Profile
Ella Ray
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About Me:
I live in Northamptonshire but I am from the Midlands. I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. I am a Process Engineer and, outside of work, I love to be creative such as painting and baking. I also like reading, watching films and going to the gym.
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At school, I studied Biology, Chemistry, Maths and English. I loved science and maths so decided to go into engineering where I can combine what I enjoyed learning at school and have a job where I can work on important processes to help people and the planet.
I enjoy volunteering and have travelled to the Philippines to teach English and Maths to school children. Travelling is a big passion of mine and I have been very lucky to visit different countries for work and holidays.
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My pronouns are:
She/Her
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My Work:
I am a Process Engineer for The magnum Ice Cream Company where I work for Ben and Jerry’s. This means I look at how to make ice cream products at a small scale and then transferring this to the factory.
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I work closely with product developers to bring our new products to the factory and then the supermarket shelf! I look at the current equipment in the factory and how we can make our new ideas for products using this equipment. If our factory can’t make the new product, we will look at new equipment and run lots of tests to ensure it is right. I also look at minimising waste within our factories in order to be more sustainable and to save money.
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My Typical Day:
I get to work at about 8.30 am and the first thing I do is make a plan of my day. I work on a lot of different projects so need to decide which jobs to do that day. Sometimes I will be doing some tests in the pilot plant and collecting data. Other days, I will be running a test in the factory. I have lunch with my colleagues and go for a walk. I then continue my work and leave the office at 5 pm.
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Some days I am at my desk reading, putting together experiment/test plans and having meetings with my team. Other days, I will be in the factory or in the lab/pilot plant doing more practical work. I work on projects both on my own but also with a team. Sometimes during my job, I visit other countries to run tests or visit factories which is really fun! I really like to be in factories as there is a lot to see and learn. It is very interesting to see how the food we eat is made.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
If I won the prize money, I would like to organise a science activity at a local school. This could be doing some experiments, showing how we make our food and then tasting some products! I would make it really fun and interactive so that everyone can get involved and learn more about food factories.
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Education:
I went to school in Sutton Coldfield where I did my GCSEs and my A levels.
Before university, I did a gap year where I did some volunteering and worked.
For university, I studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Nottingham for 4 years.
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Qualifications:
12 GCSEs
4 A levels
Bachelors and Masters in Chemical Engineering
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Work History:
My first job was as a swimming instructor.
During university, I worked as a research assistant in the engineering laboratories performing experiments.
I then worked in a pub and a supermarket.
After finishing university, I worked for Nomad Foods for two years as a process engineer. They have brands such as Birdseye and Aunt Bessie’s. I worked in a very innovative team with lots of projects on future technology.
I currently work for The Magnum Ice Cream Company in Ben & Jerrys as a process engineer. I have been here for 1.5 years.
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Current Job:
I currently work as a process engineer for The magnum Ice Cream Company in the Ben & Jerrys team. I am part of research and development so I look at new ideas for technology and equipment to make our food. I have worked here for 1.5 years so far.
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Employer:
I work for The Magnum Ice Cream Company in the Ice Cream category. I work for the brand Ben & Jerrys. There are factories all over the world but the main ones I work with are in The Netherlands, Italy and US.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Friendly, fun & food-obsessed!
What did you want to be after you left school?
I wanted to be a teacher! This is something I still want to do later in my career.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Only once, for talking too much!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would be a marine biologist because I love sea animals.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Lily Allen
What's your favourite food?
I love Italian food especially pizza and pasta.
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
1) For everyone to always be happy and healthy. 2) To have equal opportunities for everyone across the world. 3) To be able to see all the world and lots of different cultures.
Tell us a joke.
What do you call a pea that falls off your plate? An esca-pea!
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