Petrina Hamutenya: Young microbiology scientist finds purpose in the lab
Petrina Hamutenya, a microbiology graduate, is currently interning as a junior laboratory technician at the Radiation Laboratory through the Discovery Gap Year programme. She shares how her path in science has grown from curiosity to hands-on expertise in a professional lab setting.
Hamutenya admits she initially applied for biochemistry but changed to microbiology after hearing about the exciting experiences her cousin had in the field.
“Over time, I started falling in love with the lab, science and everything that comes with it, especially the precision, patience and focus it requires,” she explains. Her first practical exposure came when she applied for an internship at TEA Labs, which led her to the Discovery Gap Year programme. What drew her in was the opportunity to work in a professional lab environment, access advanced equipment and gain hands-on experience.
Contrary to her expectations of basic lab tasks, Hamutenya found herself entrusted with analytical work using complex instruments like the Kinetic Phosphorescence Analyser (KPA), ICP-OES, and XRF instruments.
Her typical day includes recording lab temperatures, verifying and refrigerating samples, digesting samples with acids for uranium testing, calibrating instruments and analysing arsenic samples in the metallurgical lab.
These responsibilities have strengthened her skills in analytical accuracy, sample preparation, instrument calibration and quality control.
Hamutenya highlights that mastering instruments such as ICP-OES and KPA was challenging, but she overcame it through observation, questioning and consistent practice. She follows standard operating procedures strictly, ensures all instruments are calibrated, and handles acids and samples with care.
Conducive lab environment
Her experience has been enriched by a supportive team environment that encourages sharing methods, troubleshooting challenges and learning from mistakes. Observing her fast-paced supervisor taught her the importance of efficiency, focus and confidence in the lab.
Reflecting on her work so far, Hamutenya says she has grown more confident, independent and detail-orientated.
She appreciates the responsibility and accountability required in a real lab and values the discipline and patience she has developed.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue work in environmental and analytical microbiology, laboratory quality control, or research combining microbiology and analytical chemistry. This internship has clarified her career path and strengthened her passion for laboratory science.
Hamutenya admits she initially applied for biochemistry but changed to microbiology after hearing about the exciting experiences her cousin had in the field.
“Over time, I started falling in love with the lab, science and everything that comes with it, especially the precision, patience and focus it requires,” she explains. Her first practical exposure came when she applied for an internship at TEA Labs, which led her to the Discovery Gap Year programme. What drew her in was the opportunity to work in a professional lab environment, access advanced equipment and gain hands-on experience.
Contrary to her expectations of basic lab tasks, Hamutenya found herself entrusted with analytical work using complex instruments like the Kinetic Phosphorescence Analyser (KPA), ICP-OES, and XRF instruments.
Her typical day includes recording lab temperatures, verifying and refrigerating samples, digesting samples with acids for uranium testing, calibrating instruments and analysing arsenic samples in the metallurgical lab.
These responsibilities have strengthened her skills in analytical accuracy, sample preparation, instrument calibration and quality control.
Hamutenya highlights that mastering instruments such as ICP-OES and KPA was challenging, but she overcame it through observation, questioning and consistent practice. She follows standard operating procedures strictly, ensures all instruments are calibrated, and handles acids and samples with care.
Conducive lab environment
Her experience has been enriched by a supportive team environment that encourages sharing methods, troubleshooting challenges and learning from mistakes. Observing her fast-paced supervisor taught her the importance of efficiency, focus and confidence in the lab.
Reflecting on her work so far, Hamutenya says she has grown more confident, independent and detail-orientated.
She appreciates the responsibility and accountability required in a real lab and values the discipline and patience she has developed.
Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue work in environmental and analytical microbiology, laboratory quality control, or research combining microbiology and analytical chemistry. This internship has clarified her career path and strengthened her passion for laboratory science.
