I work in quality management in a recycled paper mill. This involves overseeing a range of activities to ensure adherence to various management standards, such as food contact, quality and sustainability, data analysis of quality data and process data. However I am now also site photographer, historian, interior designer and responsible for the site Visitors' Centre, so a great deal more than when I started!

What is the best thing about what you’re doing now?

No day is the same and there’s no chance of getting bored. The process of milling paper is, on the face of it, simple – mix up with water, then remove the water, however using recycled fibre and lots of recirculating of water or chemical flows and lots of wearing and tearing components, makes for a very dynamic environment. For example, I have recently been involved in releasing a photobook celebration the development of the mill since 1923 and am now involved in writing another about the people/culture in preparation for the 100th anniversary. During the COVID-19 lockdowns I also worked with a group of volunteers to create bespoke masks for our employees as the environment can be hot and humid. Then my routine role ensures that the Quality Control Laboratory operates correctly, checking on the Visitors Centre, topping up supplies and ensuring hi-tech equipment was all functioning correctly. Then back to the mill for adding data analysis of strength versus speed, however this is not simple as there are many interactions to consider that could make extracting a true cause and effect of variations difficult.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?

I went straight into research and development in the paper industry. This was followed by a few years selling chemicals to the industry, involving running a lot of trials, looking after engineering equipment and writing reports. Oh, by the way wearing glamours boiler suits, steel toe capped boots and ear defenders – safety first in such heavy industry! I was then poached by a customer and started as a Mill Chemist and developed to become the Quality Development Manager/Technical Customer Services Manager. Mid-life crisis then hit, or rather the mill closure announcement, but I went off to work in commissioning in the NHS and did data analytics on urgent care, i.e. mapping ambulance data, to A&E and hospital outcomes. This was whilst my children were young (being on-call is tough with children). Then the paper industry called me back and I have been working in Quality Management ever since. So you could say that a physics degree has enabled me to take on new challenges and knowledge throughout my career.

What motivates you?

Not being bored, feeling that I am making a positive contribution.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

Truly, my dad's bank manager had a lot to do with it. He recommended that I took physics as I was good at it, and that if I wanted to go into banking (my original idea) then this would still be possible, but I would have more options too. I can't remember why I choose to apply to Birmingham, but I clearly remember why I decided to go to Birmingham: it was the feel of the place, how friendly everyone was and the interviewer. I was from a disadvantaged background, a female – all things that at the time may have worked against someone trying to do physics. They made me feel that I would fit in and do well.