In this case study, hear from Dr Mirela Coke who explains how taking part in a three-way YoTEP exchange with York and Sheffield gave her immediate access to senior peer expertise, helping her navigate complex facility setups, pathogen control strategies, and lighting upgrades.

The Yorkshire Technician Exchange Partnership (YoTEP) connects technical professionals across Leeds, York, and Sheffield to share expertise, solve common challenges, and elevate technical careers across the White Rose University Consortium.

I’m Dr Mirela Coke, Plant Growth Suite Facility Manager at the University of Leeds. I oversee the operational management of the facility, which comprises three major areas: greenhouses, growth chambers and controlled-environment rooms, and a plant tissue culture area.

I am responsible for the effective operation of all equipment within the facility, from setting controlled environments to users’ needs to overseeing daily checks and scheduling equipment servicing and maintenance. I am the first point of contact and source of expertise for anything related to the facility, ensuring it operates year-round in accordance with all Health & Safety and regulatory procedures. I also ensure that users adhere to protocols, risk assessments, and standard operating procedures.

“YoTEP connects people and supports you to thrive in your roles”

What made you want to take part in a YoTEP exchange?

I first heard about YoTEP from my line manager, Jennie Hibbard, who provided me with the contact details of my counterparts in York and Sheffield. 

I was very keen to speak with them and see how they run their facilities, as I was a newly appointed manager who, despite having more than twenty years’ experience in plant science, had at that point limited knowledge of facility management and the issues related to plant growth facilities. I was eager to tap into their expertise.

What did you gain from the experience?

We quickly noticed that the facilities operate in different ways regarding charging, servicing, maintenance, and plant care. I have since contacted them on several occasions to seek their advice on different technical issues. I was able to benefit from Jason’s expert knowledge on pathogen control strategies and TRAC costing. Ben was very helpful in advising on upgrading plant growth cabinets to LED lighting and on CO₂ control of cabinets.

What did your exchange involve?

I contacted Jason Daff in York and Ben Palmer in Sheffield and organised visits for myself and another member of the PGS team, Marco Valera, to both locations. We toured each facility and were then able to ask questions about how they operate and manage their facilities.

Was there anything that surprised you or that you didn’t expect?

I was very surprised at how easily we were able to connect, and I am very grateful for all the support I received.

What would you say to a technician who is thinking about taking part but isn’t sure?

If you think it would be useful to speak to someone in a similar role but do not know anyone, please talk to a Technician Champion or your line manager about taking part in a YoTEP exchange. They will guide you in the right direction, and you will benefit for sure.

Find out more about the partnership here.