Dr Sharon Williams is the downstream process development manager and product support manager for the biotechnology company, ProMetic BioSciences, in Cambridge. Her first degree was in Biological Sciences from the University of Wolverhampton and she did a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham.
Dr Williams has been working in biotechnology for the last eight years and has worked her way up from a laboratory scientist to a research manager. She joined MAC, SCI's Membership Advisory Committee, in 2010.
What first stimulated your interest in science?
I have always been interested in how things work, but I became interested in science as a potential career when I started my GCSEs and I met a new science teacher at my school.
Why did you decide on a science career?
I was always good at science at school and as a sixth former was interested in becoming a vet or a forensic scientist. I could also see that there was a wide variety of jobs that I could do with a science background.
What attracted you to your degree course(s)?
I wanted to do biology as this was my best subject at A level, and Wolverhampton's degree course let me specialise after my first year. I opted for biotechnology and protein biochemistry. As it was a sandwich course, I spent a year out working as a research assistant in the Chemical Engineering department at Birmingham University. After that I realised that I really enjoyed biochemical engineering and I have been in that field ever since. I went back to Birmingham to do a PhD.
How did you come to join SCI?
A few years ago I was introduced to a very active member of SCI, who became my mentor. He suggested SCI as a good way to widen my network, so I joined. I have always been passionate about encouraging young people into science, and in particular into biochemical engineering, and I realised that contributing to SCI would be a good way to show people how a career in science is worthwhile.
Is SCI helping you develop your career?
Being a member of SCI and serving on SCI committees has really helped my career because of the networking opportunities. I have vastly increased my network of contacts. To be a really successful scientist you need to have a good reputation within the industry, and this only comes with publishing work and meeting people in your industry. Once people begin to recognise you, then you are on your way to making a name for yourself within the industry.
Should young scientists become involved in SCI activities?
Definitely! It is young people that drive organisations like this forward and it is young people who know what they need from SCI. If you don't get involved, the organisation won't change to give you what you need to help develop your career. Organisations like SCI only work when people take the time to become involved and contribute. SCI is a great organisation for helping scientists make the most of their careers, but in return the Society needs the help of young scientists to understand what they need to offer.
How would you promote science careers to young people?
Science covers such a vast subject area, and you can diversify into so many fields - biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food and energy are just a few of them. A career in science isn't only about lab work, but includes management, manufacturing, business development, marketing and sales. I started working in a lab as a research associate, but now I am part of an R&D management team and help the commercial team within my company.
For me, having a career in science has allowed me to do a job that I love, but that can constantly evolve to satisfy my ambitions. It can also be quite exciting when you make a new discovery! I often tell my team that 'today we have pushed back the frontiers of science'...dramatic, I know and they often raise their eyebrows at me, but even with small things, when you know you are the first person to have done something, you get a huge buzz!
Do you have a science hero?
Mr Fowler, my school science teacher is my science hero. I've never really looked up to famous scientists, as I want to make my own mark in science. But, if it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't have taken a career in science as I was planning to be a hairdresser. I had never come across someone who worked in science, and had never considered it as a career, and so I choose Mr Fowler.
How would you improve the image of science?
Ban the word 'boffin'! It make scientists sound either like geeks or mad scientists ...we are actually all quite normal, average people.
When did you first become interested in science?
I remember at primary school, when I was four years old joining the school science club and so you could say from a very young age ...
What did you do today that was exciting?
I had some work accepted for a presentation at a European conference. So I get to do a talk to fellow scientists on my subject area, which is quite daunting, but exciting at the same time!
What do you hope to be doing in five years' time?
I want to be a company director, either as a research and development, commercial or scientific director.