Member Spotlight: Margaux Henzell
Where did you go to college/university and what was your major?
I completed degrees in Biomedical Science and Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane, Australia. I was fortunate enough to study at UQ’s beautiful St Lucia Campus positioned along the Brisbane River. It has a highly-ranked chemical engineering program and a science faculty full of bright minds doing great research.
During the final year of my chemical engineering degree, I spent a semester at Technical University of Denmark (DTU), north of Copenhagen.
What attracted you to pharmaceutical engineering?
I was first drawn to the pharmaceutical industry because I wanted a career where it was possible to make a positive impact on human health. Where working hard and striving to do well in one’s own career could simultaneously be a contribution to improving the lives of others.
Second to that, I love chemical engineering and believe that the processes in pharmaceutical production are the most interesting.
Why did you join ISPE and how has it impacted your career?
I came to Denmark for the first time to study pharmaceutical related engineering subjects at DTU. I went home to Australia to finish my degree and thesis, worked for less than a year as a process engineer in energy production, and then made the decision to go after the career I wanted. In June 2015, I left my job, packed up my life and moved to Denmark where the pharmaceutical industry is one of the best and most innovative in the world. It is also an incredibly R&D- intensive country which makes it an exciting place to be for breakthroughs and new drugs!
I joined ISPE after moving to Denmark, and began attending the ISPE Nordic Affiliate events. This gave me the opportunity to meet the people I wanted to work with and learn about the industry I wanted to be a part of. Both are very important when you are unemployed and a foreign, fish-out-of-water.
What future trends do you see for the pharmaceutical process engineering field?
I am also looking forward to seeing what will come out of the ‘personalised medicine’ discussions buzzing right now and the impact that will have on production practices.
What advice do you have for students and young professionals in your industry?
1. Join your local ISPE chapter and get involved with the interest groups relevant to you.
2. Make time to meet and talk with the people whose career inspires you.
