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Lin Marvin: WomenInSTEM
2021-05-07
I am a technician in the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment working with analytical equipment which supports a wide range of research within the school. That’s the great thing about working as a technician in STEM, being involved in many different research projects such as looking at a slice of Martian meteorite on a Scanning Electron Microscope or producing rock composition data using X-Ray Fluorescence. I have also worked with students on field work particularly enjoying trips to Switzerland, Wales and Cornwall.
Looking back at my childhood, anything about science interested me but I was particularly interested in rocks and the Earth. I remember watching the Royal Institution Christmas lectures every year and being fascinated by all the demonstrations. I used to help my Dad when he was working on his allotment and always picked up all the fossils that appeared after his digging sessions. I would then spend hours trying to work out what they were. One of my teachers at secondary school had previously worked in industry as a geologist so he started teaching a geology module and I was hooked. I went on to study for a geology degree. With this background, I was destined to be a geology technician. Funnily enough I have come full circle as I was a Demonstration Technician on the Ri Christmas Lectures 2020!
I would say do what you enjoy and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot follow your dream.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your teachers and at places you may visit. Find out if your school has a scheme where you can get visit a workplace or institution to gain experience. Above all remember this – You can do it!
Lin Marvin
XRF and SEM Technician
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
University of Leicester