To mark ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ day on 11 February six women scientists from Avacta share what attracted them to working in science and what they find fulfilling about their role at Avacta.
Victoria Juskaite, Principal Scientist
What attracted you to working in Science?
I’ve always had a curious mind and really enjoyed science lessons in school. I was fascinated to learn about how things worked. Around the age of 14, I had the incredible opportunity to go on a school trip to ICL through a STEM outreach program. Spending a day with top researchers left a lasting impression on me, influencing my decision to pursue science at university and aspire to become a scientist. While completing my PhD, I realised I want to engage in more translational work that bridges scientific research with direct benefit for patients. This has brought me to the field of drug discovery in industry.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta?
What makes my job at Avacta so fulfilling is the team I work with and the science. We’re utilising innovative technology and working on new treatments that could really help patients, which is very exciting. I like the variable nature of my work, which ranges from literature review, to advising my team on intricate scientific challenges and managing outsourced work. This keeps me engaged and constantly learning. But what I enjoy most is working together with everyone in the team. We all bring different skills to the table, and together we come up with great ideas and solutions. It feels good knowing that what we’re doing could make a real difference.
Melika Pajouheshpour, Placement Student
What attracted you to working in Science?
My interest in science started when I was in secondary school. I really enjoyed learning about the molecular processes that allow our bodies to function as they do, and in particular what happens when these processes go wrong. Now, on placement at a cancer research company, I find myself continually fascinated by the intelligence of cancer cells – and how we can beat them.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta?
Working at Avacta has been incredibly fulfilling for me so far. Knowing that what we are working on has the potential to help patients, and that we are working with the overarching aim of a cure, is very rewarding. Science is still a male dominated field, but at Avacta I find it inspiring that there are women represented at all levels of the company, and I am very grateful to be contributing to that.
Folake Orafidiya, Senior Scientist
What attracted to working in science
Frequent visit to the hospital as a child sparked my curiosity about the use and efficacy of medications as well as the mechanism behind recovery. This, alongside my interest in biology and chemistry drove my passion in understanding, contributing to and advancing science especially in the field of drug development.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta
A breakthrough in cancer treatment represents a glimmer of hope for patients and their loved ones. The opportunity to contribute to the research and development of innovative medicines tailored at treating patients with specific molecular profiles is profoundly rewarding. Knowing that the work I do will directly impact patient outcome – improving survival and quality of life – gives me a sense of purpose.
Hanna Buist, Senior Scientist
What attracted to working in science
To begin with, and it still continues to this day after almost 10 years working in Science, I was attracted to the lab work when I began my research career in academia. I’ve always enjoyed the planning and implementing of different experiments and I especially enjoy writing up the results, which used to be all by hand.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta
Besides still enjoying the lab work, even when it gets very busy, I’ve found it particularly fulfilling to train and work with our industrial placement students. Seeing them become capable and independent scientists at such an early stage in their careers is great as I can still remember what it was like to be in their shoes.
Ellen Watts, Senior Medicinal Chemist
What attracted you to working in Science?
I always enjoyed science and maths and really connected with chemistry during my A levels. I studied Chemistry at University of Bristol and was lucky to carry out a placement year at a pharma company. I really enjoyed my time in the fast-paced, exciting environment of drug discovery and haven’t stopped since! Working in drug discovery allows me to apply my interest in science to important healthcare discoveries.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta?
Its great to be a part of the exciting and innovative work at Avacta, exemplified by the excellent progress of our clinical candidate AVA6000. Its great to work alongside a small dynamic team and really feel like I’m are making a difference and contributing to the progress of our platforms.
Marine Houee, Senior Scientist
What attracted you to working in Science?
As soon as I started studying biology in school I found it fascinating. Learning about how the human body works through genes, proteins and cells interacting at such microscopic levels was so interesting. After my baccalaureate, I did not yet know what career I wanted to pursue. I decided to focus on the subject that interested me the most and completed a BSc in Biology followed by a MSc in biotechnology. Learning more about drug research and development I realised that’s how I wanted to apply my love of science, by trying to help patients live better lives.
What do you find fulfilling about your role at Avacta?
Being part of a team working towards the goal of transforming cancer patient outcomes, as I mentioned above, is ultimately why I work in science. In my role at Avacta, I have enjoyed working across the drug discovery pipeline, from early research discovery on our Affimer platform up to preclinical activities on our Precision programs. This has given me opportunities to work in novel areas and continue my own personal development whilst contributing to the science that will one day help improve patients’ lives. I have found this to be extremely rewarding. I also appreciate how Avacta supports me in living a fulfilling life outside of work. Following my maternity leave, they have enabled me to work from home more regularly due to my long commute. This has allowed me to be able to spend more important quality time with my baby.
