We invite you all backstage and introduce the people behind our microplate readers. Today: she comes from a small town near our headquarters, meet Ann-Cathrin a passionate crafter.
My name is Ann-Cathrin Volz. I joined BMG LABTECH in October 2020 as Application Specialist with focus on cell-based assays. I am a trained nutritionist, however switched to the field of tissue engineering with my Master and PhD thesis. As a PostDoc researcher, my main aim was to develop substitutes for human adipose tissue and cultured meat as an alternative to conventional meat production.
What does your job entail?
One big part of my job is supporting customers in the setup of their measurement protocols and data evaluation. This also entails some lab work to test new applications, optimise settings and compare different approaches. Another big part of my work is the generation of scientific marketing content, like blog posts, articles for journals and most importantly: application notes - little pieces describing the measurement of an assay on our microplate readers. Last but not least, I try to support our sales team on demos, shows or exhibitions.
What is a typical day like?
There is no typical day. That's actually something I really enjoy about my job. But something I do on a daily basis is checking my inbox for new support requests and do my best to gather all the information and support our customers need.
Favourite memorable moment from work/BMG?
The one time - when after an hour of troubleshooting I realised that there were no filters installed in the reader at all, and my colleague commented with "#no filter”.
What’s a common question you get from customers?
What am I doing wrong?
What do you like most about your job?
The diversity of tasks.
What are 3 words to describe BMG?
Reliable, social, committed.
What do you like most about BMG?
The familiar atmosphere among the team and the fact that the employees identify strongly with the company and its success.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I am a passionate crafter. Hand lettering, sewing, painting - there is usually at least one project going on in each field at the same time. I also like to be in nature for hiking or cycling. And I love to cook (and I like to eat just as much!).
What are the values that drive you?
To improve myself a little bit every day, the gratitude of our customers when I can help someone with their work.
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
Somebody at the ISS, to be able to have a look at the world from above. I love space movies.
When I was a kid, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up
Teacher.
What drives you every day?
Working off more items from my to-do list than the new ones that are added during the day.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Try to do everything you have to do with joy - you have to do it anyway.
If you could choose, how would you decide… either/or questions
- Going out or staying at home? Staying at home
- Summer or winter? Summer
- Coffee or tea? Tea
- Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla
- Early bird or night owl? Night owl!!!
- Carnival or Octoberfest? Carnival
- Rural or urban? Rural
- Call or text? Text
- Jogging or hiking? Hiking
- Dancing or singing? Dancing
- Facebook or instagram? Facebook
