An interview with Paige Tynan

Name: Paige Tynan

Current Job: HE Sessional Lecturer and Science Communicator

Scientific Discipline/Field: Forensic Science

Country: Wales, United Kingdom

Pick some letters (L,G,B,T,Q,+, etc.): NA

Website: https://paigetynan.co.uk/

Twitter or other social media handle: Twitter @PaigeTynan_ Instagram @fore.nsic

What does your job involve?

• Planning, preparing, and delivering instructional activities that facilitate learning. • Developing lesson plans and schemes of work. • Using relevant technology to support instruction. • Encouraging and monitoring student progress.

How did you get to this job (education etc.)?

Throughout my undergraduate degree, I took advantage of every opportunity and voluntary role that was available to me to build up my knowledge and résumé. Having seen the huge influence that a single educator can have on the lives of the students they work with during my undergraduate degree (BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science) I was determined to pursue a career in academia. A huge goal of mine is to carry out research that makes a worthwhile contribution to my subject area. Hopefully, something that transforms current practices for the better and has a positive impact on the criminal justice system in the UK. I am hoping to complete this goal by carrying out doctoral research which aims to improve the current practices for measuring cadaver decomposition.

Do you feel being LGBT has affected your career decisions?

Growing up in rural North Wales with the lack of strong female or LGBTQ+ role models in my local area or in science I found it difficult to see myself pursuing science or any high-level education at all. At school, I struggled, and my confidence was knocked when during my GCSE’s my teachers recommended, I sit the foundation tier papers. Luckily, my parents were very supportive of me and helped me argue my case to sit the higher papers which, despite having no additional support or tuition for, I passed. This sparked a desire and a challenge in me to keep pushing to further my education and my knowledge of science as much as possible.

Did you have any role models growing up (LGBT, STEM, totally unrelated.)?

My dad played a particularly big role in enticing me into STEM, I remember visiting a local astronomy club with him as a child, and the use of technologies was also encouraged. One of the most influential role models for me was one of my university lecturers, after seeing how an educator could positively impact on students’ lives and encourage them to reach their full potential was a real game-changer for me. Up until this point, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. As for LGBTQ+ role models, I didn’t know anyone else who was gay growing up. So, for me, being a role model to those who identify as LGBTQ+ working and studying in STEM is important.

What are your plans for the future?

Having recently become a member of the British Association for Forensic Anthropology, I am interested in pursuing the certification routes for forensic anthropology through the Royal Anthropological Institute and hope to be able to combine a career of research, academia and casework in the long term.