I'm a support Scientist technician for the MMB (molecular and Microbiology) group at SAMS. I started work here in October 2002, before then i worked for Thames water as microbiologist, concentrating on the biological monitoring of water supplies where i started in algal taxonomy. I mainly work on bacteria and phytoplankton populations, using a variety of methods to preserve and enumerate samples, my area of expertise is in the identification of a small group of microbes called 'Choanoflagellates'. I spend most of my time doing taxonomy and enumeration of phytoplankton, which involves a lot of work using microscopes (light, fluorescent, SEM, TEM and soon a confocal microscope). The samples that i study have been collected on fieldwork / cruises either by myself or others within SAMS.I also use the Flowcytometer to do some of my bacterial counts. Being a lab manager is also a large part of my role at SAMS, especially the Health and Safety aspect. I also support students, both undergraduates and Phd students with their studies. A smaller part of my role at SAMS, but one that is very much enjoyed is that of public awarness, and especially the work that i and a small group of others do with the Schools in the Argyll area.