Profile

Photo:

Rita Dapaah

    • About Me:

      I live in Cambridge. I am a scientific technician👩‍🔬 working in a research institute. Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, trying new baking recipes and hiking.

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • My Work:

      I am a Flow Cytometry assistant that primarily support scientist with their cell characterisation experiments using Flow cytometry.

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      My role entails working with and supporting scientists. This includes providing my expertise in flow cytometry to support with data analysis, troubleshooting, cell sorting and training.

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up and head to the gym. I get to work for 9am, where I organise the lab and do some analysis for researchers. In the afternoon I head for lunch with friends and work on some more project before heading home at 5.30pm.

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      I usually start my day with a early gym session (6am) . I have some breakfast before heading to work at 9am. With the help of my colleagues, I turn on and check all the instruments we have in the facility and any sorters we need for the day. Depending on how busy the facility is, my day involves assisting users with sorts, maintenance of the lab (cleaning machines, restocking consumables) or working on my research projects. Before leaving at 5.30 I ensure that the machines are all switched off. Once at home, I enjoy crocheting whilst watching some TV.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      I would use the Prize to highlight the different paths in science, specifically the spectrum of technician roles.

      I would create a series of videos following different technician. In each video I would interview the technician to understand their background and how the got to their role, followed up by a brief montage showing their daily routine.

    CV

    • Education:

      • I grew up in Italy where the school system is different from the UK.
        • IIS A. Zanelli – Liceo Scientifico, Reggio Emilia – Italy, 2012 – 2017

        From age 14 to 18, I attended a scientific lyceum which is basically a secondary school.

        • BSc in Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, 2018-2021
        • MSc in Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, 2021-2022

    • Work History:

      During my gap year I worked as a Customer service assistant for kitchen supply company. Afterwards, whilst I was in university, I was a a students ambassador and mentor and during summer breaks I also had a few part time jobs.

       

       

    • Current Job:

      I have been working in Flow cytometry since 2023, I started as a technician and have since been promoted to an assistant.

       

    • Employer:

      Babraham Institute

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Curious and adaptable scientist

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        I wanted to work in a biology related sector but was not sure as what

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Just once when I was 12

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

        Potentially working in a pharmaceutical company, still doing research

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        For the last few years Beyonce

        What's your favourite food?

        A tie between Ghanian Jollof rice or Italian lasagne

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

        Travel around the world, win a Nobel Prize, have dinner with my top 5 favourite celebrities

        How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Inquisitive, Creative, Reliable

Questions answered by Rita

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