Profile
Carol Wallace
I'm a research technician focussing on biomedical sciences. we're looking at moving what we do in the lab to greater relevance to patients in hospitals or at GP surgeries. I work mainly in Immunology which is where the body attacks foreign bodies - bacteria, proteins, pollen and fungus
My CV
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Education:
Aberdeen Academy, University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon Institute of Technology
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Qualifications:
BSc in Biochemistry and a Diploma in Analytical Techniques
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Work History:
I’ve worked at a government research station, in a the quality control department of a small manufacturing pharmaceutical company before taking up my role with the University of Aberdeen
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Current Job:
I’m a research technician
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About Me:
I’m granny age but still full of enthusiasm for interesting questions
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I live in the far north of Scotland (- well Aberdeen) with my family. We have 2 Scottie dogs and 2 cats and assorted grandchildren.
I’m a Star Wars fan – both extended and original screenplays and also a Star Trek fan – I think I’ve seen every episode of ALL the series!
I’ve been a Lego fan since I was wee and I still get a buzz about trying to be a Master-Builder.
I like to keep an open mind and like to think of myself as being very curious about anything and everything.
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On the left is my favourite toy, a flow cytometer. This is used to separate different cell types into populations. these all have different properties and functions with the body. I look at cells in the blood or in tissues.
A main part of my work is producing antibodies, which have lots of uses in the laboratories, they can be used to separate different cells, recognise different cells and even block cells from doing their job. on the right I’ve 2 columns set up to isolate the antibody proteins from the media they were produced in. We grow cells that pump the protein out into the culture media and collect the media to get the protein – often litres of liquid for 1 or 2 thousandths of a gram!
I also use the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to look at genes produced in cells. How they react to stimulus or stress. this can help us understand what happens in tissue or the body.
My day is very varied, sometimes I’m in the lab all day and other times I spend a lot of time at the computer doing analysis of the data I’ve collected.
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As I said above, I don’t have a typical day – my work is very varied.
I can be collecting samples from volunteers – usually blood or I can be analysing data at the computer.
I enjoy a day when I’m in tissue culture, growing cell lines for experiments or for protein production. I find it very relaxing, even though I am working in a sterile environment conscious of not contaminating anything by touch (or even sneezing)!
I can be isolating DNA or RNA from cells or tissue or I can be designing experiments trying to figure out why the last one did not work!
Every day is different and never routine, and you always have to be prepared for the unexpected – be it a result, malfunction of an important piece of equipment or even a fire alarm.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d like to buy small-hand friendly pippettes
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Happy, enthusiastic and helpful
What did you want to be after you left school?
Either and Air Hostess or a Chemist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Often!
Who is your favourite singer or band?
I like lots of music, but top of my play list at present is Joe Bonnamassa
What's your favourite food?
I like eating fish, so anything fishy/seafoody
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I want to keep being positive and enjoying what I do. I want to keep getting the buzz when something amazing happens in the lab and I want to keep doing what I like as long as possible
Tell us a joke.
I'm rubbish at jokes, I hear one, think it's funny but can't remember it! Simple ones make me laugh most, but somebody banging an elbow will also cause a smirk! Sorry :(
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