Resonate Late: Spotlighting the Unsung Heros of the Lab

On Thursday 7th March, we popped up at the Tin Music and Arts in Coventry for ‘Behind the Scenes with Science Technicians’. In a Resonate first, all of the evenings talks were by Science Technicians.

First up, Electron Microscopy Technician, Tom Moore, introduced us to materials engineering. Tom taught us that his micro-scale engineering work has practical applications, such as choosing the correct material to bend into the shape of a car door. We also had a live demonstration of a materials stress test!

Daisy Ashworth, Research Technician in Chemistry, gave us a whistle-stop tour into the history of scientific glassblowing before discussing what her job as a scientific glassblower involves. We watched a video of her in action and discussed the importance of this dying scientific craft.

After a short break to top up our glasses and grab a samosa, we listened to Dr Jack Woolley, Research Technology Platform Manager , who had us considering what materials do when they absorb light. In his job, Jack uses laser to track what happens after absorption. We spent time considering how this research can impact the development of new suncreams.

We finished the night with a talk from Dr Saskia Bakker, Research Technology Platform Manager, who had us considering how you look at things are too small for a normal microscope. The answer is, an even bigger microscope that can look at even smaller things! Saskia talked us through how to prepare samples for processing and then we took a look at the microscopic make-up of milk.

Our incredible audience asked lots of questions – thank you so much to all who attended! We can’t wait to see you at another Resonate event soon!