Ann Anderson

"As a researcher, Ann is always demonstrating the ‘Explorer’ and ‘Investigator’ types by being persistent and trying to push the boundaries of what is possible in science! She also fits well with the ‘Developer’ type and tries to be self-motivated and organised and to always have a ‘can-do’ positive attitude when approaching problems."

"Ann manages a team of 4 materials scientists in research and development work related to materials innovation with the ambition to commercialise and create tangible products. She helps the team in the planning and execution of experimental works to create prototypes that are tested to meet client standards and requirements. The main outcomes are creating products that are going to be brought to market by client partners. Day-to-day, Ann plans with her science team, discussing new projects, experiments, tasks and ideas. She works with the Creative Director and the Chief Executive Officer on the strategic direction of projects as well as doing experiments in the lab and recording results. She also organises and plans for upcoming technical visits and meetings with clients. She really enjoys the fact that every day is different and interesting. There is always a new project or concept to think about and get stuck into!Ann is thrilled that the cosmetic formulation she has been developing for the past 6 months has been signed off for commercial launch next year by one of the biggest cosmetic brands in the world. She had no cosmetic formulation experience up until starting this job and has led the technical development from start to finish – great work Ann!"

"Ann has always loved practical chemistry and science. Though she was advised to drop Chemistry a few times during school and university, she persevered and say it feels pretty great to say she is now a Dr of Material Science! Ann enjoys getting involved in new research and she knew she wanted to be practical in her focus and not end up in a computer-based office role. Ann did a PhD in Material Science (Chemistry) and also took a research management job while finishing her thesis. She realised through her PhD that she wanted to make experimental samples, inventions and prototypes into real useful things for the ‘real’ world. She started working in commercial Research and Development where she knew her aspirations of making experiments into tangible products could be possible. From there, she then found her current role which is perfect for her as it combines art and science! Her starting salary in this role was £28,000. "

"Ann likes seeing friends and family, and going to music gigs and festivals. She likes to walk, run and enjoy nature as much as the weather allows. She also loves visiting new places and travelling, which is great as she gets to visit clients all over Europe and the world with her job.Ann is currently leading the science team, but as the company grows there may be opportunities for her to progress as more structure gets put into place. In the future, she'd like to see her company grow with several successful commercial products on the market that she has been a part of developing. She’d also like to be known as a materials scientist and be well respected in her field for ‘making things happen’! On a personal level, she would like to be settled with a house, and potentially a family, without impacting on her career as it currently stands."