Profile

Duncan Gaskin
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About Me:
I am a former research scientist now working part time as a technician at a poultry veterinary diagnostic laboratory. I also chair Norfolk and Norwich Science Association a voluntary organisation that does science communication at events throughout the Norwich area and beyond.
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I am a father of 2 (both have finished university) living to the East of Norwich in Norfolk. I went to school in Norwich, did my degree in Pathobiology at Reading and a PhD in London working on a small part of the AIDS virus’ replication machinery.
I worked at the Institute of Food Research (IFR) as a postdoctoral researcher (often referred to as a ‘postdoc’) for ages (nearly 25 years…) and in that time I’ve done a wide range of projects ranging from improving enzymes used in washing powders (lipases), through cloning genes from Guava for flavour production to working with bad bugs like Campylobacter and Clostridia. Most of this has involved molecular biological techniques (cloning, genetic engineering) as well as simple things like hitting a frozen guava with a hammer!
Nearly 4 years ago I took early retirement, and after taking a year out, fell into working part time as a lab technician at a large poultry veterinary diagnostic lab. This involves carrying out a range of diagnostic tests to ensure the health and safety of birds in the food chain.
The work is very different from research and I’ve enjoyed the transfer of skills as well as learning new ones.
I love communicating the science I am involved with and have been doing it for nearly 20 years initially with IFR and latterly with a local voluntary organisation, the Norfolk and Norwich Science Association (www.norfolknorwichsciassociation.org). I give talks and deliver hands on activities at public events and schools covering a wide range of science.
I won the food zone of IAS in 2013 and am happy to return to the platform in these different times.
Otherwise I am a keen photographer and enjoy walking.
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My current job is as a laboratory technician working in a diagnostic lab as part of a poultry veterinary practice in Norfolk. The work is varied running different tests using a range of microbiological and biochemical techniques such as selective culturing, ELISA and PCR. We carry out routine screening tests to ensure flocks are free from diseases such as Salmonella as well as tests on flocks with problems to diagnose the issue allowing the vets to ensure effective treatment. One of the skills I’ve had to learn is the ability to crack 2 eggs at a time!
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My Typical Day:
Because of Covid 19 we have split into 2 shifts at work and I currently work 1:30-8:30 pm. When I get to work it is a case of seeing what samples have come in over the last day, which need testing first and then getting on with it. There is a mix of lab work and inputting data. It can be repetitive (such as cracking 700 eggs), but also varied so it is rarely boring.
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Covid 19 has meant that we have split our workforce into 2 shifts, one working 6:30 am – 1:30 pm and the other, the shift I work, 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm. I work 3 days a week. The day starts with us checking to see what the morning shift have done, what samples have come in and working out what has priority. Then it is a case of getting on with it. Mostly I do serology (Rapid Serum Agglutination assays and ELISAs), Campylobacter identification via a LAMP assay or Salmonella testing on eggs. The Covid 19 issue means we have to work mainly on our own in labs which is a bit lonely at times but might increase the productivity…. We have to work to defined standards and methods to ensure the results we get are reliable and consistent – this is called Quality Assurance and there are a range of regulations and standards covering what we do.
At the end of the day we ensure test results are accurately entered into the database for the vets to see, store any untested samples and clean down the labs – this is important in preventing cross contamination causing false results.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
Donate it to the Teacher Scientist Network, an organistation I’ve borrowed many kits from for school activities over the last few years.
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Education:
Norwich School 1978-1984. Norwich City College 1984-1985. University of Reading 1985-1988. Birkbeck College University of London 1988-1991
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Qualifications:
Degree 2:1 Pathobiology. PhD Expression of HIV-1 Proteinase For Crystallisation Studies
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Work History:
Whilst at school and university: weekend work at a local timber yard and building labourer.
1991-2 – Research assistant at Birkbeck college.
1993-9 – Postdoctoral Research Scientist Institute of Food Research Reading.
1999-2016 – Postdoctoral Research Scientist Institute of Food Research Norwich.
2016 – Events support at the Forum in Norwich
2017 – Lab technician Crowshall Veterinary Services LLP -
Current Job:
Lab technician
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Chaotic, creative and likeable.
What did you want to be after you left school?
Forensic pathologist
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Of course! But nothing too serious – honest.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Don’t really have a favourite as such. I like a wide range of music from film scores to obscure French jazz. But I guess the 80’s is my era so I’ll say Fish.
What's your favourite food?
Love a good burger
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Be more organised, more positive and more successful.
Tell us a joke.
What do you use to mend stringed instruments? - Cello tape......
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