Introduction
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global celebration of the Women who work and contribute to the major scientific findings that we see every day, in the past and in the future. This celebration takes place every year on the 11th of February. Join us this year as PerkinElmer celebrates these women who were nominated by their peers to share the stories of their passions for science.
Name: Hifzah Mahmood, Purification Chemist
Years in Science: 6 years
PerkinElmer: “What do you enjoy most about science or having a scientific job?
“I absolutely love the problem-solving aspect of science and my job. I enjoy complex purifications and using different skills to find a solution to yield great results. What I find most rewarding about my job is successfully completing purifications that help the chemist out in achieving their medicinal chemistry objectives. We are working together to achieve results!”
PerkinElmer: “What do you see as some of the most exciting projects, innovations and/or initiatives in your career field in the next few years?
“I am very excited to see where new and existing advanced technology helps creating new medicines to help improve the quality of life for patients. I am excited to join the Medicinal Chemistry team in September and be the one making the drug molecules and targets. I look forward to the next 6 months where demand will increase in purifications for the CAPS team and being part of the team to achieve our targets together by teamwork, good attitude, and work ethic.”
PerkinElmer: “Are you passionate about science? If yes, why?
“Yes, I have always wanted to be a scientist since I was little. I am mesmerized by medicines and the chemistry behind making these and how they work in the human body. I believe I am in my niche when I am in the lab, whether that is carrying out experiments or analyzing data. “
PerkinElmer: “How did you get into a scientific industry?
“I got my undergraduate in Chemistry and Master's degree at the University of Hull and graduated with a first-class degree. I then applied for my current role with PerkinElmer to be a purification chemist at GSK Stevenage.”
PerkinElmer: “What has been one of your most notable work experiences at PKI?
“My best experience has got to be creating great close, working relationships with the chemists every day. I have implemented improvements to the NMR process. As a result of these changes the water content in the samples for NMR is greatly reduced and the water peak is no longer dominating the spectrum ensuring the data is fit for purpose. This means the data is easy to analyze and automated tools can be applied, driving performance. As a result, we have had a lot of positive feedback from chemists who are happy to see the massive changes.”
Name: Tricia Knarr, OneSource Global Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Years in Science: 17 years in the lab (IH, Env Chem, Ecotox) before joining PerkinElmer to focus on EHS in November 2017
PerkinElmer: “What do you enjoy most about science or having a scientific job?
“Science is so dynamic and all-encompassing. There is always something new to learn and discover.”
PerkinElmer: “Are you passionate about science? If yes, why?
“I am incredibly passionate about science. Science truly opens so many doors in life, not only to careers but also to the wonders of the world around us. Science can be life-changing and lifesaving. It gives us sunrises and sunsets, fireworks, and fireflies. I can't think of any reason to not be passionate about science, it is such a huge part of who I am.”
PerkinElmer: “How did you get into a scientific industry?
“I followed in my father's footsteps and pursued a degree in Chemistry at Rutgers University followed by a Masters in Environmental Health from ECU after a childhood full of astronomy nights in middle school, home chemistry kits and visits to the Franklin Institute. My dad always shared his love of science with us and it definitely made a strong impression on me. My parents both instilled a love of learning in my sisters and I and it truly inspired us all to find our paths and follow them. Their endless support and encouragement mean so much.”
PerkinElmer: “What has been one of your most notable work experiences at PKI?
“As challenging as navigating the COVID pandemic has been from an EHS perspective, watching my team and our whole OneSource team come together and do everything possible to keep our folks safe and healthy onsite while sustaining operations has been incredible. I am so proud to be a part of such an incredible group of people.”
Name: Lucy Hoskin, Team Leader
Years in Science: 2 years
PerkinElmer: “What do you enjoy most about science or having a scientific job?
“I enjoy the challenging nature of the work and the ever-learning environment that it provides. It is an industry which is so varied, yet the knowledge and the research you are involved with can be niche and extremely in depth. I also enjoy the innovative side of science, even if not specifically involved, it is a great thing to be surrounded by.”
PerkinElmer: “What do you see as some of the most exciting projects, innovations and/or initiatives in your career field in the next few years?
“In the next few years, I am excited about the service we can provide to GSK and with the expansion of my team and working across two GSK sites in the UK. I am excited to grow my team and expand the service provided to include new departments across GSK R&D. This will mean new analytical techniques for our team to learn and support, and a greater customer base. This is based on the excellent service we have provided in the past.”
PerkinElmer: “Are you passionate about science? If yes, why?
“I am passionate about science. I have worked in exercise science previously, and now in pharmaceutical science. There is so much to learn and discover all the time, and there is always more to uncover. The ability to make a difference to the lives of people around the globe because of our discoveries, research and development is something that excites and motivates us every day.”
PerkinElmer: “How did you get into a scientific industry?
“I studied sport and exercise science at university and then completed a master’s degree in exercise physiology. This was my opening into the scientific industry.... working in a laboratory environment made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in research and testing, and that's when I found the job in pharma.”
Name: Linsey Williamson, Global Program Manager
Years in Science: My first year
PerkinElmer: “What do you enjoy most about science or having a scientific job?”
“Being a part of something innovative that will create positive change.”
PerkinElmer: “What do you see as some of the most exciting projects, innovations and/or initiatives in your career field in the next few years?
“Introducing new teams that give masses of time back to scientists for research and radically changing how we manage projects and change so that we can deliver innovation at a faster pace giving time back to science!”
PerkinElmer: “Are you passionate about science? If yes, why?
“I am! I love being part of a team that is shaping the world in terms of research.”
PerkinElmer: “How did you get into a scientific industry?
“Recommended by a friend.”
PerkinElmer: “What has been one of your most notable work experiences at PKI?
“Getting to work with a fantastic team!”