I've always been interested in how the body works and what can go wrong in disease, I've always had an interest in medical research
My name is Claire Johnson, I work as a Teaching Technician in the Faculty of Engineering.
2020 update: Claire is now a University Teacher (Bioengineering) working in the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering Education.
Watch: Our interview with Claire
I studied biochemistry at The University of Sheffield because I was interested in how the body works and what can go wrong in disease and I’ve always had an interest in medical research.
How did you end up in the Faculty of Engineering at The University of Sheffield?
I got my first job at the Dental School where I could carry out experiments that could help people with problems, these skills and techniques made me eligible for a job in the Faculty of Engineering and I got a role as a Research Technician in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the field of Bioengineering.
What do you do day to day?
In my current role as Teaching Technician I run the laboratory practicals for the Bioengineering students, this is a hands on role, it means I can still develop experiments and get involved in practical work. I can pass on my knowledge to the students, which is really rewarding. It just goes to show that whatever background you come from you can still get a role in engineering and get fulfilment out of it.
What excites you about engineering?
The exciting thing about bioengineering is that it’s a multidisciplinary subject and it means working in teams with cell biologists, polymer chemists, materials scientists and mechanical engineers all working together to solve problems and improve people’s lives. For example, here at The University of Sheffield we are working to develop new materials that can be used for hip implants, knee replacement joints that can help people’s mobility and also to develop skin grafts that can help burns patients.
We interviewed Claire in 2014.