A SCIENCE technician who has helped enrich the lives of students at Priestley College has been recognised for her ongoing achievements.

Laura Smith, who has worked at Priestley for four years, won the Registered Science Technician category at the Science Council’s CPD Awards in London.

Her approach to work was inspired by one of her own Biology teachers who always excelled in his classroom delivery.

“He would teach practical work beyond what we were supposed to learn and it was always so inspiring,” she said.

“It’s 25 years later and that is still feeding into what I do here at Priestley and benefitting the students we work with.”

The Science Council sets the national standards for professional registration of practising scientists and technicians across all disciplines.

Laura first had to achieve Registered Science Technician status before being eligible to enter the CPD awards.

The honours celebrate outstanding professional development, showcasing examples of good practice and continuous improvement.

“As well as feeling delighted on a personal level, I also felt really pleased to have highlighted the role of the school and college technician,” said Laura.

“I’m happy the skills in the role have been recognised and valued alongside the entries from technicians in industry and research.”

Throughout the year Laura kept detailed notes about her professional development including courses organised through Priestley College and through her own initiative.

Most recently this development benefited Priestley’s aspiring scientists as she was able to refine the method for a classroom practical, improving on the final outcomes.

Priestley’s Faculty Lead for STEM, Andrew Watson, congratulated Laura for the dedication she had shown to achieve the award and paid tribute to all the technicians at college.

“Laura is an outstanding member of the faculty who, along with our other technicians, make an invaluable contribution to the student experience at Priestley,” he said.