GAMA’s female scientists & the women who inspire them

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In honour of International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we’re delighted to introduce you to some of the brilliant female scientists at GAMA’s Research & Development Centre.

We caught up with Kath, Natalie & Sally to find out more about their scientific roles and the women who have inspired them along the way. Stay tuned as we’ll be sharing more from GAMA’s other female scientists on International Women’s Day.

Kath

Innovation scientist – Analytical

“I have been at GAMA Healthcare for 3 years and I am the Analytical Scientist responsible for measuring the biocide levels in our products using an array of specialist equipment. I have been an analytical chemist since I was 18, so I have 35 years of experience to help me do the job.

I really enjoy my role and love being able to provide the data necessary to qualify our products to get them onto the market, so that they can do their vital job of preventing infections and saving lives!”

MY INSPIRATION IS…

Kitty Hach-Darrow

Co-founder of Hach Chemical Company

“When Kathryn (Kitty) Hach-Darrow’s husband, the chemist Clifford Hach, invented a new water-analysis system, she set out to create the market for it.

While also raising the couple’s three children, Hach-Darrow pioneered a direct-mail campaign that radically expanded the company. Hach-Darrow guided the company to its current status as a global leader in water-purification technology.

It’s thanks to Kitty that we can measure peracetic acid in our wipes and drain cleaner products.”

Natalie

Innovation scientist – Microbiology

“I have been with GAMA for 5 years now, I am the Innovation Scientist for Microbiology. When I first started at GAMA there was just a microbiology cabinet at the end of a (very small) portacabin, when I compare this to the state-of-the-art facilities we have now, I am super proud!

Although I love many areas of microbiological research a particular interest of mine is the development of resistance bacteria and how we can mitigate this, as said by WHO, “Resistance is a major global threat which will have devastating implications unless significant action is taken”.

MY ROLE MODEL IS…

Great Auntie Allison

Botanist

“My Great Auntie Allison, worked as a Botanist at the plant breeding station in Aberystwyth. She had a very successful but challenging career as one of the first women to work both in this industry and at this station.

I believe it was people like her, that paved the way for women in science today.”

Sally

Technical Study Manager

“I’ve been with GAMA for 2 and a half years. Originally as a Research Associate, running the stability studies and organising external efficacy testing, then as a Microbiologist in the Product Optimisation team. I am still part of the Microbiology team but as a Technical Study Manager, organising external testing and managing the generated efficacy data.

My current role enables me to combine my knowledge of EN efficacy test methods; biocidal product regulations & microbiology with my admin skills. My line manager quoted me as having ‘MI6 level organisational skills’.”

I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR…

Elizabeth Garrett Anderson

Physician & Surgeon

“She was the first woman in Britain to qualify as a physician and surgeon. Although more than qualified, she was turned down by many medical schools. She never gave up and following a loophole in admissions studied at the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, and gained her LSA licence passing her final exams with the highest mark.

She was not allowed to take up a medical post in any hospital, so opened her own practice. On finding out a University in Paris were allowing women to apply for a medical degree, she learnt French so she could attend. She was also an active member of the suffrage movement.”

If you’d like to find out more about the fantastic work of GAMA’s scientists, visit our Research & Development page. Help spread the word about International Day of Women & Girls in Science by sharing this article on social.

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