Anna Fisker Hansen

Academic profile

Anna Fisker Hansen

Senior Technician (STEAM Laboratories)
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (Faculty of Science and Engineering)

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The Global Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Anna's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

Goal 04: SDG 4 - Quality EducationGoal 08: SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic GrowthGoal 10: SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities

About Anna

I support teaching and learning in the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM) by managing the STEAM Laboratories, a cutting-edge active learning facility that opened in the newly renovated Babbage Building for the 2023–2024 academic year. This facility brings together experimental testing resources in one central space, enabling students to engage in inquiry-based learning. Through experimentation, observation, and analysis, students explore the fundamental principles of engineering, science, and technology.

I am passionate about fostering an inclusive learning environment and minimising barriers to education. I represent the technical team on the School’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, and serve as co-chair of the Student EDI Committee where I lead the students to promote fairness and accessibility within the school. I  also support and organise outreach events in the STEAM labs such as the Engineering 4 Inclusion Summer school.

I began my career at the University of Plymouth in 2018 as a Technical Assistant in the Robotics and Electronics Engineering Lab, supporting students with lab access and equipment loans. I soon progressed to Technician, where I developed Smarthub during the COVID-19 lockdown to facilitate equipment loans for remote and blended learning. I was also overseeing lab access, running the School’s estore page, and coordinating purchases for student projects, laboratories, and academic and research staff.

In 2021, I went on secondment as a Senior Technician, managing the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s LABplus Resource Centre, a flexible learning space designed to support students' studies, practical work, and laboratory skills. In this role, I supported teaching and learning by developing online resources and providing access to a variety of equipment and bespoke resources.

During my time at the University, I have participated in continued professional development and obtained certification in areas such as Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Managing Safely, Prince 2 Project Management and Adult Mental Health First Aid England courses which has enhanced my ability to lead initiatives, streamline operations, and safe and effectively support both students and staff in achieving their goals.

 

Other Roles Within the Institution

  • 2024: Technical Lead (Resources), Babbage Building Laboratories, SECaM
  • 2022–Present: Staff Co-Chair, Student Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, SECaM
  • 2021–Present: Mental Health First Aider
  • 2019–Present: Technical Representative, SECaM Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee
  • 2018–Present: Display Screen Equipment Assessor, SECaM
  • 2023: Treasurer, Branch Women’s Officer, and Branch Welfare Officer, UNISON Plymouth Universities
  • 2022: Secretary/Note Taker, Faculty of Science and Engineering Senior Technical Manager’s Forum
  • 2021: Member, Faculty of Science and Engineering Teaching, Learning, and Quality Committee
  • 2018–2019: Technical Representative, School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics Athena SWAN Committee
  • 2019: Mental Health First Aid Champion
  • 2018–2021: First Aider

Awards and Recognition

  • 2019: Highly Commended, One in a Million Support Staff SSTAR Award
  • 2020: Winner, One in a Million Support Staff SSTAR Award (Team Award)
  • 2023: GEM Award for excellence in organising and delivering events that promote student inclusion
  • 2024: Highly Commended, Vice-Chancellor’s award for support and services to the University (Team Award)

Qualifications:

2025: Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely

2024: MI Talent Project Management for Technicians

2023: Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership

2020: PRINCE2 Certified Practitioner in Project Management

2019: Springboard Work and Personal Development Training Programme for Women

2013-2016: Research Masters (ResM) in Equitation Science, University of Plymouth/Duchy College. Thesis titled: "Investigating evaluator bias in assessment of potential performance horses with respect to horse coat colour"

2009-2012: BSc (Hons) Equine Science, Greenwich University/Hadlow College.
Working in customer service roles in retail, and in the hospitality and events sector for over a decade.

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