Profile
Emma Hayhurst
My CV
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Education:
I grew up in a country called Bahrain and went to school there called St Christopher’s. Then I did my A-levels at a sixth form college in Winchester called Peter Symmonds. After a one year break I went to the University of Sheffield to do a degree in Zoology, but I swapped to Microbiology after my first year because I loved it so much! After another year’s break I went back to the University of Sheffield to do a PhD in Microbiology.
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Qualifications:
GCSEs
A-levels (Biology, Psychology, Performing Arts)
BSc in Microbiology
PhD in Microbiology -
Work History:
When I was a student I always had a part time job, I’ve worked in McDonalds, Debenhams, and then in care homes for the elderly for many years. After my PhD I had a research job for two years, and I have been a lecturer at the University of South Wales for 11 years now.
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Current Job:
lecturer in Microbiology at the University of South Wales, in Pontypridd near Cardiff.
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About Me:
I am a passionate lover of biology, from whole ecosystems to individual molecules. I am also a maker, a swimmer and a mum. Being outside in nature makes me feel good.
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Read more
I’m a mum and a scientist. I live by the sea with my husband, two kids and dog. When I’m not working, I love being outdoors. I carry my binoculars everywhere – I love birds. I swim year round in the sea without a wetsuit. I love being creative too – I draw birds and make things out of stuff I find on the beach.
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My Typical Day:
I have kids, and my day often starts by dragging them out of their beds and into school! Then I head to work, where there is no such thing as a typical day… I can often be found in a white coat discussing science experiments with my students, at the computer writing up the results of experiments and trying to find more money to pay for our experiments, or standing in front of a crowd of students, trying to inspire them to love bacteria as much as I do!
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’d use it to show local kids what an astoundingly beautiful microbial world we are lucky enough to live in.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
mother, scientist, swimmer
What did you want to be after you left school?
a white water raft guide or an actress
Were you ever in trouble at school?
yes... I was not a hard worker and used to mess about loads...
Who is your favourite singer or band?
It really depends on my mood - but I keep going back to the music of my childhood/teens - Kate Bush, Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers...
What's your favourite food?
Probably lentil curry with a hard boiled egg sliced on top and some aubergine pickle- delicious!!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I'd wish one thing for me, one for my family and one for the world. I live by the sea and swim in it all year round, but the sea where I live is muddy and brown. I wish it was crystal clear so that I could see the fish. I wish that my two kids grow up to be kind, useful, and (mostly) happy. Finally - I wish that the world learns how to live in harmony with nature and that our wildlife and our climate recovers.
Tell us a joke.
I'm really rubbish at jokes! I had to ask my son and he said I should tell you this one: Which is the strongest animal in the world? A snail because it carries its home on its back!
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