Profile
Emily Hill
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About Me:
Hi! I’m Emily. I live on the West Coast of Scotland with my partner and our dog, Jessie. During the day, I am a Laboratory Supervisor for a Fish Health consultancy.
When I’m not working, I love exploring the outdoors with Jessie and I’m usually close to water, be it a loch or the sea! I also love to cook and play video games. -
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I moved to Scotland in 2012 when I started University. I have always loved anything to do with the oceans so I did a degree in Marine Science with Arctic Studies. During this time I was lucky enough to take part in two scientific cruises in the North Atlantic, and spend 6 months in the Norwegian Arctic. I saw lots of wildlife such as polar bears, whales and sea birds. It was an incredible time and definitely shaped me as a person and a scientist!
I love being outdoors and especially near the water. My dog Jessie also loves the water so we’re usually out walking on our local shore. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, reading and cooking or baking!
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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My Work:
I am a laboratory supervisor for a fish health consultancy. We receive samples from fish farms for routine testing for various diseases. I studied Marine Science at University and during my degree I lived in the Arctic for 12 months.
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Fish, like humans get diseases that can be bad for their health. My job is to test the fish for these diseases that the fish farmers may be concerned about. This means they can monitor and treat the fish in the best way possible, to ensure a healthy and sustainable way of farming.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up at 6.30, have breakfast and take Jessie for a quick walk. I arrive at work for 8.30am where I process any samples that have arrived that day. I have lunch at 12:30 followed by a stroll on the beach. Then it’s back to the lab to look at the results from the samples. I go home at 4:30pm. I then head out for a bigger walk with Jessie and then I make something delicious for dinner and relax for the evening.
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My job is based in a laboratory, so a lot of my day involves sample preparation (cutting up bits of fish) and looking after the machines that process the samples. I am also responsible for training new members of staff and communicating with customers that may have questions about their samples. My job often requires a lot of problem solving and planning so that we can process the samples in the most efficient way possible.
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Education:
I attended Edgecliff High School, Kinver (West Midlands), leaving in 2010. I then attended Sixth Form College at Oldswinford Hospital School, leaving in 2012.
In 2012 I came up to Scotland and attended the Scottish Association for Marine Science, where I studied Marine Science with Arctic Studies.
After graduating in 2016, I did a Masters degree in Environmental Toxicology in Norway, at the Norwegian Institute for Science and Technology (NTNU).
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Qualifications:
I have 9 GCSE’s: Maths, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, French, Geography.
I have three A-Levels: Geology, Biology and Chemistry.
I have two degrees: Marine Science with Arctic Studies (Bachelors) and Environmental Toxicology (Masters).
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Work History:
Upon finishing my degree in Norway, I knew I wanted to return to Scotland. During my studies here I was working part time in a whisky distillery. When I returned to Scotland, I returned to this job full time. I really enjoyed being in a busy tourist town and learning about something different from my studies. There is science in whisky however!!
I had this job for 3 years (during COVID), and whilst I loved it, I wanted to return to science.
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Current Job:
I have worked in my current job for 2 years and I am really enjoying being in science again. I am still learning every day! I began as a Laboratory Employee and I was then given the role of Laboratory Supervisor after 12 months.
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Employer:
I work for PatoGen Ltd, a fish health company: “We inspire actions for healthier fish”
The company is a combination of fish health consultants, laboratory staff (me!) and researchers. It is a Norwegian company with two laboratories/offices in Norway and one here in Scotland.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Dog loving scientist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Veterinarian
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would be an Arctic science researcher
Who is your favourite singer or band?
The Wanted
What's your favourite food?
Asian cuisine
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To have more confidence in myself, to live on a farm with lots of animals and to have a boat so I could be on the sea whenever I wanted!
Tell us a joke.
What do you call a fish with no eyes? FSH!! (Sorry..)
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