Category: Get to know

Get to know: Chris Allan, Senior Occupational Health Adviser

Chris Allan, Senior Occupational Health Adviser

Describe your job in three words:

Help people change.

When did you first realise you wanted to do what you do?

It was about 15 years ago; I knew I wasn’t very happy where I was and what I was doing, so I made a decision to do something about that.

What’s the best thing about your role?

I feel really privileged to meet and help a diverse range of people.

What’s the most challenging thing about your role?

I help people face some of their toughest challenges in life. Lots of people know what they should do, but knowing isn’t enough, because action is often scary.

What’s the proudest moment of your career?

I don’t really feel proud very much, but knowing I can share the tools to help people through difficult times is rewarding – I like finding the way together!

Tell us a little about your work on Mental Health First Aid?

I first trained as a Mental Health First Aid instructor in 2014. Since then MHFA has really taken root at Imperial and become something that enables many of our wonderful volunteers to support those around them. Growing and nurturing that network is where much of my work takes place. (more…)

Get to know: Rebecca Frise, Research Technician

Rebecca Frise, Research Technician, Department of Medicine

Describe your research / job in three words:

How influenza works

When did you first realise you wanted to do what you do?

I attended a conference at which my current PI (Prof Wendy Barclay) was the keynote speaker and I knew I wanted to join her lab and research team.

What’s the best thing about your role?

The team I work with and the flexibility given to me by my manager and college.

What’s the most challenging thing about your role?

No two days are the same; sometimes you can’t plan for the problems that arise and you have to troubleshoot on the spot.

What’s the proudest moment of your career?

Publishing my first journal paper

Name a machine / software /object you couldn’t do your job without:

Has to be the software GraphPad Prism

What is the one thing you want to know/do before you die?

Visit Patagonia in South America
(more…)

Get to know: Dr Shona Blair, Head of Research Strategy

Dr Shona Blair, Head of Research Strategy, Faculty of Medicine

Describe your job in a few words:

Develop and support strategic research initiatives

What’s the best thing about your role?

Supporting world leading researchers, and the team I work with.

What’s the most challenging thing about your role?

Understanding the depth and breadth of the research we do, the complexities of our structure and our engagement with the NHS.

What’s the proudest moment of your career?

Giving a key note address on my research, while the world leader in my field was in the audience, and receiving very positive feedback from him.

I heard that you’ve done some research on bees and honey – tell us a little about that:

As a former microbiologist, I’ve been involved in research into the antimicrobial and other therapeutic properties of honey, with a particular focus on manuka from Australia and New Zealand, for quite a few years. (more…)