Our team

After being unexpectedly taken from my administration role with the NHS in 2015, I was thrust into the role of Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) training for SGA. During this time on the road, I developed what could only be described as Stockholm syndrome, along with a broad and practical understanding of the application, use, and legislative requirements of ionising radiation.

In less than four years, I submitted my portfolios to RPA2000, earning certification as both a Radiation Protection Adviser and Radioactive Waste Adviser in 2019. Additionally, I became a certificated Medical Physics Expert (MPE) in Radiology Physics.

After a short decade with the company, I now work as the Senior RPA / RWA / MPE, advising clients across various industries, including medical (dental, chiropractic, and DEXA), veterinary x-ray, nuclear medicine (scintigraphy and therapy), food, security x-ray scanning, flower companies, XRF users, contaminated shipments, ground monitoring, and transport.
 
Personal achievements include:
Earning a degree in Analytical and Forensic Sciences from Coventry University
Paying off my student overdraft before the interest rates kicked in
Gaining valuable experience as a “banana humper” in Australia
Submitting my March 2021 receipts ahead of time (before being asked!)
Insulating my garage door
Dismantling and reassembling IKEA furniture… twice
 
Favourite quote:
“If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving is not for you”

I have always had an interest in science, and this led me to completing a MCHEM at Loughborough University. One of the biggest incentives to study Chemistry at Loughborough was the opportunity to study radiochemistry and actually handle radioactivity (allowing undergrads to handle radioactivity – what could go wrong!) Following on from my degree I completed a PhD in Materials and Radiochemistry, looking at ways to clean up the UK’s nuclear waste, part of this was characterising materials using x-rays. I then moved onto lecturing including teaching in the laboratories. One of the key components of teaching the students was how to approach the use of radiation ‘safely’ and understanding the risks. My interest in radiation safety was born! Looking for a change in direction (and a permanent contract) I joined the team at SGA and haven’t looked back since!
 
I joined SGA in February 2019 as a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) / Radiation Waste Advisor (RWA) in training, after submitting my portfolios I became a certificated RPA / RWA in January 2023. Now as part of my role I get to pass on my knowledge to the trainees, all whilst still progressing and learning something new most days. Another bonus is that no day is ever the same and I still get to do some teaching via our radiation protection training courses.
 
In my free time I love walks in the countryside with my partner and our dogs Poppy and Bluebell.
 
Favourite Quote: “Your value does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.”

My interest in physics started in my early twenties but it wasn’t until I became a mature student that I actually began to make sense of it. Once I started, I couldn’t stop and spent 12 years in education.  After completing an ‘Access to Higher Education’ course at York College, I completed an MPhys degree in physics at the University of Sheffield. It was during my third and fourth years when I became interested in radiation detection.  Following a Masters degree at the University of Surrey in Radiation Detection and Instrumentation, I returned to Sheffield for my PhD where I undertook a feasibility study into the use of Pulsed Fast-Thermal Neutron Activation Analysis for cargo screening applications. During that time, I was fortunate enough to work with people who introduced me to Radiation Protection as part of the commissioning process for a fast neutron generator at our on-site measurement facility. After several postdoc positions at Boulby Underground Laboratory in the UK I took a position at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, working on the Lux-Zeplin dark matter detector. My primary role was low background counting of the detector components at the facility in Berkeley, and the Sanford Underground Laboratory in Lead, South Dakota.
 
For many years I toyed with idea of a career in radiation protection.  When my research concluded and I returned to the UK in 2020, I was offered the opportunity to join SGA.  I absolutely love the job and every day I learn something new.  In addition to becoming a certificated Radiation Protection Adviser, I am currently working towards certification as a Radioactive Waste Adviser and a Laser Protection Adviser.
 
My main interests are science-fiction (movies and books), playing golf and travel. I also have a wonderful daughter who cares much more about iPads and games consoles than radiation… But I am working on that!
 
Favourite quote: Don’t dream it…BE it.

It was a long and winding path to SGA for me, having joined in 2021. The passion for physics has always been there, I achieved a BSc in Astrophysics from Aberystwyth University many moons ago.
 
Along the way, I’ve had a huge range of jobs. Hospitals, factories, shops, universities and more. I’ve spent years working festivals and most recently have been on the frontline delivering PCR tests. I eventually acquired a postgraduate diploma in medical physics from Swansea University which ultimately set me on the path radiation protection. Long story short, you can get to where you want to be if you keep plugging away. And I’m not done yet! My favourite roles have been those where I get to help people. In a trainee RPA role, I feel like I can combine this with my love for physics and help in my own niche way.
 
Norfolk life is very different to life in Mid Wales! I’ve yet to find anything resembling a hill. On the weekends, you’ll find me nerding out to American Football (go birds!) and most sports really (wrth cwrs rygbi!).  I’m always up for an adventure; I love to explore new corners of the world and have a scouting background. I also love my games, books and media (fantasy and history).
 
Favourite quote: ‘Not all those who wander are lost’

Having studied Physics at the University of Sheffield, I then undertook a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in order to become a Secondary School Science Teacher.  Radiation was always one of my favourite subjects to teach.  I particularly enjoyed demonstrating different types of ionising and non-ionising radiation to the students, the topic always engaged them and provoked lots of interesting questions.  As I progressed through my teaching career, I was promoted to Head of Physics.  One of the aspects of this position was to carry out the role of Radiation Protection Supervisor for the radioactive sources used for demonstrations in the classroom.  The role of RPS in school furthered my interest in Radiation Protection, ultimately leading to my decision to leave the classroom and begin an exciting new chapter as an RPA and LPA in Training.
 
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, especially visiting the zoo with my wife and daughter.  I like to keep active, playing squash, skiing and cycling.  I also enjoy watching Formula One and going to Carrow Road to watch the ups and downs of Norwich City Football Club.

Favourite quote:  “The best adventures are the ones we have together .”

In September 2021, after completing my Physics bachelor’s degree with honours from Nottingham Trent University (NTU), I decided to stay on at NTU to complete my MRES Physics graduating in December 2022.  My main interests in Physics are Medical Imaging, Fluid Mechanics and of course, Ionising Radiation. Whilst at university I was involved with research into both Medical Imaging and Fluid Mechanics, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging being studied as part of a research scheme and Droplet Analysis being the dominant Physics in both my dissertations.  But I have always and will always have a deep interest and passion for Ionising Radiation and Radiation Protection.
 
Feeling sick of Fluid mechanics (who wouldn’t), the only time I have used my skills in Fluids was working in Breweries, Cocktail Bars and Public Houses – working (obviously!).  Since then, I have redirected my interests into Medical Imaging and Radiation Protection. Beginning my journey with SGA in May 2023, I aspire to become a positive and useful member of the team.
 
Outside of work I really enjoy music including attending festivals, as well as collecting and listening to LPs on my record player.  Other than this I enjoy PC gaming, spending time with my cat and sampling craft beer.  I enjoy comedy shows and socialising with friends, but most of my time, as previously mentioned, is spent listing to music, my top three bands being The Wombats, Sports Team and The Beatles.

From a young age I have always loved animals, and this fuelled an interest in the study of science to them. I graduated from Harper Adams University in 2019 with a foundation degree in Animal Management and Welfare. With experience in customer/client facing interactions in previous industries I have worked within, including pet retail, hospitality, and the life sciences sector, I have greatly developed my interpersonal skills.

When I discovered the niche area of radiation protection and the fantastic team ethos at SGA, I was instantly intrigued by the specific application of radiation to an array of sectors I would never have imagined, alongside veterinary. As a Radiation Protection Advisor in training, I am enjoying building new and trusting rapports with our unique clients in this specialised industry. There is always something new to learn, and the role is both challenging and rewarding.

Outside of work, I enjoy growing my personal fitness through swimming, weight training and long countryside walks. I also love travelling and exploring new countries, and with the extensive locations of our UK based clients, I am always discovering new places.

Favourite quote: “An understanding of the natural world is a source of not only great curiosity, but great fulfilment.”  – David Attenborough

I have always possessed a keen interest in physics throughout my education, thus leading me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portsmouth. After initially enrolling in my degree, I decided to upgrade to the integrated master’s course allowing me to attain my MEng qualification. During my time in Portsmouth, I became a member of the university’s Formula Student team, a competition that challenges students to design, build, and race single-seater race cars against other universities internationally, allowing me to combine my appetite for physics with my love of cars and incorporating my competitive nature.
 
After graduating in 2024, I returned home to Norfolk, and like many postgraduates, began my job hunt. Throughout my studies I had worked in various retail roles but desired a career that would allow me to apply my passion for physics. A role in radiation protection at SGA immediately caught my attention and upon further exploring the position I knew it would tick all the right boxes. The vastly unique nature of the profession interests me enormously and I am extremely excited to begin to explore this newfound endeavour.
 
Outside of work, I love to watch sport, mainly football as well as combat and motorsports. Throughout the world cup you can almost certainly find me glued to a TV in the pub. I also possess a keen interest in running and try my best to go to the gym as much as possible during the week.
 
Favourite Quote: “Don’t count the days. Make the days count” – Muhammad Ali

I worked as a Dental Nurse for nearly 10 years and found a love of radiography.  After starting a radiography course my interest in the physics of radiography grew, making me want to learn more about how it all works! During my time as a Dental Nurse, I saw the Radiation Protection Adviser’s visit and knew that was what I wanted to do.

Since joining SGA, I have been fortunate enough to expand my knowledge and experience in the medical sector.  I particularly enjoy conversing with clients and assisting them with their radiation compliance.

Outside of work I enjoy arts and crafts, especially painting. I also enjoy going for long walks with my dog Bonnie.

Favourite quote: “Life would be rubbish without dogs!”

I joined SGA at the beginning of August 2020, having spent many years working in Construction as a Graduate Recruitment Manager and then as a Reception Manager for a veterinary practice. Working within radiation protection was a completely different environment to start in but I love it! I love all the administration, paperwork and documentation involved in my role, and also really enjoy liaising with the clients on the telephone.

In my spare time, I love gardening and growing my own veg, crafting and walking my two border collies in the countryside.

Favourite quote: “Do what makes you oh so happy!”

I joined SGA in September 2021 as an office administrator, having worked in various administration roles within a High School, GP surgery and Veterinary Practices.  Having spent two and a half years learning all processes in the Administration team, I am now part of a small department within the Company as a Plans and Documentation Administrator.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my husband and family.

Favourite quote: “Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so live for today”