I am an early-career R&D scientist at Johnson Matthey, also studying for a PhD at the University of York. . I earned a first-class honors BSc in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences from Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (now Atlantic Technological University, Galway). During my undergraduate studies, I undertook a six-month placement at the State Laboratory in Kildare, working in the Animal Feedingstuffs department. There, I developed and analysed methods for detecting antibiotic levels in animal feed, sparking my passion for analytical method development and applied research.
After graduating, I transitioned directly into industry, beginning my career as an active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) Stability Testing Analyst at Almac. This was followed by a role at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) as a Consumer Health Product Quality Control Specialist and Stability Coordinator. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I sought to diversify my experience, taking a secondment in Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), where I trained as an occupational hygienist. This broadened my perspective but also reaffirmed my desire to return to laboratory-based research.
In 2021, I joined Johnson Matthey and simultaneously pursued higher education by undertaking a part-time master’s degree, which I completed in January 2024. My journey in academia and industry has now evolved further, as I am currently pursuing a PhD as an industry student in collaboration with the University of York.
My background reflects a blend of hands-on laboratory expertise, analytical problem-solving, and continuous professional growth, driven by a passion for research and development in the chemical sciences.