AMY SHIELY

Could you give us a background on your education and your path into your STEM Career?

I was encouraged from an early age to pursue my interests, one of which was research. In Transition Year I received an award from UCC for a project on Agnes Mary Clerke, an inspiring local Astronomer from Skibbereen. Born in 1842, she had a hugely successful career in STEM at a time when it was extremely difficult for women to work in science. She was honoured by having a crater on the moon named after her. She is a truly inspirational female role model. I studied chemistry for the Leaving Cert and I really enjoyed it.

I went on to study the Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds in UCC. A key element of this course was an industrial placement, I was fortunate to carry out my placement in the Technical Development Lab in GSK in Currabinny. I loved this placement. I got to see the different STEM jobs available in the pharmaceutical industry and got to talk to a range of different people, getting their advice and seeing what entry path they took to a career in STEM. After completing my BSc, I carried out my PhD in organic chemistry with Prof. Anita Maguire. This work was challenging and rewarding. I was afforded many opportunities and gained invaluable experience and mentorship. Upon completion of my studies, I secured a position in SK biotek Ireland in the R&D Chemistry group.

What is involved in your current role? Describe an interesting day in your current position. 

I’m a Research & Development Chemist at SK biotek Ireland. In my job no two days are the same. Most days involve carrying out lab work and analysis, interpreting results, completing paper work and attending meetings. Another aspect of my role is supporting manufacturing campaigns on plant. It’s great to get to work on different projects and contribute to cross-functional teams.

What do you love about your current role? 

I love the variety of work and diverse nature of projects I have the opportunity be involved in. Work is never boring and I work with great people. I really enjoy working in the lab and have worked on projects on a variety of different scales. Supporting manufacturing campaigns on plant is also a fun aspect of my role; working closely with cross-functional teams to produce product for customers. Things don’t always go to plan but work might not be as challenging or rewarding if it did.

What has been your most exciting career moment to date?

Moving from the academic research environment to the pharmaceutical industry was very exciting. The skills and knowledge I developed throughout undergrad and during my PhD studies are constantly being put to use in industry.

Do you feel that you fit the stereotypical description of a person in your role? 

I do not think there is a stereotypical description of a Research and Development Chemist. Our team is full of highly motivated people who are all linked by a common interest in chemistry. We work well together sharing knowledge and supporting each other to successfully complete projects for our customers.

If a young person told you that they would like to get into your role, what advice would you give them? 

Anyone who has an interest in pursuing a career in STEM should be supported and encouraged. I would advise any young person to try and get work experience or a placement in the pharmaceutical industry. Getting to see what happens day to day in different groups is key. Getting to speak to people in the industry and see what entry routes they took to the roles they currently hold shows young people how attainable a job in the industry is. Getting the opportunity to see that there is a role for everyone in the pharmaceutical industry is invaluable.

Do you believe that there is enough being done to encourage girls to study STEM and pursue STEM careers?

I believe schools, colleges and industry play a central role in encouraging girls to study STEM. When I was in school I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend a STEM immersion week in CIT, this definitely showed me how accessible studying STEM could be. When I was in college I participated in outreach programs bringing primary and secondary school students into the labs, giving them hands on experience and showing them how fun science can be. Initiatives like these, which provide positive experiences in STEM at an early age are invaluable in encouraging the study of STEM subjects and careers.

What do you think would have helped you in pursuing your STEM career?

I have been extremely fortunate to have had wonderful teachers, lecturers, mentors and managers so far in my career. Being surrounded by positive and encouraging peers and having great support has been invaluable to my STEM career development.

Biopharmachem Ireland