Miss Jessica Bennett

Senior Laboratory analyst

Jessica studied biomedical science at undergraduate and masters level, focusing on genetics, immunology and microbiology, and worked on projects testing the efficacy of disinfectants and preservatives, and the effect of organic compounds on cancer cell growth. These projects utilised cell fluorescence assays, qPCR, western blot, biofilm reactor testing, and statistical analysis.

She joined Pirbright in 2020, working as an analyst in the disinfectant testing team and the NVRL. As well as testing the efficacy of disinfectants against foot and mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, and African swine fever disease viruses, this involves contributing to NVRL surveillance and diagnostics. As a result, she is competent to work on a broad range of molecular and cellular assays, including qPCR, plaque assays, ELISA and virus propagation.

Jess is currently a senior lab analyst within the NVRL and is the technical manager for the disinfectant testing department. This involves communicating with clients and planning projects for the testing of disinfectants, and ensuring the lab operates to strict quality assurance standards.

Jess is also a STEM ambassador and has participated in science events run for the general public, helping to make science accessible and encourage young people to study biology.