Technostics and RD Biomed are delighted to welcome Katie Boulton back as a full-time research scientist after a hugely successful ‘year in industry’ placement with the team.
Katie first joined our team back in July 2019 in the role of research assistant alongside her studies for a biochemistry degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
She quickly delved into researching pepsin and reflux, and the associated diseases and diagnostics and co-authored a number of research studies.
Katie recently graduated from the University with a first-class degree in BSc Biochemistry, as well as gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold Hallam Awards for her dedication to the subject.
During her time at the University, Katie was also a student rep for the Biochemistry course as well as a department rep and helped out on open days as a student ambassador. Plus, she’s a mum of three children!
Her final year study, conducted at Technostics, also secured her the University’s Top Project Award. In addition, she also scooped the Dawn Hadden Memorial Prize – awarded to the top biosciences and chemistry student who started their course as a mature student.
Although we can’t share too many details of her award-winning six-week project, for confidentiality reasons, we can reveal it involved investigating the suspension of alginates in pharmaceutical formulations and testing their functional properties, such as raft strength, speed of raft formation, measurement of raft volume, raft resilience, pH, viscosity, stability and any mucoadhesive properties.
“My final year project was done here at Technostics so to win the Top Project Award was brilliant,” says Katie. “I’m obviously delighted to stay on and be a permanent member of staff as a research scientist. I develop new products for pharmaceutical companies and also test new and existing products so companies can make new claims about their products.”
“I’d like to pay tribute to Professor Peter Dettmar, who has sadly passed away, as he was so supportive with my learning, and I was thrilled when he suggested I could do my final year project at Technostics.
“Despite the unfortunate restrictions with Covid, I was able to use the lab safely and follow the guidelines. Pete supported me remotely from his home office offering his endless support and encouragement. He was such a big inspiration for me, and I know how proud he was of my achievements.”
Welcome to the team Katie!