Meet Kathryn Loft, Specialist Teaching Technician, as she shares life behind practical teaching, working with teaching dogs, and what makes every day at Langford unique.
What is your favourite thing about working at Bristol Vet School?
I love working at Langford campus and having the opportunity to spend time in all of the beautiful outside space, but most people know my favourite thing is working with all the lovely teaching dogs!
What kind of things do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Outside of work my main hobby is Scouts! I've volunteered in many different roles over the years and I have even been fortunate enough that it's given me the opportunity to travel to many places around the world! My current roles involve volunteering at the newly reopened Bristol Royal Hospital for Children Scout Group, as well as supporting young people who are working towards their King’s Scout Award. I also enjoy playing a bit of social netball, working on and spending time in my garden, and doing a bit of baking (anything chocolatey is my favourite)!
What is something not very many people would know about you?
I’m not sure this is technically something not many people would know, but more of a fun fact!
I spent a year as an Education & Research intern at Blackpool Zoo! It was great fun and I narrated sealion displays, ran “tickle a tapir” experiences and conducted research projects focussing on the lemurs & orangutans! Although typically when school children asked what my favourite animal was and were expecting me to say the tigers or the elephants, to their disappointment it had to be Houdini the rabbit!
Tell us a bit about the work you do and what projects you’re working on.
I am a Specialist Teaching Technician within the Clinical Skills Team. We do a lot of work behind the scenes (and sometimes in front of them too!) to support practical teaching. This includes making and maintaining models, home kits & equipment the students use to practice their skills, as well as managing the drop in spaces that the students can use in their own time, setting up and supporting practical classes and exams, managing teaching dogs, and teaching in various practicals. No two days are the same and you'll often see us out and about moving models, equipment or dogs across campus!