International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
International Day of Women and Girls in Science!
On Saturday 11th February, we are celebrating International day of Women and girls in Science! This day is an opportunity to celebrate and promote equal access to science for women and girls.
Ahead of the 11th, we have interviewed five influential Women who fulfil STEM based roles across Randox Laboratories. They have shared their experiences and thoughts on Women and girls in the science industry.
Our fourth interview is with Head of RCLS Quality, Emma McGoldrick.
Why did you pursue a career in STEM?
I have always been interested in how things work. I enjoyed Maths and Science at school and chose to study Biomedical Science at university because it gave an overview of different areas of science and had a lot of practical modules.
What is your role in Randox and how long have you worked in the company for?
I started in Randox in 2018 working in the RTS laboratory doing routine analysis. During the pandemic I moved across to RCLS and was involved in the Covid-19 testing as a PCR shift lead and eventually a Deputy Lab Manager. In 2022, when the testing demands were decreasing, I moved into the RCLS Quality Department and became the Head of Department.
The Quality Department are responsible for ensuring the validity of results that are sent out to our customers, allowing them to have confidence in our service. The Quality Department are also responsible for maintaining our accreditation status and applying for any new accreditations for new testing.
What change have you seen for women in science over the years?
Over the years I have seen an increase in the number of women, not only in science, but in positions of responsibility or authority.
Have you found it harder or any different going into your career in science as a woman?
I wouldn’t say I have found it more difficult as such but at times you can be very conscious of the fact that it can be a very male dominated field and as a result of that feel that you have to work harder or do more to be taken seriously.
Fortunately, in the course of my career I have had a lot of female managers and colleagues. In fact, out of pure circumstance my team is predominantly women which is quite nice to work in a very supportive environment.
How do you think we can encourage more women to go into the science industry?
I think it is important to showcase careers in Science and STEM to give young girls the insight into what they can achieve. It is important to support young girls in school and allow them to feel heard and encouraged that they can do whatever they choose without any undue pressure in adhering to societal gender roles. Outreach to primary school age girls as well as high school age girls and showing them the variety of careers available to them in STEM is an important step in encouraging more women to go into STEM.
If you have one piece of advice as a woman starting out the STEM industry, what would it be?
I would say to any women starting out in STEM to keep going and pursue their career path and not to be put off. There is plenty of room for women in STEM and they shouldn’t be afraid to take up space in the field.
For more information, please contact Market@randox.com