20 Jan 2022
£250 Candidate Referral
Did you know that we reward any successful candidate referral (have to pass probation)...
Laura is a senior regulatory toxicologist who we placed with one of our Key clients in the specialty chemical sector. She is a passionate individual and we're glad we had the pleasure of working with her. As a woman working in a largely male-oriented sector we wanted to gain insight from her to share with our network
Short Bio:
Laura Puente Valle – I enjoy reading fiction and current affairs novels, trying new vegetable recipes, working out almost every day, and planning annual visits to other places to learn about diverse cultures.
Despite having more scientific interests, after finishing my degree in environmental science, I went on to get a Master's degree in health and safety management. There was a major crisis in Spain, and it was challenging to find a suitable job in this industry. But after four years, I decided to pursue my ambition and leave my work to study for a master's degree in environmental toxicology. I am presently employed at Sun Chemical as a Regulatory Toxicology Specialist, where I do toxicity assessments of pigments and their impurities, among other duties.
Interview:
I studied environmental sciences, and years later I decided to specialise in Toxicology. Both are incredibly versatile vocations, and environmental science, in my opinion, allows you to grow in a multi-skilled manner. My initial toxicology position was in environmental toxicology, but I've been able to adapt to numerous sectors of Regulatory Toxicology that aren't connected to the environment, such as the pharmaceutical or chemistry industry.
Since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by science, I had books and watched cartoon about medicine or biology, even one of my favourite toys was a microscope! I guess my parents were a big influence on me, they are also science lovers. Additionally, my first supervisor, a woman and a great professional, has motivated me throughout my professional career. Having a manager that believes in you is the strongest source of motivation to help you improve.
Toxicology, as any other scientific discipline, is always developing. One of the biggest challenges is to be continuously adjusting to new breakthroughs and at the same time, one of the things I enjoy the most. I like learning and use my creativity to get to the answer. My greatest satisfaction is to feel that my work has an impact on improving the protection of human health and the environment.
My advise to women interested in STEM fields is to not be afraid of social rejection because it is deemed male or because it is too difficult. The reality is that you, like every other young man, can do it. Talent has no gender.
Role models are critical in helping us become whatever we desire to be. Because you can't imagine what you can't see. Women's achievements in these sectors are largely overlooked. That is why it is critical that we take the time to emphasize the names of women whose
names are not included in the books, as well as their historical contributions to the young girls around us. It will serve as incentive for them to do great things in the future.
I recently joined a new firm where I hope to advance professionally, and I am learning a lot from my leaders and coworkers! I am thrilled to be working in a profession that I am enthusiastic about; it is the most essential thing to me and has always defined my career.