Profile

Photo:

Rachael Croft

    • About Me:

      I live in a charming seaside town named Hartlepool with my partner and our two kids.

      By day, I work as a Senior Biomedical Scientist, but when the evening rolls around and on weekends, I love to dive into my sewing machine, whipping up clothes and fun little projects. I also make sure to soak up the sun at the beach and hang out with family and friends whenever I can.

    • Read more

      I have a great passion for reading, especially when it comes to medical autobiographies. These fascinating non-fiction books are written by professionals like doctors who share their experiences and intriguing cases from their careers. To keep things fresh, I also enjoy diving into a good work of fiction every now and then.

      Visiting museums is another activity I love, as it allows me to discover new things and expand my knowledge.

      In my younger days, I was torn between pursuing a career in fashion or medicine. I’ve always had a love for sewing since I was a little girl, often practicing by sewing buttons while watching TV. Over time, my skills have improved significantly, and I’ve even created a wedding dress! Right now, I’m working on a large medieval-style banner for the wall of my partner’s tattoo shop.

    • My pronouns are:

      She/ her

    • My Work:

      I am a Senior Biomedical Scientist and I specialise in all things to do with blood.

    • Read more

      I work for a company called Hart Biologicals, I am a Senior Biomedical Scientist here.

      We manufacture products that are then used in the hospital laboratory to test the patients blood samples with. These tests help identify any bleeding disorders or issues related to blood clotting in patients.

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up and make breakfast (bagel with cream cheese) and a coffee. I get to work for 8am unless I have to go out to get blood samples. On these days I head out with my other colleague to take fresh blood samples from volunteers before taking the blood back to the lab where we do lots of different experiments. I have lunch with my work friends around 1pm then head back into the lab to do some more testing or go into my office to look at my results and write the report. I go home at 3pm ready to go and collect my children from school.

    • Read more

      Some days I head out with my colleague  before I get to work to take fresh blood samples from volunteers. We then use this blood in different parts of the company. Sometimes its used in the research lab to help develop new products. it is also used in the Quality Control (QC) lab, if its being used here then its used to test the products which have already been made, to make sure they work correctly.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      If I were to win the £500 prize, I would invest it in purchasing additional materials for experiments. This would enhance my STEM events, as the students really enjoy creating fake blood clots and trying out real laboratory pipettes and equipment.

    CV

    • Education:

      St. John Vianney RC Primary School, Hartlepool

      English Martyrs School and Sixth From College, Hartlepool

      Chemical Engineering – Teesside University

      Biomedical Science – Sunderland University

      Practitioner Training Programme PTP

    • Qualifications:

      15 GCSE’s (Grades A* and A)

      A Levels in Chemistry, Biology, Maths, Textiles, Critical Thinking

      Diploma in Chemical Engineering

      BSc(Hons) Healthcare Science (Cellular Science)

      Level 3 Phlebotomist

    • Work History:

      Waitress at Marine Hotel

      Waitress at Marco Polo Restaurant

      Bar Manager at a Pub

      Trainee Biomedical Scientist in the NHS

      Biomedical Scientist at Hart Biologicals

      Senior Biomedical Scientist at Hart Biologicals

    • Current Job:

      Senior Biomedical Scientist

    • Employer:

      Hart Biologicals

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        The sewing scientist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Maxillo-facial Surgeon

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        No

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Surgeon

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Beyonce

        What's your favourite food?

        Creamy Pasta and garlic bread

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

        to win the lottery, to live a long and happy life, to have the power to heal people/ animals

        Tell us a joke.

        What kind of room doesn’t have windows or a door? A mushroom.

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