Meet Jade, our very own ZOONO Microbiologist!
Here at ZOONO® we are lucky enough to have our very own on-site Microbiologist. Conducting both on-site and in-field testing, Jade is capturing critical, scientific data to prove the efficacy of the unique antimicrobial effectiveness of our products. In addition to this, Jade produces detailed case study reports which are used industry wide to support businesses to make informed decisions and help to keep employees and customers safe.
To celebrate and recognise ‘International Women and Girls in Science Day’ we’ve carried out a Q&A with Jade in the hope that it’ll inspire others to look into a career in the sciences and make a difference of their own in the future.
Q. Jade, let’s kick off with explaining what exactly a Microbiologist is!
A. Microbiologists study microscopic organisms (those that are too small to see with the naked eye) that are known to cause infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some parasites. Microbiologists study microorganisms in order to further understand how they interact with and affect our lives. Some microbiologists also look into how microbes can be exploited in order to benefit from them. By furthering our understanding of microorganisms, microbiologists work on solving problems affecting health, climate, food/agriculture and the environment.
Q. Could you tell everyone a little more about what your role as Microbiologist at ZOONO entails?
A. I have quite a varied role, which I really enjoy. Part of my job entails going onsite and conducting testing, which is really interesting. We analyse surfaces pre & post treatment with Zoono and track the same locations for up to 28 days. Each trial we conduct is written up as a case study. I also provide a technical supporting role, working with other members of the team, clients and also some media aspects.
Q. How did you get into Microbiology? Were you interested in Sciences from a young age?
A. I was very interested in both science and animals from a young age. I studied Bio-Veterinary Science at university which combined both of my passions, but it was here that I really fell in love with Microbiology as a subject. I found being able to do the practical side of it made my interest for the subject grow. I am now in my final year of my Masters degree in Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.
Q. What advice would you give to any girls or women exploring a career in the sciences?
A. Go for it! Science is so diverse and there are so many specialities within the larger subject. There are great support networks and opportunities out there now for women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and there are also so many incredible women in science. Women are still underrepresented in most areas of STEM which is something that needs to change. Research has surmised that stereotypes and psychological factors are why, despite high intellectual capabilities, women are not pursuing careers in these fields. Science can be so rewarding, and it is such a diverse and ever-changing field to work in. It is definitely worth it!
Q. Why do you feel that it is important for women to follow their dreams and pursue a career in science?
A. I believe women should follow their dreams and be anything they want to be – whether in science or otherwise. Working hard and being persistent give you the tools to achieve your dreams. The great thing about STEM is that even within each subset, there are so many different roles and jobs, there is so many opportunities to be had.
Q. What’s the best thing about your job?
A. The diversity of the role. I do lots of different things on a daily basis and it keeps things really interesting, busy and challenging.
Q. Why do you love working at ZOONO?
A. I enjoy the busy and dynamic working environment and the people I get to work with. It is really nice to work somewhere where everyone believes in the products and seeing first-hand the difference we can make. Zoono technology is paving the way and bridging the gap between routine cleaning cycles where reinfection normally occurs. Using Zoono can help prevent the multiplication and spread of potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. This is particularly important with the current pandemic but also moving forward when we will have to face things such as antimicrobial resistance and other infectious diseases.
Do you have a daughter, niece, granddaughter, friend who’s passionate about science? We’d love to know!
More about International Day of Women and Girls in Science:
“To rise to the challenges of the 21st century, we need to harness our full potential. That requires dismantling gender stereotypes. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s pledge to end the gender imbalance in science.”
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres
