Mrs Natalie Sobey

My technical career started in 2002 at the age of 19. From school I was always interested in science. After finishing my A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Physics I decided to take a year out and this was where my first technical role started. I worked as a science technician at my secondary school to cover someone on maternity leave. After the year was up, I went on to do an Analytical Chemistry degree at Plymouth University. Following my degree, I worked at Mast Carbon as an Analytical Chemist, where I ran my own lab. They specialised in activated carbon cloth, beads, powder and rods. After a few years I then moved onto a new technical role at Plymouth Marine Laboratories.

In 2009, I saw an opportunity to be a technical assistant for the Peninsula Dental School at Plymouth University. I must admit I knew nothing about dentistry but I had transferable skills. I had a lot to learn but straight away I knew they would benefit from my organisation skills and attention to detail. I worked within their phantom head room where the students practice before treating patients.

Fast forward almost 13 years, I am now the Faculty Clinical Skills Technical Manager for the Faculty of Health at Plymouth University. I oversee all clinical skills for Dentistry, Nursing and Midwifery in Exeter, Plymouth and Truro. I manage a team of 12 technicians across three sites. I really enjoy my job and love the people I work with. In 2021 I was lucky enough to win a Papin Prize for my Contribution to Teaching and completed the inaugural Herschel Programme – for females in Technical Leadership in July 2022.

Qualifications

• BSc (HONS) in Analytical Chemistry (2006)

• First Aider

• IOSH Managing Safely 2022

• Winner of Papin Prize for Contribution to Teaching 2021

• Completed the inaugural Herschel Programme – for females in Technical Leadership 2022

• Runner up for the National Technicians Development Centre (NTDC) Annual Photo Competition 2022.