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Emma Stevenson

Sad that it’s the final day! Thanks for all your great questions! 😃

My CV

  • Education:

    Torquay Community college (1994-1999), Torquay Girls Grammar School (1999-2001), University West of England, Bristol (2001-2005), Imperial Collage, London (2005-2006), University of Exeter (2009-2013)

  • Qualifications:

    GCSEs, A-Levels, BSc (Hons), Masters degree (MRes) and PhD

  • Work History:

    My first job was at a pet shop in Torquay town centre
    I then worked in a local residential home throughout my A-levels and degree (during the holidays)
    I had a break from science when I was 24 and worked in a petrol station for several months whilst I decided what I wanted to do in my life.
    I then became an Associate scientist at GlaxoSmithKline (Pharmaceutical company), I then went back to study a PhD and after that I was a Post doctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham and then a
    Postdoctoral scientist in bacterial signalling at the University of Exeter

  • Current Job:

    An assistant research practitioner

  • About Me:

    I am about to become a mum again, but before that I used to run marathons and do triathlons

  • Read more

    I live and work in a lovely seaside town called Torquay which is in Devon. I live with my husband, son; who is 2  & 1/2, and our two cats. It’s great because I am close to the sea and also the moors. So, I can go on long walks or days out at the beach.

    I love to run and have completed two marathons (including London) and loads of smaller races. I also love to do triathlon with my husband. This involves a swim, bike ride and a run all one after the other in the same event. Its tiring but brilliant to know you’ve completed it. So, in my spare time I do a lot of training.

    My hubby and I like to go to the cinema, and we like the Marvel films such as Thor and The Avengers.

    By the sea with my hubby

    A local race

    After a triathlon

    our cats as kittens

    Best friends

     

  • Read more

    I work in the clinical trials department at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.  We set up studies that may lead to a change in the way that surgery is carried out, or how a medication is given. It’s all part of a method called evidence based research.

    My team works with hip and knee surgeons, to see if we can improve the outcome for a patient having surgery. For example if  we think there might be a better way of doing a total knee or hip replacement. We can set up a study that aims to test our question.

    The greatest part of this job is that for some of the research we do, I actually get to go in to surgery and watch a hip or knee replacement.

  • My Typical Day:

    I get in to work and see if I have to go to meet people to talk about the research we are doing. I also see if I need to go and observe a surgery and collect information.
    After that I make sure everyone on our clinical trials studies have the right appointments so we can collect the right information at the right time.

  • Read more

    I get in to work at 8am. I check my emails and work calendar and see what I have to do for the day.

    Usually I prepare to go and speak to members of the public who have come in to the hospital to prepare for surgery. I talk to them about the research we are doing and ask if they would be interested in taking part.

    Sometimes I need to go in to watch a hip or knee replacement surgery. So, I check to see what time the surgery is going to happen and  I make sure I have all the things I need to collect the information. The surgery is quite long, so I have to make sure I have everything I need.

    Some of the research studies we do run for a number of years and we collect lots of information at set time points along the way. This involves lots of appointments for the member of public. Its my job to co-ordinate the appointments and make sure the member of the public knows where they need to be and what they are having done. This can be anything from extra physiotherapy, to x-rays or even just filling out a questionnaire.

     

  • What I'd do with the prize money:

    I would go to my local youth group to run an interactive science day

  • My Interview

    • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

      Sporty, hardworking and a bit nerdy!

      What did you want to be after you left school?

      I always wanted to be a scientist!

      Were you ever in trouble at school?

      No, I was good at school!

      Who is your favourite singer or band?

      I don't have a favourite but I love hip hop and R'n'B music, especially from the 90's!

      What's your favourite food?

      Mexican: Fajitas, tacos and all things spicy!

      If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

      To be a better runner! To earn more money and to have a permanent science job.

      Tell us a joke.

      What do you call a man with a spade on his head? Doug (Yes, I like the tragic jokes!)

Questions answered by Emma

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