Frances (Fra) McBride, joined Queens in 2019 as a research technician working for 2 projects in the "reuse of used concrete to make new concrete" and test its strength compared to original fresh concrete. She successfully completed a degree course in Geography at Queens, then undertook NVQ in Engineering Fabrication apprenticeship at Harland and Wolff before working and gaining experience in Concrete with a local prefab company. she is currently employed full time permanent in the Concrete lab and also looks after the Survey equipment used for practical classes within Civil Engineering. The role includes overseeing all activities and supervision of undergraduate students and carrying out inductions and operating a range of tools and equipment specifically used in the concrete area.