International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2023

In celebration of tomorrow’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we would like to recognise the valuable contributions that CMAC’s employees have made to the science and technology industry. To highlight some of this outstanding work, Hannah and Jenna have given us an inside glimpse at their careers in the science and technology industry. 

Hannah Batchelor is a Professor in Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, and an academic affiliated with CMAC since July 2020. She has over 20 years' experience in formulation development and biopharmaceutics in a career that has spanned pharmaceutical industry, academia and the NHS. 

Describing herself as a crafter, Hannah enjoys most textile arts, such as knitting and sewing her own clothes. While Hannah was growing up in Birmingham, it was difficult for her to decide where to focus her efforts since she was interested in a wide range of subjects. Her interest in the powerful effects of drugs on the body led her to study pharmacology and chemistry at university, with a particular focus on neuropharmacology.  

Hannah's research focuses on understanding the performance of medicines in the body. In CMAC, she coordinates research that integrates produce and process knowledge into performance. Her primary role, however, is to design and deliver programmes of research that are relevant to CMAC and its industrial partners. She said:

“In my working life I hope to be able to make a difference to patient care by the development of treatments that work with the lowest burden to the patient. This has driven me throughout my career. 

A typical day involves writing and refining research proposals for discussion with external partners to ensure that the activities meet the expectations and are of wider interest to the pharmaceutical science community. Time is also spent managing existing projects to ensure that they are progressing or that any amendments are implemented.” 

All of Hannah’s research is designed to ensure that medicines work in the widest possible population. An example of this is ensuring that products designed and tested in adults have the same effects in children despite the differences in anatomy and physiology. Hannah aims to achieve this with minimal clinical testing yet robust outcomes. 

Hannah’s favourite part of working at CMAC is science and the people. She said:

“I really enjoy discussing the intricacies of pharmaceutical science and the process of product development, and the people at CMAC enable me to have these discussions regularly.” 

Hannah likes to celebrate every success in her career, but she mostly enjoys seeing students achieve their PhD or get their first publication. She was also recently invited to give a presentation at a meeting to celebrate Gordan Amidon’s career. Hannah was honoured to be invited to attend this event, as he is a prominent figure in the field. 

Jenna Johnston is coming to the end of her PhD with CMAC and has started a new role with CMAC as Research Associate. As a child growing up in Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, Jenna developed a strong interest in science and mathematics, so she naturally became interested in chemical engineering. 

Jenna's interests include playing football, climbing, painting, and reading books such as The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. On the weekends, Jenna enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking new dishes for dinner, and experimenting with cocktail making.  

When she was studying for her Master's degree in Chemical Engineering with Pharmaceuticals at Heriot-Watt University, a PhD student she was working with inspired her to remain in academia. CMAC was highlighted as a great opportunity to utilise Jenna’s skills from her previous degree while achieving her PhD in an innovative environment.   

Jenna went on to begin her PhD at CMAC in October 2018, focusing on the use of mechanistic models in describing continuous crystallisation processes for use as an optimisation and controller design aid. Jenna said:

“My time working towards my PhD is my greatest achievement to date. I found it daunting at the beginning and I am very proud that I have pushed myself to get where I am today." 

With her PhD now coming to an end, Jenna has started a new role as a Research Associate within CMAC. In this role, Jenna oversees her own body of research with the help of her supervisors. Her responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments to answer research questions, as well as engaging with industry and other academics regarding her research to keep the work focused and innovative. 

Jenna has enjoyed her experience with CMAC, and has ambitions of becoming a lecturer in the future. She said:

“Overall, my favourite thing about being part of CMAC is the people and the environment. In terms of the work, I love being in a place that’s at the forefront in research and pushes my development. The people are also so supportive and kind that both work and social events are things I view myself to be lucky to be involved in." 

CMAC is committed to achieving and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in its research, teaching and working environments, and to ensuring these environments support positive relations between people. Read more about CMAC’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy on our website: https://cmac.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-policy