Profile

I now work for Thames Water as a Laboratory Manager – testing routine water samples in a very busy testing laboratory & leading a fantastic team of analysts who do an amazing job checking the quality of the water, following our rules (ISO117025) & growing within the role – hopefully whilst having fun but above all staying safe

I had worked For Castrol for over 20 yearsmainly in the Chromatography / forensic team . I like to have fun inside and outside work.

I play league tennis – always doubles  – so I am like Jamie Murray not his brother Andy! I also run half Marathons and was hoping to do a full one soon as soon as COVID has shrunk & we can start them again. I gave up playing rugby a while ago and nearly went professional.

My wife is a Nurse & helps to teach all other nurses in A/E. My lovely daughter is at University reading Criminolgy

We like to travel around and see the sights all over – we like France. One fact is I am half Belgian so go to see my family in Belgium quite a lot and talk French with them

Bad points – I cannot spell and like a lot of scientists they say my handwriting is not the best!

I now manage in a busy water testing lab – testing routine samples.

I worked as part of the small Investigational Analysis team for Castrol. Our first and most important role is to try to solve issues that have occurred to our Lubricants and fuels – many call use the forensic team for oil (not bodies!). These are from customers all over the world from Formula 1 to major car companies. They can be in the field issues, problems with new oils, discolourations, contaminations, reactions and so on. We test the write reports to show the outcome – just like school, intro, samples, method, results, conclusion with pictures thrown in – does not change from school!. Teamwork is key as well as dealing with customers

Techniques used – I run the Microscopy section – two Optical Microscopes and 1 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Also run a lot of Chromatography and other techniques to get to an answer. We also develop new methods. I also do a lot of Health and safety for the team making sure everyone goes home safely.

Typical day – I spent a lot of time problem solving work from customers using the scientific equipment named & write reports for what I find. I also do a lot of Health and Safety to make sure everyone stays safe in the laboratory and have lots of fun with other scientists in the lab.

The work is varied and I would use a range of laboratory  equipment to help answer any issues. These include, Gas and Liquid chromatography, Infrared, Scanning electron microscopes and a whole range of other techniques.

As important is to engage other team members to help discuss issues. Using their experience and knowledge can move a problem forward and help you to find answers. Also there knowledge in report writing and  proof reading is invaluable.  A second pair of eyes to double check minor errors (with me spelling!!) is invaluable.