I have worked at NRI since 1991 as a laboratory technician. During this time, I have gained vast experience in insect rearing and plant propagation, lab management and health and safety including COSHH.

As the Senior Laboratory Technician, I provide technical support to enable NRI’s laboratories, greenhouses and controlled temperature environment rooms to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

I have experience in areas of plant propagation including growing from seed, cuttings, tubers and tissue culture. I am responsible for integrated pest management systems including identification of pests, knowledge of biological controls and application of approved pesticides. I am experienced in DEFRA quarantine plant import protocols including quarantine and non-indigenous pest monitoring and identifying plant viruses.

I have experience in insect rearing including Lepidoptera, aphids, whitefly, grain storage beetles and mosquitoes. I am experienced in DEFRA insect quarantine import protocols.

I also assist PHD, MSC and 3rd year undergrads in partnership with their supervisors, set up and run their research projects by teaching insect rearing and plant propagating techniques, helping with covering periods of absences, carrying out insectary and greenhouse inductions and instructing on lab procedures

As a Senior Laboratory Technician, I provide technical support to enable NRI’s research to take place by ensuring that the required plants and insects are available for research purposes when required.

I ensure that healthy insect culture and research plant material by propagation, seed planting, and tissue culture, are available for scientific research.