Meet Your Colleagues- Laura Leebody

Here at SERC we are keen to promote internal colleagues to allow staff the opportunity to get to know each other and put a face to the name, particularly due to the size and scope of SERC.   

With this in mind, “Meet your Colleagues” is a fun Q and A exercise to help raise awareness of people’s roles within SERC and allows you to get to know more about your fellow colleagues.  

This week’s “Meet your Colleagues” features Laura Leebody. Laura currently works as an Technician in Science (Animal) from the School of Applied Science, Sport and Access to Education at SERC.   

1. What does your role at SERC involve?

My role in SERC involves several different aspects, but my main duties everyday are to look after the animals that we have on site in the Bangor Campus animal house.

Generally speaking I’m a bit of a jack of all trades. I teach and participate in class cover, help with open days and visitors and I am one of the members of the woodland team, keeping our on-site woodland area safe for use. I also assist as a second pair of hands in classes and help run practical classes with the students in the animal house.

2. Tell us a bit about your background?

I came to SERC Bangor as a student to study BTEC animal management, then moved on to the Belfast Met. When I graduated I got a job working in the Parks and Cemeteries Department with the Borough Council.

I also spent 7 happy years there before moving to Belfast City Council to an Assistant Dog Warden position until a part time lecturer position came up at SERC to cover for a tutor on maternity leave, during that time a position opened for the science technician post and I applied.

3. What 3 words best describe you?

Pragmatic, Organised, Meticulous

4. What do you like to do outside of work?

I love a good meal, and love going out to restaurants to try new cuisines, but I’m just as happy pulled up on the sofa boxset binging.

5. If you could swap jobs for a day who would it be and why?

I would love to swap with someone in the carpentry trade. I’m quite DIY, and love to build things.

6. List 3 items you would want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?

Things I should say are

1. a good sharp machete,

2. a large, thick tarp and

3. water desalination tablets, because that’s the type of person I am.

But things I would ACTUALLY want would be good book, my husband (gross I know, but he’s actually really useful) and my dog.

7. What is your favourite film and why?

Uncle Buck with John Candy is my favourite film, as it just always reminds me of my father.

8. Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?

I want to take a year or so to travel the world in a motor home, with my husband and my dogs. I want to see it all 😊

If you would like to partake in “Meet Your Colleagues” please contact Roisin Morgan (Marketing and Engagement Intern) at rmorgan@serc.ac.uk for more details.