This month our short interview features Lauren Baird, database officer at the Australian Synchrotron.

Describe your job in 25 words or less.
Officially I’m in charge of databases at the synchrotron, though in practice I spend a lot of time programming too.

Best thing about your job?
I have the opportunity to work with lots of different departments within the synchrotron and other organisations such as VeRSI, and every single person is passionate about their work – it’s inspiring! (I also have the best view from my window!)

Worst thing about your job?
Getting here... with no bike paths! Car pooling has been a lot of fun too :-)

Biggest challenge facing your team?
I’m also on the environmental committee and the biggest challenge we face is coming up with useful green initiatives that make a positive impact on the staggering amount of resources required to run a synchrotron.

Apart from the Australian Synchrotron, what's the coolest job you've ever had?
Installing solar panels in the foothills of the Himalayas. Though taste-testing for an ice-cream company was pretty high up the list.

Best things about living in Melbourne and why?
We have laws against unauthorised rainmaking, harnessing goats, flying kites, hanging out with pirates and playing annoying games in public... you have to love a city that can make fun of itself!

Your favourite overseas destination and why?
Nepal. For the Himalayas, the people and the deliciously sweet and spicy tea.

A little-known fact about the Australian Synchrotron?
We are soon to have a veggie patch onsite – there are a lot of very keen gardeners amongst the staff!

What’s the most unusual or interesting project you’ve been asked to do at the AS?
Collecting mangrove seeds (and getting covered in mud while doing it) for our annual volunteer day.

If you could change one thing about the AS, and only one thing, what would it be?
The resource consumption. It would be great to make use of renewable, cogen and water-capture technologies to run a completely green facility.

What’s the most unusual or interesting question you’ve been asked about the Australian Synchrotron?
Do you microwave your lunch in the beam?