Supporting technician development through training, mentoring, and knowledge exchange.
T-PIKE is delighted to welcome Leonie Charles as Knowledge Exchange Officer at the University of Kent, effective January 2026. Leonie joins the team on a one-year secondment, supporting training, mentoring, and knowledge exchange for Technical Professionals.
Leonie brings two years of hands-on experience as a Laboratory Technician, alongside a background in Sport and Exercise Science. She previously worked in Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Kent, supporting academic research and elite performance environments, including physiological testing and performance training.
Leonie holds a First-Class degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Kent and is a recipient of the Human Kinetics Best Dissertation Award. Outside of work, she is an accomplished ice hockey player and has represented Great Britain on several occasions.
In her new role, Leonie will work closely with the Kent Technician Commitment Lead and the Technician Commitment Working Group to support training and knowledge exchange activities, helping Technical Professionals build connections with other higher education institutions, industrial, and commercial partners. Her direct experience working as a technician gives her valuable insight into the practical barriers Technical Professionals can face when accessing training and development opportunities.
If you’re considering a knowledge exchange activity at Kent or would like to explore potential support from T-PIKE, we’d be very happy to hear from you. Further details are available on the T-PIKE SharePoint (T-PIKE), contact the team at tpikekent@kent.ac.uk or Leonie at l.charles@kent.ac.uk.
