Emma Best

"My personality types are explorer, developer and coach. I guess these fit with my role. Being a scientist takes a questioning mind in order explore all options available and to seek out all current evidence for changing protocols or improving on what we do constantly. Also I spend quite a lot of time training others on water testing or general infection control principles."

"I work within the microbiology department in the Environmental and Water Testing Laboratory. I ensure the water and environment are kept free from harmful bugs which may cause additional harm to already ill patients in the hospital. In the lab we test tap water samples, water from hydrotherapy pools and any other water in the hospital to make it does not contain harmful bacteria. I enjoy working with people from all over the hospital and the practical side to the work. We often have to come up with novel ideas for sampling water in difficult to access places."

"I did a Bsc in cell biology, followed by a MSc in Microbiology, a PhD in microbiology. The work during my PhD led me more into environmental microbiology which gave me the experience to apply for the role in Leeds microbiology department."

"I enjoy running in the countryside with my dog. "

"My work day is really mixed. I spend part of it at my computer responding to email, entering and authorising results. Other parts of the day involve processing water or environmental samples, visiting wards or departments in the hospital, attending outbreak meetings or other meetings to do with water safety."

"A levels in maths, biology and chemistryBscMScPhD"