Helena has dedicated more than 12 years to the University of Leeds, where she leads on specialist analysis in the Soil, Sediment and Pollutant Analysis Laboratory and serves as the lead technician in the Sorby Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory.
Her work combines technical excellence with a passion for equity, diversity and inclusion, making her a true role model for the technical community.
Helena’s achievements include:
- Central role in projects with real-world environmental impact: Most recently, she worked alongside the National Trust at Fountains Abbey to investigate how natural flood management practices affect sedimentation and flooding.
- Shaping research culture on a national scale: She co-authored a Nature Geoscience article and created guidance resources on safer, more inclusive fieldwork, ensuring that LGBTQ+ researchers and students can thrive in the field.
- Championing initiatives that open doors for others as co-lead for equality and inclusion in her school and Chair of the Technical Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Network (TEDIN) sub-committee.
- Co-founding the Fieldkit Fund, which has already supported more than 40 widening participation students to access essential field equipment, removing a key barrier to success in earth sciences. This initiative has since been adopted by the school, creating a sustainable legacy for future cohorts.
- Outreach: Helena regularly works with disadvantaged school children, sparking curiosity in science and encouraging future engagement with higher education and STEM careers.
- Respected voice for technicians within the university and nationally, representing their perspectives across committees and in Technician Commitment activities.
- Recognition of her commitment: She received the Water Women Award for Research Support (2021), was runner-up for the 2024 Research Culture Award in EDI in Research Practices and was shortlisted for a Papin Prize in Outreach (2025).
Although Helena’s commitment has been recognised before, she says that being named a finalist for Outstanding Technician of the Year is particularly special to her:
“As much as I don’t like to be the centre of attention, it is really nice to be recognised for all of the hard work I’ve done over the years. Hopefully it will encourage other technicians to participate with initiatives outside of their labs, and for colleagues to realise the benefits of including technicians.”
Helena’s story is a reminder of the invaluable contribution that technicians make – quietly, skilfully and with unwavering dedication – to universities, research and the wider community.
Meet the other nominees for this year’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award:
- Jiteen Ahmed, Aston University
- Phil Chaplain, Robert Gordon University
- Dr Alex Laude, Newcastle University
- Linda Lightley, Northumbria University
- John Nicolson, University of Cambridge
- Joe Rees-Jones, University of York
- Kate Robinson, Harper Adams University
Winners will be announced on 13 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
