What is your role at Primordial Genetics, and how long have you been on the team?
My title is Project Manager, but I wear many hats here at PG. I am a molecular biologist by training and, on most days, you will find me at my lab bench implementing those techniques on our various projects. As the first employee of the company starting back in 2013, I have been a big part of building up PG to what it is today- something I am very proud of.
What led you to join Primordial Genetics?
I was fresh out of college when I learned about the opportunity at Primordial and was ready to put the skills I had developed in an academic setting into industrial applications. Helge’s vision of enhancing useful microbes to make them more productive fascinated me and led me to join. Plus, moving to San Diego didn’t sound like such a bad idea!
What is your favorite aspect about your research?
The ability to impact people’s life through science. Being in this field, and working on meaningful scientific tools for the greater good is what drives me every day. One of our most exciting projects at Primordial, is the development of more efficient RNA polymerases for use in vaccine manufacturing which are used to impact genetic and viral diseases, like COVID-19.
When you aren’t in the lab, what do you like to do?
Traveling is when I am the happiest, but when I’m home I enjoy going to the beach, practicing yoga, cooking with my husband and spending time with friends…and my pug.
What is one place in the world you would like to visit and why?
There will never be only one place- but next on my list is Botswana. I am eager to be among the rich wildlife and learn more about South African culture.
