Richard joined Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2007 after employment with an independent UKAS accredited laboratory, providing a microbiological screening service to a broad range of companies within the food manufacturing industry. Richards’s initial role, as Senior Technician at Cardiff Met, involved coordinating and preparing materials for the microbiology practical classes. In addition he also aided in the support of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology elements of the Biomedical Science and Food Science and Technology degrees. During this time, assisting in the final year BSc and MSc projects became a lead part of his role and inspired him to complete a part time MSc Biomedical Science degree, graduating in 2009 with the IBMS award for highest achievement.
Richard became a Technician Demonstrator in 2012 and shares his time between demonstrating biomedical techniques in practical classes and project supervision. In 2014 he aided in the redesign of laboratory space allocated to the project students, enabling all practical elements of the biomedical science degree to be incorporated into one communal space. Richard now manages a diverse range of BSc and MSc projects, principally supporting microbiology but also overseeing projects incorporating RT PCR, Western Blotting, Epifluorescent microscopy, Immunohistochemistry, ELISA and cell culture.
Richard also coordinates work experience placements. Students interested in biomedical science, from secondary, further and higher education, are able to develop skills in a broad range of techniques with placements designed to target areas directly applicable to their studies. The students leave with key skills in good laboratory practice. As part of the First Campus team, he also tutors to school pupils, developing activities and preparing lectures to help engage and encourage them to embrace the prospect of higher education.
