Tell us a bit about your background.
I was born in Scotland and lived in different countries as I grew up. I came back to Scotland when I was 11 years old, to Dumfries, and then moved to Glasgow to study at the University of Strathclyde.
Why did you choose Strathclyde?
I have always leaned into my connection to science, so when it came time to continue my education and identify a career path, focusing on this field was the most obvious option for me.
I chose to attend the University of Strathclyde because of its established and esteemed reputation for sciences. The University offered a prestigious joint honours programme and the courses and curriculum aligned with my educational aspirations. I graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Biochemistry and Immunology.
Where are you now?
After my time at the University of Strathclyde, I went on to complete my PhD in Biochemical Parasitology at the University of Glasgow. During my PhD, I was introduced to the world of pharmaceutical drug development, and I was fascinated by the whole process.
Once I received my PhD, I moved to London and started as a Medical Writer/Clinical Scientist at a Phase 1 Drug Development Unit, testing new drugs in healthy volunteers. After several years working in pharmaceuticals, I then joined a company and worked in the medical aesthetics space on dermal fillers and neuromodulators.
Currently, I lead Merz Aesthetics’ Research and Development team with over 200 scientists around the world. My team and I are responsible for driving innovation and bringing new products to the market.