To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023, we are sharing profiles of some of the women from the MRC Toxicology Unit highlighting their careers, experiences, passions and more. Today we want to introduce you to Laraine.
Who are you and what is your role?
I am Laraine Crossland and I am the Laboratory and Facilities Manager in the MRC-Toxicology Unit in central Cambridge. I joined the unit 10 months ago after a change in direction in my career, having been a bench scientist for 25 years. I am part of the Operations team responsible for maintaining laboratory and estate facilities. This means I am responsible for the physical infrastructure of the building, the laboratory facilities and support services which aid effective research activities in the Unit.
How did you career lead you to Cambridge?
I started my career in academia in Oxford, before moving overseas to carry out research in the USA. On returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work in industry and worked in a pharmaceutical company for some years before being drawn back to academia. I missed the atmosphere of working in a University and a family move meant we were close to Cambridge and an ideal place to continue my career. I have worked for Cambridge University for the last few years.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the variety which my job brings and every day there will be a new challenge. I also meet a lot of people in my job and that can be very rewarding, especially when you are able to make a difference.
What or who inspired you to work in science?
I was always interested in science at school and had the opportunity to spend some time shadowing scientists in a local laboratory for 2 summers during my A levels. Following that I decided on a career in biological research.