Profile
Sarah Chard
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About Me:
I have lived in Plymouth all of my life. I am a scientist for a water company π§I love puzzles π§© travelling π§³and polar bears! π»ββοΈ
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I have always loved science and can remember doing experiments at home with my Horrible Science kits, such as making a rocket and my own slime! Science is very hands on which I love as I struggle to sit and do things at a desk. I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and brain challenges which I feel strengthens my problem solving skills at work.
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My pronouns are:
She/her
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How I use Science in my work:
I use science experiments to test water samples to see what is in it.
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My Work:
I analyse water samples from across the south west and test them to see what is in it.
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Using machines, I test water to see what is in it. We mainly use chemical reactions that involve some kind of colour change. My favourite is the colour change from orange to green to blue! Depending on how strong the colour change is depends on how much of the thing that we are looking for is, in the water.
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My Typical Day:
I wake up and have breakfast (normally orange juice, cereal and a coffee). I drive to work whilst listening to the radio. I get to work at 8:30 am and either go for a walk (if it’s dry or do some mind puzzles). I start work a 9am where I run a specific method for that day. The number of samples I test can vary from 10 to over 100! I have lunch with friends and then in the afternoon I can catch up on any other work I have to do (boring paperwork!). We leave at 6:15pm and I get home a relax with dinner and some TV.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I would buy science kits and drop them off at my old primary school for them to play with – that is how I got into science so it seems right to give it back.
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Education:
Primary School – Boringdon Primary School
Secondary School – Hele’s School
Sixth Form – Hele’s Sixth Form College
University – UWE (University of the West of England)
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Qualifications:
GCSEs :Β Biology β B; Chemistry β A; Drama β A; English β B; French β B; Geography β B; ICT Core β Pass; Mathematics β A; Media Studies β B; Physics β A; Religious Studies (Short Course) β B; Statistics β A
AS Level : Biology β E
A Level : Chemistry β C; Mathematics β C; Theatre Studies – D
Undergraduate Degree : Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Forensic Science – Second Class (Upper Division)
Postgraduate Degree : Master of Research in Applied Science β Pass with Distinction
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Work History:
When I was 18 I volunteered in a local charity shop. This was great for improving my communication skills with people who weren’t in my immediate circle.
At university I was a student ambassador where I gave campus tours and helped with course taster sessions.
During COVID I worked as a dispatch operative where I packaged peoples orders, prepared pallet orders and helped to create a new website and improve online purchasing.
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Current Job:
I am currently working as a lab scientist at a water company where I test water samples and report results to customers. I also write investigations on any failures we may have.
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Employer:
South West Water, Pennon Group
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Water testing puzzler
What did you want to be after you left school?
Olympian
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Absolutely not - I was a good two shoes!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
To be in the RAF
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Westlife
What's your favourite food?
Watermelon
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Feed a polar bear; travel to every continent; always be happy
Tell us a joke.
Why did the scientist remove his door bell? Because he wanted to win a no-bell prize!
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