International Women’s Day: an interview with Amy Lavelle
Amy Lavelle, Associate Director, PPD (VA, USA)
Amy Lavelle began her career in contract research and biotechnology as a scientist at Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc (VA, USA). She received her PhD in Human and Molecular Genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VA, USA). Amy returned to the pharmaceutical industry as a principal investigator in the Immunochemistry Research and Development department at PPD. As Associate Director of Immunochemistry R&D, she manages a team of research scientists supporting LBA method transfer, development and validation of novel biologics, particularly ADAs and commercial and novel biomarker GLP-like validations and non-GLP qualifications. Amy is part of a cross-functional Cell and Gene Therapy Task Force, focusing on training strategy. She is a co-lead for PPD’s Women’s Empowerment Network, vice chair for the AAPS Women in Pharmaceutical Sciences (WIPS) Community and part of the AAPS Career Development Committee (VA, USA).
1. What does a typical working day look like for you?
Lots of communications! Meetings, emails and conversations with my team and our sponsors. In between, I’m reviewing data, writing and working with Richmond WEN and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences Women In Pharmaceutical Sciences community.
2. Who is your biggest role model and why do they inspire you?
I don’t know if she counts as a role model, but ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved Wonder Woman for her strength and independence.
3. What is the best part about your job?
My team! I could never do my job without them. They’re smart, hardworking and just amazing.
4. What is the strangest thing that has happened whilst working?
Not strange, but my very first day in the lab at PPD I had to work with a sponsor on an assay transfer; I was so nervous, I got through the whole assay and then dropped the plate when it was time to read it, right in front of her.
5. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Keep working hard, it’ll pay off in the end!
