This is week 3 of our Women in STEM careers series in collaboration with Shorla Oncology, where we introduce you to inspiring women making strides in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This week, meet Lauryn, a dedicated professional at Shorla Oncology:

Meet Lauryn Hennessy: A Passion for the Outdoors and Science

My name is Lauryn Hennessy, and I am 24 years old. I was born and raised in Waterford. I thankfully am only a couple of minutes’ drive from both Dunmore East and Tramore beach (best of both worlds!). When the weather conditions are suitable, I spend a lot of time surfing in Tramore and during the summer I switch to swimming and kayaking out in Dunmore East. Having an energetic dog means I also spend a lot of my time outdoors, walking by the beach or around Waterford city, which I have to say is a lot less exciting!

Discovering a Love for Science in School

I always had a keen interest in science when I was in school, but I wasn’t completely sure which discipline I wanted to specialize in, so I ended up enrolling in Biological Sciences at Munster Technological University (MTU), a common entry scheme. This allowed me to be exposed to a range of modules related to biology, chemistry, and physics. The initial two years of study under the common entry scheme really highlighted my passion for biology, and I decided to continue my studies in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. This course allowed me to gain exposure to a large range of topics such as microbiology, pharmacology, biopharmaceutical sciences, and immunology.

While I didn’t have a strong background in molecular biology, the field really fascinated me, and I decided to pursue a master’s in University College Cork (UCC) in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation, during which I researched interkingdom interactions between fungal and bacterial pathogens.

Working as an Operations Specialist at Shorla Oncology

I am now part of the operations team working as an Operations Specialist at Shorla Oncology! Every day is different at Shorla, but my main responsibilities include overseeing serialization activities, executing literature reviews, and collaborating with other departments to support project completion. At Shorla, all departments work together to ensure completion of our projects, from product development to commercial launch, and this has allowed me to gain invaluable learning experience in a range of pharmaceutical fields. I thoroughly enjoy working at Shorla Oncology as every day presents a new learning opportunity, offering an environment for growth and development within the pharmaceutical industry.

The Rewards of a Career in STEM

Working in STEM is incredibly rewarding as it’s exciting to be part of a field that is constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. There are so many different fields one can enter, and there are always opportunities to expand your career options. Any technical and soft skills you gain throughout your career can be applied to different fields, providing you with the opportunity to move around within the industry. It is a field where you’re encouraged to challenge assumptions and apply critical thinking, providing you with an environment to embrace your curiosity. The most exciting and rewarding element of working in STEM is the fact that you are at the forefront of innovation, and this motivates you to continually challenge yourself and grow within the industry.

Advice for Young Girls Considering a Career in STEM

My advice to young girls looking to pursue a career in STEM is to embrace your curiosity and follow your passions. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and follow your ambitions! During your journey, you may face some setbacks. It is important to remind yourself not to look at it as a failure but to instead consider it as a learning opportunity that will bring you closer to your goals. Always believe in your potential and make sure to recognize and appreciate all your success, no matter how small the achievement is! 😊

 

Are you inspired by Lauryn’s story? Stay tuned for 2 more women in STEM careers stories from the Shorla Oncology team over the coming weeks, or check out the previous stories here!  Let us know if this is inspiring you to consider exploring your own path in science and technology! x

Shorla Oncology was established in 2018 by co-founders Sharon Cunningham (CEO) and Orlaith Ryan (CTO). Shorla Oncology is an Irish-US speciality pharmaceutical company that develops innovative solutions into effective oncology treatments to improve patients’ lives. The company has an advanced pipeline of innovative oncology drugs for orphan and pediatric cancers. Shorla is focused on indications where existing treatments are limited, in shortage or the drug applications are inadequate for the target population. The company’s growing portfolio brings accessible, affordable and life-saving treatments to patients, delivering a major contribution to patient care. Shorla currently markets two products, Nelarabine Injection for the treatment of T-cell Leukemia and JYLAMVO for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other indications. Recently Shorla Oncologys TEPYLUTE has been approved by the FDA to treat breast and ovarian cancer.