International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
One sector that has historically experienced a gender gap is science. Despite this, Yorkshire is home to a leading hub for bioscience, York Biotech Campus (YBC), which is also the workplace for many ambitious and successful women working in the industry.
In recognition of the day, they spoke to some of the women based at the site to hear about their career achievements and the advice they’d give to others wanting to embark on a career in science.
Heather Aird, UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA)
Providing expert scientific leadership is at the core of Heather’s role as a Unit Head at UKSHA, an official government agency that is responsible for protecting England’s public from a range of health threats. Heather looks after the services delivered from its Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology testing laboratory at YBC.
Career highlight? “Getting my PhD. Just as I was about to start it, I was shocked to find out that I was having a baby! I was so worried about not being able to continue on my career path, but my professor was incredibly supportive. I started my PhD when my newly arrived daughter was 12 weeks old, and it took me seven years to complete, but I did it and I’m so proud of that. My biggest achievement is certainly being a mum though, and I have two beautiful daughters now.”
Advice to others? “Work hard, have a can-do attitude, and look for opportunities, especially with your employers. I’d also say, be prepared to relocate to progress, and don’t be afraid – it can be very rewarding!”
Michelle Anderson, University of York
Michelle is a Senior Research Scientist at Alphey Group, which is part of the biology department at University of York. She leads a team of ten people, working on a project developing local gene drives in mosquitoes, so is kept busy by planning and performing experiments involving insects and molecular biology.
Career highlight? “There are a few pieces of work I’m particularly proud to have contributed to, including a publication in Science, but to me, it’s not about a ‘big achievement’, it’s about those consistent steps I the right direction, making steady progress towards the ultimate goal of making people’s lives better.”
Advice to others? “Don’t be afraid to be yourself and if you love something, do it. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Be willing to put the work in to achieve your dreams, sometimes things don’t come easy and that makes it all the more rewarding when you accomplish them.”
Katherine Wotherspoon, Fera Science
As Head of Science Strategy for Fera Science, Katherine is responsible for a wide range of projects, from academic and research partnerships and internal and external science events, to Fera’s strategic research direction and collaboration.
Career highlight? “Obtaining a PhD is my standout, which I achieved whilst having two children. It was no easy task, especially as my second child was due on the same date as my PhD submission! It was a tight deadline, but I managed to do it, proving having children is no barrier. Another big achievement was contributing to Henry Dimbleby’s National Food Strategy call, and hosting him at YBC last year.”
Advice to others? “Never be afraid to keep asking questions and say yes to every opportunity you’re given: you never know where it’s going to lead.”
