Women in Science: When you follow your passiojn for science - your capabilities will shine through
She will guide us through her journey through our weekly Women in Science feature.
Could you give us an overview of your work?
I lead the scientific and strategic direction of the company’s portfolio of genomic solutions, products, and services. I am passionate about advancing the field of genomic medicine and helping our customers deliver life-changing therapies.
When did you realize you were interested in science - as a young child, teen, or older?
From a young age, I was fascinated by science and how scientific research could transform human health. I always knew I wanted to have a career in science, and this is why I started my career focusing on academic research. I am proud of the work that I have done over the last twenty years has helped bring new therapies to patients who need them most.
Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?
I started my career working in a lab while doing my graduate studies to see if I really liked doing research. It turns out that I really liked research, so I decided to pursue two different PhDs in science and immunology, my greatest passions. I received a PhD in Immunology from the University of Pisa in Italy and PhD in Experimental Medicine from the Karolinksa Institute in Sweden.
My studies at the Karolinksa Institute exposed me and piqued my interest in the role global healthcare organizations play in developing countries. It really made me think about how I could take the knowledge I gained and make a difference. So I began working with the TDR, the capacity building Programme for Research and training in Tropical Diseases, a global programme of scientific collaboration that helps facilitate, support and influence efforts to combat diseases of poverty, within the World Health Organization. I coordinated stakeholder efforts and helped to execute projects in regions of the world that need it most.
My experience working with TDR made me to think more about how scientific knowledge could be used beyond basic research. I also had a keen interest in business and understanding how companies applied scientific applications to develop the technologies needed to accelerate drug development, so I joined Cytiva.
During the course of my career, I have held different roles and been active in global networks that have enabled the manufacture of life-changing biologic medicines, including COVID-19 vaccines. Now, I am focusing on science and technology and how we translate that into solutions that help accelerate genomic medicines. I can honestly say that I am always challenged in my career and that it brings me happiness to know that I am part of company whose vision is a world in which access to life-changing therapies transforms human health.
What challenges did you face - as a woman or otherwise - along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
I have been working in the life sciences industry for more than 20 years and women have more opportunities than ever before, and in certain countries there are a lot of opportunities for women. However, I am often still the only woman in the room. I believe every person should lean into what makes them unique and this is especially true for women. For example, do not refrain from sharing your knowledge and showing your emotional intelligence because it will make you a better leader and show your full range of capabilities.
What ignites your passion in your current role?
Genomic medicines have the potential to transform the way many diseases, particularly rare diseases are treated. We are talking about technologies that have high flexibility in application, starting from being at the base of new vaccines to enabling gene therapies for ultra rare diseases and providing potential therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease . Each day I wake up knowing the work we do at Cytiva is helping to accelerate the development of advanced therapies. It’s humbling to know that there are patients all around the world that could benefit from the work we do.
What is your current work ethos/style?
I believe it is important when you are part of any organization you must commit to doing your best work each and every day, which includes bringing positivity to the table and building teams that value collaboration.
Bringing your best self to work also requires us pursuing our interests outside of work. Whether it is cooking, reading, or exercising, pursuing interests outside your professional life will provide you with a unique perspective and will bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?
I would advise any young woman in interested in science to truly follow their passion. For some it will be the PhD path and doing academic research, for others it could be engineering. When you follow your passion for science, your capabilities will shine through. You will also bring more value to any role you are in, whether it be while pursing your studies or in the professional world.
