Why did you become involved in PDA Ireland?
To network with industry professionals who have a common interest in the sciences, technology and regulatory elements of the pharma industry in Ireland and indeed abroad.
What has been your most recent volunteer role?
Lead organiser for ‘Advances in Aseptic Processing with a focus on Media Fill simulations’ - Oct 18, 2018.
What led you to volunteer with PDA?
To learn more about the activities which take place in the wider pharma industry. As a project engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the pharma industry, meeting technical challenges is one of my areas of expertise and one which I continue to find exciting and creatively fulfilling. Keeping myself up-to-date on best practices nationally (and internationally) is a vital part of this work. And I have always had a grá to learn more wherever possible! So, being part of PDA, then, allows me the ideal opportunity to reach out to like-minded individuals within the industry to inform myself (and one another) about the best technologies available to meet the ever-increasing standards of the pharma world.
What significant changes have you seen in your area of expertise?
Over the last few years there has been significant changes in terms of the technological advancements now available for multipurpose aseptic filling lines for both non-potent & potent/toxic products as evidenced by the increasing oncology market sector including increased efficiency and as result increased capacity of those filling lines. I have also noted some promising developments in automatic camera inspection technology for parenterals.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
As a kid growing up in Banagher Co. Offaly, the staple diet of the 1980’s consisted of hurling, hurling & more hurling! One day, one of the All-Ireland winning senior hurlers came to our U14 training session and offered this advice: “If you want to succeed at anything you need to employ the three ‘Ds’ – “Dedication, Determination & Discipline”. I have always found that quite interesting having worked for several Pharma corporations which every couple of years launch some buzz words to hopefully inspire their workforce. The three ‘Ds’ has always done it for me.
Who would you choose to switch places with for a day?
That would have to be Bill & Melina Gates – the work carried out via their world-wide charity foundation is quite inspiring i.e. using capital investments of their own and in partnership with others to benefit the greater good in developing counties around the globe. They facilitate access to life saving health products and support technical innovations in local regions that backs-up sustainable economic growth, which has knock on effect of increasing the quality of life in those areas.