4 Feb 2015
Sharon Williams joined SCI in 2006. She was elected as an ordinary member of the Separation Science and Technology Committee in 2007. In 2010, she was also elected to the Membership Affairs Committee. She became Secretary of the Separation Science and Technology Group (SS&TG) Committee in 2008. Sharon is the Downstream Processing and Product Development Manager at ProMetic BioSciences with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences from The University of Wolverhampton and a PhD in Biochemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham.
If you want to find out more about Sharon Williams or get in touch with her, you can contact her via the Members’ Directory (you will need to sign in to view). If you need help searching the directory please click on the how-to guide below.
When and why did you become a member of SCI?
I became a member of SCI in 2006 after being encouraged to do so by my mentor, who was already an SCI member as one of my aims was to improve my scientific network and raise my profile within the industry.
Why did you decide to get involved in an SCI Committee?
I felt this was a really good way to meet people who had the same interests as me and expand my network. It was also a good opportunity to hear about other areas of Separation Science that I wasn’t working in, but certainly had an overlap with my interest area.
How do your SCI activities reflect your personal/professional interests?
What I do within SCI for the Separation Science and Technology Group is very closely related to my professional interests as I have been involved with setting up meetings and training courses that are based on my core knowledge as a Downstream Processing Manager. The work I do within the Membership Affairs Committee is not directly related to my professional interests, but it has helped polish my softer skills that form an important part of my professional development.
What has driven your continued involvement?
I see this as a great organisation for continued development of my professional network and get exposure to areas of Separation Science that I otherwise wouldn't be aware of.
How has being involved in SCI activities impacted on your career?
The main impact on my career has been the expansion of my network and the improvement of my soft skills.
How do you think that your contribution has helped to shape your Group or SCI as a whole?
I hope that I have helped to deliver meetings and training courses that have been useful for SCI and group members and I hope to continue in the same way in the future.
By being involved on a committee, what opportunities have been presented to you which you would not have otherwise had?
I have been invited to speak at meetings and conferences that I would not otherwise have been invited to attend which has been great for me.
How do you balance your SCI commitments with your job and workload?
It has been straight forward balancing SCI commitment and my job as there is a significant overlap between the activities. There is also a supportive group of people that serve on the committee which means that getting over burdened with SCI is very unlikely.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt by being an SCI committee member?
That I can contribute to the wider area of Separation Science beyond the scope of my job and company.
What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about becoming involved in an SCI Group or Standing Committee?
Take the chance and do it! It is really rewarding and a great way to build your professional network.
Related Links
- SCI Members' Directory - please sign in to view
- SCI Members' Directory how to guide - please sign in to view
- Separation Science & Technology Group
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