NIA where are they now? Michelle J. Yoo
Michelle J. Yo, Scientist at Perrigo Company (Allegan, MI, USA)
Winner of the YIA 2011
In 2011, Michelle Yoo obtained her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Nebraska developing microaffinity columns for drug analysis in Professor David Hage’s group. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan in Professor Robert Kennedy’s group using affinity chromatography to analyze cytokines and other peptides. After her time in academia, Michelle worked as a Food Development Chemist in Michigan. In this role, she was responsible for method development/validation focusing on HPLC methods.
Currently, Michelle is working as a Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry in Michigan developing methods mostly based on HPLC instrumentation.
What are you current working on and what are your career highlights since winning the NIA?
I am currently working as a Scientist at a pharmaceutical company with emphasis in method development projects. Since winning the NIA, I completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan and then worked as a food development Chemist at a food company before my current role in the pharmaceutical industry.
What did you hope to achieve when you entered for the award?
I hoped to share what I learnt from my Ph.D. research at the EBF conference when I entered for the award. I was excited about the prospects of presenting my research at an international conference.
What was the impact of receiving the NIA?
One impact of receiving the NIA was the unique opportunity to meet others in the bioanalytical industry field and share the knowledge I gained from my Ph.D. research.
What are your longer term plans?
I hope to continue to strengthen my technical skillset in the analytical area of the pharmaceutical industry and focus on LC methodologies
What advice would you offer to other scientists new to bioanalysis?
I would advise them to continue to keep updated on emerging technologies and bioanalytical research in the field. In addition, I would also stress the importance of good collaborations. Collaborations are key to successful professional relationships.
Would you recommend entering the NIA?
Yes, I would recommend entering the NIA. The NIA gave me the wonderful opportunity to present my research while also networking as a young professional in the bioanalytical field.
