Zonya Jeffrey had her sights set on becoming a scientist from an early age.

As a child she was happiest mixing the contents of the bathroom shelf. And now Zonya is living that dream as a senior biomedical scientist in microbiology and making a real impact on patients’ health.

Based at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, her role involves isolating, identifying and antibiotic susceptibility testing of bacteria and parasites in a busy laboratory which provides a 24-hour service to the hospital and local GPs.

It’s a busy and rewarding role for Zonya who is also a training officer. Having always wanted to work in a laboratory and see the world, her own training included gaining a BSc (hon) degree in biological and biochemical sciences and experience in a variety of laboratories.

After 18 months of training and further study, Zonya qualified as a registered Biomedical Scientist fulfilling her ambition of working overseas at the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and The Swiss Tropical Institute before returning to the UK to work for Public Health England before and most recently, Manchester University.

She said: “Every day is different. I enjoy the investigative side of my role on the lab benches and now the teaching and training side that will ultimately help biomedical scientists to develop their careers.”

Biomedical scientists like Zonya have a real impact on patient care. She said: “We provide clinicians and infection control teams with vital information required for treating patients.

“The laboratory tests we do have, on many occasions lead to a change in patient care. It has been known that 70-80% of decisions in diagnosis are based on laboratory results.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the last few months have been busy and challenging for Zonya and the team who have really stepped up to the plate.

She said: “Our department has strengthened its links with the virology department. Staff have been working hard both testing the numerous samples and still providing a thorough laboratory service to all patients.”

So, would she advise others to follow a similar career path?

“If you enjoy a challenge and want to be a part of a profession providing quality care for our communities, then yes!”