What is my function?

One of the poster presenters at the meeting is interviewed by the conference media about her research. I thought it made for a good blip.

Not long after this I too was approached to give an interview: everyone else seemed to skulk away heads down not wishing to be asked. I agreed.

I stood in front of my lab's poster and was then thrown the first question. In a stern voice she asked "please state you name and explain what is your function!"

I took this to mean "what was it that I did?".

Having said that, the question posed a little riddle that will tease my brain over and over for a long time.

I am in fact not sure what my function on earth actually is. Does anyone?