Spotlight on... Thompson Osim

What is your role and what does it involve?

I currently work as a Research Technician at the Social Research Institute. My day-to-day role involves resolving the tech-related queries of staff and students in my department – ranging from research software queries to information security queries. I also hold workshops and seminars in both qualitative and quantitative research tools, on topics such as data visualisation. More generally, I work with the FITP specialist applications team in providing tech support for software such as Qualtrics.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL now for three years.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I am extremely proud of the support and planning I was able to provide for my department during the Covid times. It was a challenging time with everything going on and all the new technologies we had to adopt during a short space of time.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

I am currently working on my Python certification, as it is pivotal in achieving the next progression in my role. Additionally, I do think it will be extremely beneficial to my department with the support I will be able to provide, and to students with the future workshops and seminars I will be able to teach.

What is your favourite album, film, and novel?

My favourite album is Good Kid M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar. I wouldn’t say I have a favourite film, but one of the recent ones I really enjoyed is titled All Day and a Night.

My favourite novel of all time? This is a really difficult once again – I think this choice depends on the stage I'm at in life. A recent novel I really enjoyed was The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It’s quite a hard read, but I think it is such a remarkable story of humanity, survival and love despite the existence of evil.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

The why did the chicken cross the road jokes were always a great favourite of mine growing up. But I do think a lot of the Igbo proverbs my parents use from time to time really crack me up.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

My dream dinner guests would be my ancestors. Perhaps an elder from each generation from the past 2000 years. I’ve got some questions I need answered, and the dinner would make for an interesting conversation setting.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Follow your own path and be patient. All things will work for your good.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

That I am fluent in Igbo.

What is your favourite place?

My favourite place is my home is South West London. As an individual with many national identities, I struggle to choose one and have come to terms with the fact that my favourite place is the one I yearn to go back to when it’s cold outside or when I am not entirely enjoying an event.