Orla Gallagher

Orla is kindness embodied and will always go above and beyond to help researchers and students, being on-hand to train others to benefit from her infinite wisdom and unfailing enthusiasm.

A colleague, School of Biosciences

Can you sum up what you do in one sentence?

I provide a complete histology service to our School and to the wider University, and also to other UK and international universities and institutions. 

You were nominated as an inspiration to others, how does it feel to be recognised?

It's brilliant. Being nominated is not something that technicians expect. The past couple of years have been really challenging, including staff restructures and colleagues leaving, and the morale hasn’t been great. To receive this nomination has really helped. 

I'm delighted. We technicians are a team, supporting and helping one another. I wouldn’t be receiving this nomination without the input and expertise of all my colleagues.   

What part of your work brings you the most pride or joy?

Passing on my skills to people who are starting out in their careers, and seeing them develop and grow in their abilities over time. Lab training may include people who are doing a PhD or master’s degree, or junior technical staff. I also train academics such as Clinical Fellows, who come from the clinic to do laboratory research. I enjoy learning from them as my first career was in Clinical Biomedical labs. 

Orla has an exceptional skill set and collegiate attitude. The consistency of the high quality work that she performs is essential to the success of many projects.

Penelope Ottewell, Professor of Cancer Biology, Division of Clinical Medicine

How does your work create an impact in research, innovation and education?

Part of my work has involved conducting my own research projects, including publications. For example, research that I’ve been involved in has led to novel treatments for cancer, or to a change in laboratory diagnostic techniques for renal disease. 

What is one thing about your workspace or role that would surprise people? 

People are surprised that some of our practical lab techniques are quite difficult to master! When demonstrating techniques, it looks easy to the onlooker until they begin to learn the technique themselves. I always tell people that it took me years to develop the expertise, and that I am continually learning.  

Are there any upcoming projects or new technologies that you’re particularly excited to be working on? 

Working on spatial transcriptomics technology for histology tissue samples and working on a large study looking at the histological effects of radiotherapy on pelvic bone tissue.