Monique is a Clinical Supply Specialist specializing in Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC), with a background in pharmaceutical research, chemistry, and drug development. She earned her B.A. in Biochemistry from the University of San Diego and her M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Cincinnati.

Monique’s interest in science began with an early goal of becoming a physician. During college, she participated in undergraduate research in physical chemistry, which sparked her interest in research and pharmaceutical science. She later pursued a post-baccalaureate program at Washington University in St. Louis while working as a medical assistant for two years. Her experience in patient care gave her a broader perspective on the healthcare system and the challenges that patients face, ultimately leading her back toward pharmaceutical research.

Monique spent 3.5 years working as a pharmaceutical chemist in R&D, where she gained experience across multiple areas of pharmaceutical development. Through this work, she developed an interest in the manufacturing side of clinical development and the opportunity to have a greater impact on the quality of chemistry that ultimately reaches patients. She recently transitioned into CMC and clinical supply, where she brings together her background in chemistry, pharmaceutical development, and clinical research.

Outside of her professional work, Monique has enjoyed tutoring STEM subjects and supporting students as they develop their confidence in science. She finds particular fulfillment in helping younger students recognize their abilities and see the many opportunities available to them within STEM.

As a woman in biotechnology, Monique is passionate about encouraging young women to advocate for themselves, feel confident in their abilities, and trust their perspectives. She hopes to help young women understand that there is no single path to a fulfilling career in science and that it is perfectly okay for that path to evolve over time.

What do you wish someone would have told you when you were in high school?

When I was in high school, I wish someone had told me that I did not need to understand everything perfectly the first time I learned it. I often felt pressure to be perfect in STEM classes, without realizing that I would encounter many of the same concepts again throughout college, graduate school, and my career. Each time I revisited them, my understanding became stronger and I became more confident. Learning is a process, and not understanding something right away does not mean you are not capable of understanding it.

I also wish I had known more about the variety of career opportunities available in biotechnology. At the time, I mostly associated science careers with becoming a physician or pursuing a Ph.D. I did not realize how many different ways there are to contribute to scientific research, pharmaceutical development, and patient care.

Most importantly, I would tell young women that it is okay to change direction. You do not have to choose one field and stay on the same path for the rest of your life. Being open, flexible, and adaptable can create opportunities you may not have initially considered. Looking back, I value the different experiences I have had throughout my career because each one has given me a different perspective and set of skills that I continue to use today.