Emilia Angelillo

"I have been in the lab for my entire life, first as microbiologist and now as Lab tech in a school. I couldn't see myself working in any other place rather then in a science lab, although I have worked in many different environments and met many people along the way. This has made me very flexible and able to understand other people' needs and characters, in order to be able to work well in a team. I am also able to work on my own, actually this is very important when I need to focus on a particular task that requires accuracy and concentration. I am very organised and I like to plan things, although I am open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. I am incredibly passionate about my job and I find that working with kids is very rewarding and fun. I try hard to make them passionate about science and I really want to make science accessible to everyone, because it is a wonderful subject and also incredibly cool and fun. Therefore I feel very close to the personality types I got in my results. "

"I work as a laboratory technician in an independent school in Cambridge. I am in sole charge of 4 labs and 2 prep rooms. Besides the normal routine tasks of a technician (prepare reagents, equipment, maintenance etc.) I have an active role in the science department, in fact I often assist the teachers during the practical sessions and perform demonstrations in lessons. I am also involved with the organisation of the STEM weeks and open days.I am also a STEM ambassador. I strongly believe that practical science should be taught in primary school, therefore I work very closely with primary teachers. In fact, I organize workshops for our prep and pre-prep school and also for local primary schools.I am the creator of the Instagram science page @emilia.science, sometimes I involve pupils in it, as I think social media can be an excellent way to promote science among the kids. I also use my science page to promote the role of technicians, and to promote the role of women in STEM and values such as equality and diversity in science.Being part of the kids' education is fantastic and I consider it as a privilege. I think that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the enthusiasm and amazement in the kids' eyes. I hope that I can encourage them to believe in themselves and in what they do, and I hope I can show them that scientists are ''cool'' and science is a fun and amazing subject.In 2018 I became a STEM Ambassador. In 2021 I was awarded by Gratnell's ''Science Technician of the year''. In 2022 I was highly commended ''Outstanding STEM Ambassador'' by STEM Learning UK. In 2023 I have been awarded ''Duke Hero'' by the Dukes Education Group in recognition of ''the extraordinary contribution to their setting''."

"I worked as a Medical Microbiologist in hospital for many years in Italy and then in the UK. I really loved the job with all my heart but I had to take a career break when I had my beautiful twin girls. When I was ready to come back to work I decided to change my career and started to work in education. That wasn’t an easy decision and it was a big challenge for me and a bit scary as well, as all sort of changes can be.But love for science and for working in the laboratory have given me the strength to face this challenge. I have embraced my new career with great passion, and I am actually very happy I made this change as working with the young generation is a wonderful experience. "

"I used to do ballet, so I love dancing. In recent years I have done salsa and bachata but lately I have become a zumba lover!I also like listening to music, reading and taking nice walks in the park. "

"My day is always extremely busy and love that! One minute I am in the lab preparing a solution, next minute I am in the classroom lighting my hand on fire to amaze the students! I love to perform spectacular demonstration, for this reason I am also often at my PC searching for new resources or attending courses to improve my skills and be always better at my job!Sometimes I go to other schools to do workshops or I participate to STEM events."

"I have completed my studies in Italy where I have gained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Microbiology and Virology. In 2015 I have changed my career and I have become a Lab Technician. In 2019 I was awarded Registered Science Technician status."