At TauRx, we believe that encouraging women in STEM is essential to driving innovation and creating meaningful change across industries.
Read on to learn more about Aryne’s journey into STEM, her pivotal role at TauRx, and the advice she has for women and girls aspiring to start their own STEM careers.
What attracted you to the pharmaceutical industry?
I enjoy science and being a part of an ever-evolving industry that creates therapies to improve patient lives.
What motivates you to stay within pharma?
I strive to be a part of the future, the advancement of therapies, providing solutions to, or improvements for, those who need them.
Describe a typical day at TauRx
I provide quality guidance to the company, ensuring that appropriate systems, processes and documented procedures are in place. Updating and collaborating with functions to ensure our Quality Management System (QMS) is robust. This requires maintaining compliance with regulatory standards, supports clinical and commercial objectives and enhanced patient trust and safety. Without a strong QMS, the company risks regulatory penalties, product recalls, legal issues and damage to its reputation. A robust QMS not only ensures compliance but also promotes a culture of quality and continuous improvement, which is essential for long-term success in the pharmaceutical industry.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Performing analysis on a product at 2am before hand-carrying the suitcase - which contained the completed drug application with the data I had generated that morning - on a plane from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Washington, D.C. that afternoon for a first to file situation to submit to the FDA. The analysis involved evaluating the drug’s quality (e.g., potency, purity, appearance) changes under various environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and is required as part of the application. I was excited to have been a part of the product development from start to finish and felt proud knowing the critical role the data I gathered had played in potentially securing a first-to-file status with the submission to the FDA to progress the application toward approval.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Marine Biologist which came from the Christmases I spent with my family in Hawaii snorkelling, fishing, and golfing. The love of the ocean influenced me in moving to South Florida following my graduation from university. The first position I secured was as a laboratory assistant at a start up pharmaceutical company. The position was dynamic and fast paced but was also within a collaborative learning environment which I really enjoyed. I do love the ocean and learning about it, however, I enjoy it as a hobby now.
What advice would you give to women and girls looking to start their career in STEM?
There are countless paths, roles, and opportunities that a career in STEM can lead to. My advice? Go for it. It’s an incredibly rewarding career that offers endless possibilities. The field is constantly evolving, and I love the excitement of being part of something that’s always pushing boundaries and shaping the future.
You can find out more about the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at womeninscienceday.org
