Behind the lens at Imperial

Meeting the meerkats 

I’ve always had an interest in animals, which led me to do a degree in zoology. My first job as a zoologist was working in the Kalahari Desert in South Africa studying meerkats for a year, which completely changed and shaped my life. I learned so much from being somewhere so remote with a group of people who are all passionate about what they do. 

The experience led me to decide to move into communications, because I really enjoyed the science but realised I didn't really want to be a scientist. So I did a Master’s in science communication which led to me working as a researcher for radio and TV science programmes. 

I eventually ended up returning to the meerkats as a TV researcher. Then one day I ended up holding a microphone boom and doing some sound. This then led to me doing some filming, and eventually to me becoming an assistant camera/sound person for various wildlife shows, which I absolutely adored. I did a lot of filming in South Africa and filming mongooses, and, strangely, some work in Scotland filming people’s pet cats. 

After some time working for the BBC’s Technical Support unit and for camera hire companies, I got to a point where I needed to think long term. The filming work was really exciting, but it was really temporary work. Contracts lasted a few months and in between you had to do other jobs to make ends meet. So I came to Imperial to move into something a bit more permanent and science focused. 

The small things add up

I've been really lucky to do what I’ve been able to do. But I’ve found there were challenges in the TV work to do with sexism. At one camera hire company, they wouldn't let me attend any demonstrations of new cameras , even though I was one of the few people there who had filming experience! You never really know if you have been passed over for jobs because of these sorts of preconceptions.   

I think the challenges we face in the queer community aren't always big things – it’s more small things that all add up. Because I don't dress in a way that people see as normal for a female person, whenever I walk into a public bathroom I take a bit of a breath. I've been asked to leave bathrooms so many times and had men telling me I shouldn't be going into them. Similarly on the tube you can get looks, or laughter, or sometimes aggression. It doesn't happen all the time, but it can just happen randomly when you're on your way to work, or out with a friend. 

My partner and I have a one year old boy. During the process my partner had to sign forms in the ‘dad’ field, and we had people, even healthcare professionals, asking how we can both be parents. It frustrates me that some people are unaware of these things, but then if you've never experienced it, why would you be aware? 

Standing up and being counted  

When I was growing up, there was nobody in the public eye who was gay, and there was nobody in my life who was gay. So my role models have appeared as I've learned about the movement. People like Marsha P Johnson who stood up at the time as a black trans woman – I just think that's amazing.   

I've also met some great people through Imperial.  A former colleague, Imogen, spoke openly about the challenges of being a trans woman in science. It’s amazing for people to be sharing their stories and trying to make a change.   

Follow your passions 

The main thing is to do something you're passionate about. If you're going to work in communications, try and find something you really want to communicate about, because it’ll be more fun, and your work will be better.   

I think sometimes we undersell ourselves, particularly women. You should aim above what you think you can achieve. Find inspiration all around you in what you enjoy.

Behind the scenes

After graduating from university with some experience from doing a laboratory teaching assistant role, I landed a technician role at the University of East London. I worked there for a few years and learnt the operations of how a large teaching lab runs successfully. My next move was to Imperial where I’ve been supporting all the undergraduate and postgraduate courses that run in our labs at Hammersmith for two and half years. My work involves a lot of behind the scenes preparatory work for lab sessions, as well as overseeing and managing the safe use of laboratories. 

As a woman in a technical field, it can sometimes feel a little daunting trying to make yourself heard. It can be difficult to speak up about your thoughts and ideas. But if we have confidence in ourselves and our abilities, as we should, this translates into our actions, and the end results we achieve. I’ve been lucky to have some exceptional colleagues and line managers along the way who have supported my journey from the jump. 

Going with the flow 

Learning to be flexible has been important in my career. It’s very important to have goals and to know where you’re headed. But you also need to be willing to go with the flow of where opportunities take you. If it’s a chance to learn something new and expand your skill set, it will always be helpful to your career.  

I have role models all around me 

For me, my LGBT+ role models are the people that I work and collaborate with through my job, and also through Imperial 600 and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre. Fortunately, many names come to mind! They all have values that I really look up to, such as inspiring others to make change, commitment to their community, and overcoming obstacles that may appear in their way. 

I went to my first Imperial 600 event a few summers ago. It was such a great opportunity to meet LGBTQIA+ colleagues from across the College and learn about one another’s experiences. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be more involved. So when Simon Levey reached out to see if I wanted to be co-chair I immediately went for it! So far in my role I’ve been getting stuck in to organising LGBT+ History Month, Women at Imperial Week through the lens of LGBTQIA+ staff members, and hosting our Hammersmith branch of the Imperial 600 book club. 

Be yourself

I think it’s important in your career to be who you are, no matter what! Don’t give up just because you feel you don’t see yourself represented. This just means that there is a space ready for you to fill up, so make the space uniquely yours and really make a difference.