in outreach activities. Since taking this job I have been able to work with fantastic colleagues and friends across the university and from other universities and industries. Highlights include looking at knife damage, fingermarks, gunshot residue and substandard and falsified medicines by electron microscopy.

    • Current Job:

      Senior Laboratory Technician

    • Employer:

      De Montfort University

    • My Interview

      • My favourite CHRISTMAS LECTURES memory is:

        How no matter the subject, you can find them engaging.

        How is your work linked to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES

        I look to use various techniques to analyse trace evidence

        How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Friendly, mountain biker microscopist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Physiotherapist

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        For wearing trainers instead of shoes

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Photographer

        What's your favourite food?

        Chocolate

Questions answered by Rachel

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