Ruth Hollands

Ruth Hollands, Laboratory Manager

Ruth has worked at RBGE for over 40 years, starting her career as an Assistant Scientific Officer in the lab and Cryptogam section of the Herbarium. With the formation of the Scientific and Technical Services (STS) section in 1992, she moved away from the Herbarium to become the General Lab Manager. At this time government funding allowed RBGE to set up a new suite of laboratories and make the move into the field of Molecular Biology.

Currently Ruth manages the laboratory facilities and equipment, with main responsibility for the non-molecular areas of research. A flexible approach to lab management is essential to accommodate the many and varied projects, but with Health and Safety always a priority.

Ruth plays a central role in procurement, from general lab stocks to capital equipment, and specialises in the redevelopment of areas into new labs or the refurbishment of existing labs. She is also involved in the training of new and existing lab users.

During Ruth's career at RBGE she has gained experience in most of the techniques employed throughout the labs. The addition of the historic DNA (hDNA) labs to RBGE has allowed the successful extraction of DNA from old and type herbarium specimens. Ruth is conducting ongoing studies into the best method of extracting DNA from old herbarium specimens and the best way for field collecting and subsequent storage of plant material to maintain DNA integrity. 

 

 

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