With a passion for science and an ‘eternal technology optimist’, she says playing a role in getting patients they need is humbling and motivating. Find out more about her journey in our interview.
Could you give us an overview of your work?
I am the chief technology officer for Cytiva. I am privileged to lead a team of dedicated scientists, engineers, researchers who are working to bring high quality and innovative manufacturing and R&D solutions closer to patients. We do this by working with our internal teams and by seeking out collaborations across the industry. The work that we are doing at Cytiva helps our customers deliver advanced therapeutics to patients faster.
Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?
I always found science fascinating and consider myself an eternal technology optimist. However, it was when I was introduced to chemistry and molecular biology in high school. when I knew I wanted a career in science. I earned my PhD in Molecular Oncology at the Leibniz Institute of Virology in Hamburg, Germany. I also have master’s degrees in biology and biochemistry from the University of Bielefeld, Germany, and the University of Montpellier in France.
I have been very fortunate in my career. I spent many years conducting research and identifying new molecules with pharmacological activity at biopharmaceutical companies. My experience in research and development in these companies gave me an appreciation for the challenges and complexity of pharmaceutical drug discovery and what it takes to launch a new pharmaceutical drug. Today I am leading a team that is as passionate as I am about how technology can accelerate the development of advanced therapies. For me, my work has always been about accelerating the development the of new and advanced therapeutics.
What challenges did you face – as a woman or otherwise – along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?
When I started my career there weren’t nearly as many women pursuing careers in STEM. Today there are many more, but still not enough. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned on my STEM journey is that we must do more to encourage and expose girls to STEM education in their early school years. It is important to convey to girls that it is cool to ask questions about how things function and that ‘it is not just for boys’. And we are not yet there in having equal representation of women in senior and executive leadership roles particularly in these disciplines. Hence my engagement at FidAR an association that works towards increasing the representation of women on German corporate boards.
What ignites your passion in your current role?
It is a great time to be working in the biotechnology industry. The progress over the last decade advancing cell and gene therapies has been life changing for so many patients and their families. To me that is truly amazing. When I started my career being able to ‘fix’ a gene was just a dream and now it’s a reality for many patients. I am proud to say that I am one of six women leaders in the Danaher Corporation (Cytiva is owned by Danaher) representing this field and working to help even more patients benefit from these advanced therapeutics.
What is your current work ethos/style?
I am very passionate about the work that I do. Knowing that you play a role in helping patients get medicines they need is equally humbling and motivating. So I do work hard and I have developed a good deal of resilience to keep pushing the frontiers of science and technology. I seek out diverse experiences and opinions inside and outside of work because I believe in the power of diverse thinking to help unleash powerful ideas. This diversity is so important to identify the best possible problem solving.
Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?
For young women starting their careers or for those who think they want a career in science, I would whole heartedly encourage them to go for it. There are so many different career options in science today. You can pursue a path like I did, starting in research and working in R&D. However, life sciences companies also need people with expertise in finance, communications, legal and marketing. There are so many different jobs today and so many opportunities for people with different talents.
