Andy swaps singing for science

Black Country boy Andy Aston has shunned the rockstar lifestyle for a more sedate life in the lab as a scientist.

Once a singer in a band called Sampson, the 26-year-old from Kingswinford, has tuned into a career as a qualified bio-medical scientist in the pathology department at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. But while his work in the lab might involve more blood tests and white coats than bright lights and leathers, it is still something he would recommend to the youth of today. “The role is very varied,” he said.

“And there are people from all walks of life who work in the hospital,” added Mr Aston, who graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a 2:1 in bio-chemistry in 2004.

Mr Aston, who now lives in Abbey Street, Lower Gornal, was brought up in Kingswinford and educated at the Kingswinford School in Water Street.

He always enjoyed science at school and when it came to taking A Levels at King Edward college in Stourbridge, biology was his first choice.

“I knew I wanted to do something with science but I didn’t really know what,” said Mr Aston who joined Russells Hall in 2004 as a trainee and has since progressed to what is known as a grade one bio-medical scientist.

“I took a year out before going to university and worked in a research lab but a friend of mine was on the bio-chemistry course at Wolverhampton and it sounded like something I would enjoy.”

While a student, Mr Aston tried his hand at singing in a band, but nowadays he is more likely to be found pouring over blood samples than ballads.

“It’s hard to explain but in bio-chemistry, we are primarily involved in testing blood samples. Through analysing samples, we can tell how different organs are functioning and if they are doing what they should be.”

As part of national Pathology week, Mr Aston has been talking to young people across the borough about pathology and the careers available. “I am lucky to be able to work in my local hospital serving the community I grew up in,” he added.