LOTS OF VARIETY!

LOTS OF VARIETY!

5	Name: Sabine Metzelaar Date of birth: 28-08-1984 Education: Biology and medical laboratory research (BML) Profession: Technician with DSM Function in 25 years? No idea, I'll see what comes along Hobbies: hiking, running, exercising, canyoning, shopping and eating and drinking with friends

Which education have you followed?
I have followed the Biology and medical laboratory research (BML) training.

Why did you choose this field?
I had a real science packet at secondary school and that fit in well with this course. I also thought it would be interesting to do experiments and be creatively occupied with biology and chemistry.

What is an average work day like?
There is actually no such thing as an average work day because the day often progresses completely differently than you expected. It comes down to the fact that an ‘average day’ begins by switching on the computer, checking the mail and seeing what has to be done. Then I go to the lab to start off some experiments and in between I have time to process the results or to attend meetings. Plus all sorts of tasks have to be performed in the lab; I also arrange the purchasing of the disposable lab materials (disposable articles such as gloves, etc) – and I am the emergency response first aider when anything goes wrong. It all boils down to the fact that there is plenty of variety in one day!

What makes your field so special?
The best thing about my work is the variety, and that you are creatively busy. First you think of things and then you start to do the experiments yourself. The combination of thinking and working with your hands makes this subject special to me. It is also good to be kept informed of all the new developments and discoveries happening in the department – you keep learning new things.

Have you discovered anything in particular?
I have discovered that working in the ‘lab world’ can be great fun and that the anorak image generally held is completely wrong. I was afraid that I would land up among the absent-minded scientists after my studies but my colleagues are great fun and enjoy doing all sorts of things. I play sports with a group of my colleagues and we often all go to the pub on a Friday evening.