Meet Emily Urban – Bulb’s Laboratory Specialist!

10 Nov

Meet Emily Urban – Bulb’s Laboratory Specialist!

Tell me about your scientific background

"I went to the University of Essex, where I studied an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, before completing my master's degree in structural biology. Shortly after my master’s degree, I started working in a microbiology lab before moving on to a technician role in a GLP diagnostics lab. Here, I was testing blood samples for TB, and worked for 9 months on the COVID vaccine in conjunction with Oxford University and Public Health England.

After working in this lab for over a year, I was offered a research scientist position, where I stayed before coming to Bulb. I worked in my area of interest, structural biology/crystallography, using it to design and develop drugs for various pharmaceutical companies."

Bulb Meet Emily

What was your typical day in a lab like?

"In my GLP diagnostics lab, the assay involved two days of work. Day one would include signing in blood samples, separating blood cells using magnetic particle processors and cell counting using flow cytometers, before dispensing into plates for the ELISpot test. Day two would involve washing of the plates and dying the spots to reveal the test results.

At my research scientist job, there tended not to be a ‘typical day’! Client requests and results from previous experiments dictated the work needed. But constants included using liquid handlers to dispense trays, checking trays for crystals, fishing these and freezing in liquid nitrogen, as well as checking results from synchrotron visits and structure building using computational biology/chemistry."

Bulb Meet Emily

Did you use your lab/scientific knowledge in any other field before joining Bulb?

"I’ve been in a lab since university! No other field for me, this is the first time not working in a typical scientific role. Having worked in three labs in three different industries, has given me a real insight into the way labs should be laid out and run. I think being a scientist really has helped with the design process."

What do you like about your role at Bulb? What was the draw to this job?

"I’ve enjoyed so much of my time so far, but I’ve loved going to the sites the most. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting the clients, seeing the space, and watching the build process. As the newest member of the Science and Technology team, I’ve not yet seen one of my designs through to completion, but I am very excited for that.

The main draw for the job at Bulb was how different it was! I’ve never even considered this kind of job before and didn’t even know it existed before joining Bulb."

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Find Emily’s contact details here

Benching

Laboratory benching forms a central part of any laboratory and procuring the laboratory benching to suit your equipment needs and budget is important to us.

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

furniture fittings benching

Worktops

Depending on your research focus your worktop design requirements might change to allow:

  • Chemical resistance
  • Bacterial resistance
  • Water & moisture resistance
  • Durability & scratch resistance
  • Ease of cleaning
  • High impact

Trespa Toplab Base is the industry favourite, but we can offer alternative worktops such as Corian, Stainless Steel, Epoxy Resin, Hardwood, Phenolic Resin to match your needs.

furniture fittings worktops

Shelving

We offer both wall mounted and benchtop shelving for reagents, typically in either 18mm MFMDF or 16mm Trespa Toplab Base. Wall shelving is mounted on a bracket system, while benchtop shelving is typically supported by fabricated steel frame.

furniture fittings worktops

Fume Cupboards & Extract

Properly ventilated Fume Cupboards offer a safe way to handle chemicals and solvents in laboratories.

From ducted to portable ductless Fume Cupboards, our specialist and experienced partners are at hand to advise and install the right solution.

We provide Fume Cupboards manufactured and installed to meet the industry requirements (e.g. BS EN 14175) in various sizes (External Width 1000mm - 1200mm - 1500mm - 1800mm - 2000mm), Specifications and types (Bench Mounted, Walk In, Double Fronted, Integral Scrubber, HF Type, Thin Wall Bench Mounted) to meet your requirements and safe extraction.

Unsure of what type to go for? Our lab furniture suppliers can help, just get in touch.

furniture fittings worktops

Safety Cabinets

If you prefer fixed, robust benching or modular benching that offers flexibility and reconfiguration, our laboratory furniture manufacturers can deliver the perfect solution.

Whether you need Class I, II or III to handle Hazard Group 1 to 4 pathogens we can recommend suitable furniture suppliers.

furniture fittings worktops

Specialist & Other Requirements

If you have any specific needs such as Cold Room or Clean Room installation services, Industrial Gases, Liquid Nitrogen, Non-ionising Radiation (LASER), Plumbing, Temperature & Humidity Control or other, we can help.

furniture fittings worktops