Meet the Technical Staff: Pete Verrall

Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Representative and SPS Technician, Pete Verrall takes on our questions as part of our 'Meet the Staff' series

Pete Verrall

Pete Verrall is the Electronics Technician and Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Representative for the School of Physical Sciences.

Here, Pete Verrall shares his answers to our “Meet the Staff” questions.

1.What three words would you use to describe yourself? 

Christian, husband, father.

2. What inspires you in your work?

The grace of God, because everyone can sometimes be difficult to work with, including myself.

3. When did you first realise your interest/passion for your role? 

When I saw the job advertised, but I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of it.

4. What would you say was your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is still to come.

5. What would you say is the best part of your job?

My work colleagues – most of them anyway… 🙂

6. Why did you choose to work at the University of Kent?

They were advertising for an electronics technician.

7. What has been a personal highlight for your achievements in your work?

The work I did for Prof. Podoleanu’s Correlator project in 1994, the 2005 departmental relocation to the Ingram building, and helping SPS achieve Athena Swan Bronze in 2014.

8. Where is the most interesting place you have been?

Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. Every day apart from Christmas day, the road through the Gate is closed at 6pm to sound the Last Post. The whole structure is covered with the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who had no grave.

9. What are your proudest achievements outside of your work?

Supporting my wife through 28 years of schizophrenia.

10. What has been your greatest challenge?

The first 9 years of my proudest achievement.

11. What do you like most about Canterbury?

Not having to go through it on my daily commute, and the Old Town.

12. If you could pick anyone throughout history, to talk to, who would it be and why?

Gavrilo Princip, to try and talk him out of it… (see question 8)

 

Any other comments or quotes that you wish to add:

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” – Jim Elliot

 

Thank you Pete for answering our questions and taking part in this month’s ‘Meet the Staff’ series!