Could you give us a background on your education and your path into your STEM Career?
I took Higher Level Maths, Chemistry and Physics in Leaving Cert, started in ‘Biological and Chemical Sciences’ in UCC which transitioned into a BSc in Chemistry in 2nd year. I began working in Chem/Micro Lab in Janssen in January 2006, before joining Pfizer in 2008 in a similar role.
I did a Postgrad Dip in Biopharmaceuticals 2008-2010 and transitioned in to QA as a QA Specialist in 2012 at Hovione in Ringaskiddy, Cork. I progressed through various roles in QA – Specialist, Quality Systems, QA Manager until I took on the role of QA Director this year.
What is involved in your current role? Describe an interesting day in your current position.
As Quality Assurance Director I am the site responsible person for Quality. It is the QA responsibility to ensure that all product that is manufactured meets all GMP requirements prior to release to the market. I foster a quality culture onsite ensuring quality awareness and focus that the product we make is intended for the end user which is the patient. We understand that patients who take our product are doing so to improve their quality of life and that it is our responsibility to ensure that what the patient gets is of the highest quality.
What do you love about your current role?
I enjoy knowing that what I do makes a difference to the quality of life of patients. Also, in QA, there is oversight of all processes from receipt of the raw material onsite, through manufacture until it leaves the site on a truck as the finished product. QA are exposed to various challenges and no two days are the same.
What has been the most surprising element of your job?
My current role comprises people management as well as having a technical aspect. I am surprised at how much I love the people side of my role and seeing people grow and develop within the team with my support.
What has been your most exciting career moment to date?
Taking a product through from development phase to commercial phase, including a PAI (pre-approval inspection) by the FDA.
What kind of other experts do you work with on a day to day basis?
QA supports all areas and functions onsite, so we interact with Production, Quality Control, Engineering, Warehouse to name a few! The level of technical knowledge in the cross functional teams is incredible with every person’s knowledge complementing the overall team effort.
What do you hope to achieve in the next year in your current position?
I have only recently taken on my current role as QA Director here at Hovione, so my next year will be spent familiarising myself with the role and establishing myself within the company and team.
Do you feel that you fit the stereotypical description of a person in your role?
My predecessor was also a woman and was someone I looked up to and admired. She was extremely supportive throughout my career over the 7 years we worked together. Stereotypes are being broken down and in Hovione there is certainly equal opportunity for males and females alike.
If a young person told you that they would like to get into your role, what advice would you give them?
Don’t let your perception of what you should or shouldn’t do influence your career decisions… if you want something, go for it!
In your opinion, what is the biggest myth about STEM careers?
In STEM careers there is a perception that they are gender biased and difficult for females to break into. In my experience this has not been the case.
Do you believe that there is enough being done to encourage girls to study STEM and pursue STEM careers?
Over the past few years there has been more focus on encouraging girls to study and pursue STEM careers. As more women join the field it is becoming a more typical career for women.
What do you think would have helped you in pursuing your STEM career?
Understanding the different 3rd level courses, what they entailed and what careers they led to. I believed that my only opportunity was to work in a lab when I completed my Chemistry Degree, however there is so much scope for different roles in the pharmaceutical, biopharma and med device industries for science graduates.
Biopharmachem Ireland
