The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which takes place on the 11th of February each year, aims to promote the full and equal access and participation of females in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. This year will focus on the role of Women and Girls and Science as relates to the UN's Sustainable and Equitable Development Goals.
We are proud to celebrate this day by inviting some of our female representatives in Science to share their thoughts and experiences of being female in the field of Science.
Susan Naranjo, Senior Scientist Regulatory Affairs, ANZ
Based in Australia
What did you study?
BS Chemical Engineering, BS Ceramic Engineering, Diploma in Personal Care Formulation, Diploma of Management, Diploma of Quality Auditing, Auditor/Lead Auditor Course, Diploma in Organic Haircare Formulation, Certificate in Natural Cosmetic Preservation, Certificate in Cosmetic Stability Testing, Certificate IV Training & Assessment, BS Food Technology subjects (modules in Microbiology & Food Technology), MS Management Engineering (modules), Workplace Health & Safety (Statement of Attainment).
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subjects at school were Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
What makes you most excited about working with Diversey?
Being a part of a global company that not only values and empowers its employees but cares for its customers and the environment that we live in is exciting.
How did you end up here? Why did you become a scientist? What drew you to this field?
Having worked previously for 10 years at the Diversey Smithfield plant (last role - QA Lead, managing Quality), I left for another job, and I am excited to rejoin after 8 years of being away, now as Senior Scientist, Regulatory ANZ, effective 15 August 2022. In this second part of my journey, I am bringing more skills and experience into Diversey gained from previous roles: Technical Manager, Product Development Chemist, Formulation Chemist, R&D Chemist, Process Development Chemist, QC Chemist, Asst Lab Head, mostly in the manufacturing industries (industrial chemicals, home care, personal care, pharmaceutical, veterinary & animal care, plant tissues & sterile products).
Do you think that women in science still have disadvantages nowadays?
I believe there are equal opportunities for women in Sciences.
Below you will find links to more interviews.