My work:
My job is to look after big instruments (devices used to measure something) used by chemists to work out what they have made in the lab. They are a combination of a giant magnet and a radio and I teach people how to use them, help them to look at the spectra (a picture a bit like a graph) that are produced and fix things when they go wrong.
About me:
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
I grew up in Fife in a small village and went to school in Anstruther. I loved science throughout High School and did my MChem and PhD in Organic Chemistry at St Andrews University. After a short break from Chemistry (during which I made hundreds or thousands of coffees at Pret), I started working at GSK (a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company) in Montrose after which I returned to the University as an NMR (a scientific instrument) Technician, supporting those doing research in the department. In my spare time, I love doing crafts and going for walks with my little boy and husband.
Education:
At school I loved science and did all three (physics, chemistry and biology) until 5th year. I then did a Masters in Chemistry followed by a PhD in organic chemistry. These aren't essential to do my job but I feel like it means I can help the students in many different ways.
My favourite subject in school:
Biology
My hobbies:
Crochet and reading. I also like to play building blocks with my little boy!
How would I describe myself in three words?
Independent, patient, approachable
My dream job as a child:
Vet
My favourite scientist:
Alexander Fleming
My favourite animal:
Rabbit - I have two house rabbits!
Colouring Page:
For more information, please check the Teaching resources page.
Please send in your coloured pages of Dr Siobhan Smith to sciencecolouring@gmail.com
You can also send coloured pages of you as a scientist to sciencecolouring@gmail.com