A Medical Laboratory Assistant inspired to get into science as a little girl believes the career offers a world of possibilities on International Women and Girls in Science Day.

Savita Hampal, 25, has worked for Black Country Pathology Services based at Walsall Manor Hospital for 11 months.

She graduated in biomedical sciences but then worked in retail before rediscovering her passion for science, now helping Biomedical Scientists to process patient samples, mainly blood.

“I remember as a child buying a toy doctor’s kit with a stethoscope and little needle for injections,” said Savita.

“I had an encyclopaedic knowledge for different ailments, for example what to do if you got a burn.

“I was intrigued by pictures showing things and that was a spark to ask questions, and I didn’t shy away from gory stuff like blood.”

Working in a team of women, Savita sees plenty of positive female role models in the workplace.

“It’s empowering to see women in positions where they can take a lead on things,” she said.

“It shows that women who have just come into the job can do it – it’s really tangible.

“Science has been known as a male-dominated area but a lot of women are taking the lead and it’s great to see, and reassuring as well.”

Savita’s other inspiration is her older sister Vanita, 35, a psychology counsellor who runs her own practice and has completed her PhD.

“She is my biggest inspiration and my ‘cheat code at life’,” she added. “She has worked hard, done everything, she advises me to work hard and she teaches as well.”

Looking ahead, Savita sees her career continuing in science because she wants to make more of a difference to patients, but with more contact with them.

“I want to stay in science because it’s something I’ve loved from a young age,” she said.

“I would lean towards patient care because I feel making them feel heard and seen is really helpful.

“There are so many different places to go in science. I am into nutrition because you are what you eat and we should focus on what we put into our bodies.

“Food is power and I’d encourage people to eat more healthily and be more mindful around food.

“It can be difficult in the South Asian community because there are many things that are prevalent such as alcoholism, diabetes and heart disease, so I want to help improve that.”

Shaped by her own experiences, Savita believes there is a harmony between women in the workplace.

“Women tend to hand over their work to others in a logical way and show lots of consideration for others,” she added.

“They communicate what they do well with others which is good because it can be quite stressful at times.

“I feel we read the room well; we are intuitive and we know who to approach about what, and when.”