Northampton university science lecturer volunteers time to help test Covid-19 samples

University lecturer David is teaching his students, working with the hospital and studying for his PhD, all at once.

A university academic is juggling daily lecturing duties and his own research with volunteering to support local hospital colleagues tackling the pandemic.

While continuing to give lectures and support his students online, he is also giving his spare time for free to support Northampton General Hospital’s testing of Covid-19 samples.

David – who is at the hospital’s pathology laboratory two to three days a week – has also continued his PhD which is looking into the genetics and immunology of sepsis, sometimes managing all three work streams while at the hospital.

University lecturer, David is still teaching his students, working with the town's hospital and studying for his PhD all at once.

He is at NGH alongside a team that includes UON Doctoral Researcher Charlotte Brookes, Augustus Lusack (Head of Pathology – NGH) and Zoe Gidden from the University of Edinburgh.

David said: “For me – like any scientist – the whole point of being ‘in science’ is to use your knowledge, expertise and skills to help people. I cannot see a better use of my free time than aiding in the identification of critically ill patients in need of vital treatment.

“I’m closely connected to the hospital through my PhD and have exceptionally good relations with Augustus and many other staff members at NGH and the work they do is inspiring me to help as much as I can.

“Augustus and I are very keen to establish an even stronger partnership between the University and the General Hospital, one that will only get stronger and become a cornerstone of Northampton’s community."