Exeter research technician wins award

Tina Schrader, senior research technician in biosciences, won the prize which recognises technicians who apply professional technical knowledge and expertise, deliver innovation and efficiency, make a positive impact and inspire others, demonstrate leadership and collaboration and are committed to professional development.

Developed jointly by the Royal Society of Biology and the University Bioscience Managers Association (UBMA), the award seeks to recognise the superb work of technical staff, which underpins the bioscience research and teaching at all levels in universities across the UK and Ireland.

Tina was presented the award by UBMA Chair Michael O' Sullivan (CBiol MRSB) at the UBMA 36^th Annual Conference held at Coventry University from 1-3 May.

The judges were impressed with the quality and breadth of her technical work and were pleased to publically recognise her hard work in this way.

Tina said: “I am delighted that the UBMA and Royal Society of Biology have awarded me with the HE Biosciences Technician of the year award 2019.

“I felt overwhelmed by surprise after receiving the letter and filled with joy that all my hard work and achievements have been recognised.

“I am grateful to my department for nominating me. The enthusiasm and trust of my colleagues let me thrive and explore what I really can achieve.

“It is a once in a lifetime experience to be honoured as a research technician by such prestigious institutions.

“It is important to improve the recognition and the visibility of HE technicians and their achievements.”

Tina received her technical education and degree at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, with particular focus on cell biology, anatomy and biochemistry. She obtained international experience at the Johns Hopkins University, USA, and in Portugal.

Besides academia, Tina also worked in a company with focus on drug development in cancer research.

In 2012, she joined the University of Exeter and is involved in several inter-disciplinary research projects to understand the dynamics and cooperation of subcellular compartments and their link to human disease.