For the series "a chat with the team": Lesley Parry-Jones, Senior Development Engineer

Lesley joined Occuity in October 2020 as part of the Design and Development team. After studying Physics at Oxford University, Lesley gained a PhD in Liquid Crystal Displays and was awarded a Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship from the Royal Society.

Previously, at Sharp Laboratories of Europe, Lesley expanded her research on LCDs into display optics and later joined a project on Digital Droplet Microfluidics that eventually spun out as Sharp Life Science. There she developed an innovative disposable cartridge design and assembly process from the initial concept phase right through to automated assembly on a mass production line.

With a passion for all things practical and as the author of 28 patents, Lesley not only brings a wealth of experience, but also contributes hugely to the creativity and problem-solving skills required within the Occuity R&D team.

During our latest coffee chat we asked Lesley from some insights! Read all about it below!

When did you get involved with Occuity? Why did you feel it was the right for you?

I started working for Occuity in October 2020. I felt it was right for me due to the small size of the company, the exciting technology and goals, and the friendly family feel.

What do you think of Occuity’s work so far?

The new engineering team has gelled well and found a good, co-operative way of working. As a result we have produced 5 successful pre-production prototypes which have been invaluable for development work. It’s exciting to be part of such a dynamic and productive team!

Which are your usual tasks at work? What do you do?

I help to facilitate different activities on the mechanical side of the project, from design work to building and fixing prototypes and testing. That could be helping to design a new part for the pachymeter, or to improve on an existing design, sourcing and purchasing components, managing supplier relationships, improving assembly processes or instructions, troubleshooting, jig design and planning appropriate tests to know if the pachymeter will work well.

What skills do you think make a good engineer?

A good engineer needs to be adaptable, thorough, creative, able to cope with both great detail and great uncertainty, persistent, team spirited and open-minded.

What would your advice be to other women who want to get into engineering?

Just do it!