What is your current job?
I work on creating enterprise level safety, compliance, and training software for research institutions, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech organizations, and universities. In my role, I consult with customers to see how the product may fit their specific needs. As part of this role, I research and design new features in the software based on customer feedback and provide guidance based on my experience as a chemist in multiple research laboratories.
Why did you choose this profession?
From my first days in the lab, I had been passionate about research safety. In my current position, I get to make being safe in the lab a little easier for every person using this software.
What more do you wish to accomplish in your professional career?
Anything that lets me keep working with a great team of people. Working as part of a tight-knit, enthusiastic team is one of my favorite parts of my job.
Tell us about a decision or change you made that turned out to be a positive career move.
Making the switch from chemistry research to working in software has been a great career move for me. While I love chemistry, at a certain point I realized that it was time for me to leverage my skills in a different field. I love working in software because every change you make to the software goes out to each customer - there is a wide impact.
How has Haverford influenced your professional career?
Haverford gave me a foundation in how to explore and learn on my own, how to ask the right questions.
Outside of the classroom, I gained other skills. From my experience with Honor Council and various college committees, I learned what it is like managing large projects and working together with people from many different levels - students, faculty, staff - to get something done. Not all college students have those kinds of opportunities.