Dr Chinny Iroegbu

Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme 

Name: Dr Chinny Iroegbu
Age: 44
Born: Nigeria
Lived in Scotland: Since October 26, 2000

Scotland has always held a special place in Dr Chinny Iroegbu's heart. She learned Scottish history at her primary school in Nigeria because of the influence of the Scots missionary Mary Slessor. And, through her father who was a pharmacist, she learnt about Alexander Fleming and his work with antibiotics.

"This knowledge formed the early part of my career where I studied antibiotic resistance of micro organisms," said Dr Iroegbu who first came to Scotland in October 2000 to complete a PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Aberdeen.

Prior to graduating from the University of Aberdeen last year, Dr lroegbu also completed a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, an MSc in Microbiology in Nigeria, and an MSc in Environmental Resource Management at the University of Salford.

She recently took up a post as a senior specialist scientist for the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in Stirling where she is responsible for providing advice and information about the effects of environmental exposure to human health to ensure legislative requirements are met.

"The information and advice I provide also assist in achieving better regulatory standards and adequately integrate human health protection within environmental monitoring and surveillance," she said.

Dr lroegbu believes the Fresh Talent scheme is beneficial to employers and employees alike.

"With the Fresh Talent Scheme there are no conditions attached, compared to traditional work permits. It removes the initial cost and paper work for employers, while giving more flexibility to employees – allowing them to change jobs if they wish and reducing the waiting time in taking up a post."

Dr lroegbu lives in Dunblane with her two sons, aged 13 and five, and enjoys both rural and city living as a result.

  

"Stirling is a great city, both socially and business wise," she continued.

"It has a cosmopolitan population, a thriving university and is only 30 minutes away by train from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

"The scenery is picturesque, with heady hills and valleys, and Stirling Council makes great efforts to encourages investment."

She believes educational opportunities in Scotland are excellent, with good science, technology and educational degree courses on offer and universities prepared to invest in education and research.

"Scotland is a country determined to live by the ethos of democracy at all costs and there is an aggressive drive for every Scottish citizen to have a decent living irrespective of their background," she went on.

"If you work hard, you will achieve your life's ambition in Scotland and even if you do not have the zeal but have the passion, there are still opportunities to be all you want to be."

Dr Iroegbu says there is a strong sense of community in Scotland which she personally experiences where she lives and works. There is also a great sense of interaction between the people and the government, possibly because of Scotland's size, in her view.

"I feel the sense of people participation in government unlike any I have felt elsewhere in a developed country," she continued.

"I get the impression there is a strong effort by the government to take on board people's views in decision making and implementation.

"I am not saying this relationship is perfect but Scotland has a lot to offer its citizens and the world.

"There is a great need for Scotland to gain its rightful place at the international arena so that it is not left behind by international developments and I think this is what the Scottish Government is trying to achieve."

Looking to the future, Dr lroegbu wants to use her knowledge in science and education to contribute to Scotland's development and interface at international level with the EU, the UN and other bodies to enhance Scottish leadership in environment as an integral part of sustainable development.

Related links

• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency