Celebrating the Diversity & Excellence of Women in STEM
We interviewed some of Integria's females in STEM leading the way in biotechnology and health innovation.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in STEM? Roles in STEM offer many opportunities for personal and professional growth. We interviewed some of the women who work in STEM positions at Integria, a leading company in the field of biotechnology and health innovation, to learn more about their experiences.
Sarah Johnston - Assistant QC Laboratory Manager, Integria
1. Why do you love your job?
I love working in science, and Integria specifically. As the field of science is continually changing and evolving, especially in the natural medicines and healthcare sector, the opportunity for growth and learning is endless. No day is the same.
2. What drew you to the field of science/STEM?
I fell into the field of science/STEM somewhat by accident as I was told in school simply to choose a degree based on subjects I enjoyed. As 4/6 subjects I completed in my senior years were STEM subjects, and science and maths made sense to me, I naturally fell into a Science degree at QUT – initially in the field of Forensic Science. I soon realised that real-life forensic cases weren’t for me (I don’t like the sight of blood or the smell), and as I had completed sufficient chemistry units to graduate as a Chemist, I was offered a position at Alphapharm and my career in science officially began. After several years in the pharma industry, I moved across into the complementary medicines sector and have never looked back. I love the evidence-based approach behind the traditional uses of herbal medicines and the stringent phytochemical quality testing that Integria employs, which exemplifies why we are the leader in the industry. I’m proud to work at Integria and regular promote our products to family and friends.
3. Do you remember the moment you thought science was for you, this is what I want to do, this is what I want to learn more about?
I think my love of science stemmed from my love of Biology in my senior years. I had a really interactive Biology teacher at school who made what could have been considered boring subject matter, into something quite fun and exciting. Later after completing my degree in Applied Science majoring in Biotechnology and Forensic Science, I was able to put my knowledge and skills into everyday practice. I love how ever changing the industry is, and how new information is constantly coming to hand. The opportunity for learning is endless.
4. Why do you think it's important for women to work in the field of science?
Traditionally, women chose career paths away from STEM, however nowadays it is becoming more commonplace and some of the most sought-after leadership positions are held by women. It’s important not to let gender define your ambitions – science is not discriminatory.
5. People may not realise science at its very basic level that they may already being enjoying. How is science used in your everyday life?
Science/Chemistry is used every day by everyday people, from in the kitchen when preparing a nutritious dinner for the family to taking natural supplements known to help a myriad of ailments as well as improving overall wellbeing.
6. Are you proud to be a woman working in STEM?
I am very proud and privileged to be a working mother of four and also hold a leadership position in the field of STEM. Finding the balance is key, and working at such a family-friendly company makes it all possible. You can actually do it all.
Claire Sullivan – Innovation & Development Manager, Integria
1. Why do you love your job?
I use science to create products that improve people’s health and their lives. Translating research and using science to turn it into something tangible that empowers people is a privilege. Identifying challenges, forming ideas to solve problems and testing them out is also very rewarding. It’s a process of constant learning.
2. What drew you to the field of science/STEM?
Initially I loved the “discovery” element of science – delving deep into something and striving to understand the what, how and why of it. For me this was especially true for how we work (physiology and genetics) and how things impact our physiology (pharmacology and phytotherapy).
3. Do you remember the moment you thought science was for you, this is what I want to do, this is what I want to learn more about?
I remember sitting in a pharmacology lecture at uni and learning about the discovery of pharmacologically active compounds in plants. Compounds that are still used to this day in medicines. I recall thinking “I want to be one of the people who go into the forest and find the cure for cancer!”. Now, much has changed since then in terms of our understanding of cancer and many other conditions – but for me, that moment had me hooked into this particular area of science!
4. Why do you think it's important for women to work in the field of science?
I think women are excellent at collaboration and problem solving – both of which are essential in science. We need the best minds with a range of experiences to solve the diversity of problems we face and move forward with scientific discoveries. Working in science can be very rewarding, challenging and fun. Women can achieve technical and high paying roles in science, which can bring independence and freedom.
5. People may not realise science at its very basic level that they may already being enjoying. How is science used in your everyday life?
Definitely rockets! One of our favourite things to do as a family is make rockets. Launching a bicarb soda and vinegar rocket high up, over the roof, never fails to bring joy!
6. Are you proud to be a woman working in STEM?
I am extremely grateful to work in STEM – I’ve had wonderful opportunities in both science and business. I get to work every day towards empowering people to be healthy and I have some wonderfully interesting friends that I have met along the way. I want to enable other women to excel in STEM; to question and discover, to be innovative and find solutions. I am proud to be a part of the larger STEM team who strive to make a difference in the world.
Asha Achal - QC Laboratory Chemist, Integria
1. Why do you love your job?
Feels good to be part of an industry that uses natural ingredients around us to improve health and wellbeing, "helping people to live better lives naturally". Growing up an Indian household, there was always a home remedy for common ailments and injuries, It is quite fascinating seeing this unfold on a larger scale, reaching a larger and more diverse population.
2. What drew you to the field of science/STEM?
Science is interesting, exciting and innovative. It is a tool to understand the world around us, containing answers to how things work, which has then enabled us to improve quality of life.
3. Do you remember the moment you thought science was for you, this is what I want to do, this is what I want to learn more about?
Watching chemical reactions during lab pracs was what got me hooked.
4. Why do you think it's important for women to work in the field of science?
Having women in science brings diversity. Coming with different experiences and backgrounds, they bring in fresh and innovative ideas to the field. Having a strong focus on gender equality these days, has definitely seen advantages.
5. People may not realise science at its very basic level that they may already being enjoying. How is science used in your everyday life?
Science is all around and in us. Breathing, eating, watching a seed growing into a plant, the weather, looking at the rainbow, getting breathalysed are all everyday examples of science in action.
The simple act of breathing involves science. Inhaling air, how it travels through the nose (natural filter) and reaches the lungs, oxygenating the blood, how the exchange occurs and how carbon dioxide is expelled from the body.
6. Are you proud to be a woman working in STEM?
To be a role model for those emerging young ladies to be part of something that contributes positively to the society is definitely special.
Vanessa Vigar – Clinical Research Program Manager, Integria
1. Why do you love your job?
My job involves continual learning about the human body and its biochemical process. In particular, the impact of herbal and nutritional medicines on our human physiology. I find it fascinating to learn about the molecules within our naturopathic medicines influencing cell function through interaction with different receptors and increasing or decreasing activation of targeted molecular pathways. The body and its response to herbs and nutrition is an incredible thing to learn about and the understanding of these interactions is constantly developing and evolving.
2. What drew you to the field of science/STEM?
An intense curiosity on how the body works, how the interventions of medical science and drugs interact with the body to create change.
3. Do you remember the moment you thought science was for you, this is what I want to do, this is what I want to learn more about?
It began with a really inadequate response from mainstream medicine for a chronic condition my child was experiencing. In order to support them in a more holistic way I started delving into biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology. Through the understanding of the bodies extraordinarily complex chemical changes to different input and stimuli, I learnt there were many different ways to influence the pathophysiology that was occurring for far more positive outcomes.
4. Why do you think it's important for women to work in the field of science?
It’s true that men and women think differently. The fact that women are under-represented in science means that we end up with a slightly binary focus of investigation.
Naomi Powell – Business Applications Manager, Integria
1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women's Day is a celebration of the incredible achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It's a day to recognize the progress we've made in promoting gender equality and to inspire further positive change.
2. This year's International Women's Day theme is 'Inspire Inclusion', what does this mean to you?
The theme 'Inspire Inclusion' for this year's International Women's Day resonates with the idea of fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and included. It's about breaking down barriers and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and appreciated.
3. What is your proudest achievement while working at Integria?
To assist and provide information to the best of my abilities.
4. Which women inspire you the most?
Countless women inspire me, from trailblazers in science and technology to leaders advocating for social justice. Each woman making a positive impact in her field motivates me to continue learning and growing.
5. What do you love about your job?
The opportunity to assist people. Helping users is fulfilling, and I strive to make interactions as positive and informative as possible.