INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Ann O'Leary, Ph.D
Senior Scientist
Ricerca Biosciences
1. What is your job title? What are your job responsibilities?
Manager, Microbiology. I oversee a group of five microbiologists.
We are responsible for conducting microbiological studies for clients.
In addition we provide microbiological support for internal operations
as needed.
2. What is your background? (education and training)
I received my undergraduate
degree in Biology. I went on to receive my Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Pathology. I was originally
hired to conduct research on ways to control diseases of plants for
agriculture companies. However, several years ago our company switched
its focus to service the much larger pharmaceutical industry.
So
I have switched from conducting research on diseases of plants to
infectious diseases of humans. Both fields involve lots of microbiology.
I have basically been “back at school” over the past
three years. (And always will!) By reading scientific papers, books,
attending meetings and talking with experts I have become an infectious
disease microbiologist.
3. Where are you employed? Can you tell me something about the company
you work for?
Ricerca Biosciences. We are a contract research company. We mainly
offer services to the pharmaceutical industry. Companies come to
us to conduct the studies necessary to develop their pharmaceutical
products. I get involved with companies that want to develop anti-infective
drugs.
4. What is a typical day at work like for you?
A typical day for me generally
involves a variety of activities. I often write protocols for upcoming
studies
and send them to clients
for approval. I may spend some time on the phone discussing the details
with the client. Then I would organize what we would need to conduct
the study – lab supplies, arrange for animals and associated
facilities needed. Many of the studies that I conduct are evaluating
the efficacy of potential anti-infectives in infected animal models.
Then I often go into the lab and help conduct the studies. And finally,
I may work on a final report – analyzing data and writing up
the methods and results.
5. Can you tell me about any particular projects that you are currently
working on?
We are currently working on internally-funded project. We purchased
an anti-bacterial target from another company. Our medicinal chemists
are making compounds that we are testing them for inhibition of a
panel of bacterial pathogens in the laboratory. We have identified
several compounds with good potency against several of the target
bacteria. Now we are going to test them in an infected animal model.
6. What general work skills do you use on a daily basis?
Organization and planning
skills – Any
experiment needs careful planning. Experiments should be carefully
designed with the proper
controls to provide the proper data.
Math skills – Some knowledge of statistics is a must. Data
has to be analyzed. In addition, I use basic math skills to calculate
dilutions, proportions, convert units, etc.
Communication – Writing skills are important for preparing
clear and concise protocols for the conduct of studies, as well as
preparation of final reports.
7. What advice do you have for someone who wants to pursue a career
in biotechnology?
Have the mind set that you
will always be a student. Look for any opportunity to learn, and
not just in classes.
Things are changing
so fast in this field. Get into the literature and keep up to date.
While is school, learn every technique that you can. You’ll
never know when you may need to know it.
8. Where do you see opportunities in Biotechnology in the next 5-10
years in Northeast Ohio?
I am encouraged that the local universities are increasingly reaching
out and collaborating with companies. So many ideas begin in academic
institutions. Turning them into products is the challenge. I see
more and more opportunities for collaborative work with our academic
institutions.
