Profile
Kim Perrins
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About Me:
I live in Cupar with my two cats (Enid & Luna). I am a Research & Development Scientist by day 👩🏻🔬 and like to make jewellery in my spare time and travel with friends 🏕
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I grew up in South Africa and moved to Scotland when I was in high school ✈ so it was a big culture shock – but I love it here! I have always loved science and art, and continue to pursue both in my life through my job and hobbies 🧪🎨. I enjoy watching films and tv series – my most recent favourite is The Last of Us 🍄– I think my love of science draws me to science-fiction and fantasy. I try to travel a couple of places every year with my friends from uni – which usually involves camping or fun castles/cultural buildings to explore🗺🧭. I’m currently training to canoe 100km down the Thames river🛶, which is going to be a huge challenge for me but will hopefully be very rewarding!
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My pronouns are:
she/her
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My Work:
I research and create test kits for diagnosing diseases. These kits are used around the world by other scientists, to test blood samples and help doctors give people the treatment they need.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up at around 6am, have breakfast and drink my much needed morning coffee ☕, then get ready for the day ☀. I drive to work while listening to my favourite music or podcast and arrive at 8am. I usually check emails first thing, and then I look at my daily task list which may involve various lab experiments, writing of reports or team meetings 🔮I tend to fit breaks around my schedule, with lunch in the canteen at around 12pm and an afternoon tea break at 3pm. I go home at 5.30pm.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would use it to attend other STEM outreach events in person, where I can support competitions and activities in the local community.
If I’m super lucky it would maybe help fund my entrance to a scientific conference to network with other STEM minded people and support my own personal development, while championing STEM outreach activities!
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Education:
Noordhoek Tutor College (Cape Town, South Africa)
Dundee College (Dundee, Scotland)
The University of Abertay (Dundee, Scotland)
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Qualifications:
9 International GCSEs (including French, Afrikaans, Biology and Business Studies)
Higher Human Biology (B), Art & Design (B), English (B), Mathematics (B)
BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Sciences
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Work History:
R&D Scientist at Axis-Shield Diagnostics (2014 – 2016)
Placement Student at Scottish National Blood Transfusion Scotland (Jan – May 2013)
Part-Time Customer Service Assistant at Abertay Union Campus Shop (2010 – 2013)
Summer work between 2005 – 2010, including various retail & food services roles.
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Current Job:
Senior Research & Development Scientist (2016 – present)
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Employer:
Abbott Rapid Diagnostics
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
passionate coffee-fueled scientist
What did you want to be after you left school?
I didn't really know, but I knew I was good at science.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Sometimes, for chatting and laughing with friends. But I was usually well-behaved.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
A jewellery designer or artist
Who is your favourite singer or band?
At the moment? Greta Van Fleet or Self Esteem. Of all time? Metallica or Marina 🤘🏻
What's your favourite food?
Thai honey chicken with egg fried rice 🥡
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Teleportation, a holiday house back home in Cape Town, a never-ending supply of restaurant-quality food.
Tell us a joke.
Why does a moon rock taste better than an earthly rock? Because it's meat-eor.
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