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Mary Argent-Katwala

Address
Available on request
Email
web@notcontrary.com
Nationality
British

Education

1998-2002
Institute of Cancer Research, University of London
Ph.D.
Title of Thesis: The Role of c-Myb During T Cell Activation
The aim of my project was to identify useful therapeutic targets for leukaemias. I used two different cutting-edge technologies to maximise my target discovery strategy.
My doctoral programme required annual summaries on the progress of my experiments and writing my thesis honed my ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely. I also discussed my data at weekly research group meetings. In June 2001, I presented a poster on my work at a meeting in the USA. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other prominent investigators in my field and answering their questions on my research.
In July 2001, I won first prize in the Student Oral Presentation Competition at the Institute of Cancer Research annual conference.
As the Students' Association Representative, I organised social events and managed the association budget. I also represented the students in negotiations with the Institute faculty over stipends and on the Mental Well-being Committee. I had a crucial role in achieving a fairer deal for my peers.
1995-1998
Newnham College, University of Cambridge
Upper Second MA (Hons.) Biological Natural Sciences
1st year: Biology of Cells, Chemistry, Physiology and Quantitative Biology
2nd year: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathology
3rd year: Cellular Zoology
In my final year, I was awarded the Eleanor Sidgwick Memorial Scholarship from Newnham College for first class final year project work.
Summer 1995
Weizmann Institute, Rehovot, Israel
This programme allowed seventy exceptional pre-university students from twelve different countries to gain an insight into scientific research and life in Israel. I conducted a research laboratory project and carried out ecological studies in a field school in the Judean desert. I wrote a short paper and gave an oral presentation on my work.
1988-1995
Chelmsford County High School for Girls
A-levels: Biology,Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, General Studies. All grade A.
GCSEs: 10 subjects including English, French and Mathematics. All grade A.

Work Experience

2004-Present
Decision Resources International, London
At this world leader in research publications, advisory services and consulting, I am the Director of the oncology portfolio. I am accountable for the high quality oncology market analysis reports written by the team of analysts and associates that I manage. I respond to client feedback and participate in consulting cases generated from the reports. In addition, I represent Decision Resources at international conferences and seminars for clients.
I am also responsible for overseeing the quality of selected reports from the following portfolios: cardiovascular, central nervous system, infectious disease, immune/inflammatory, metabolic disorders, pain management, respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal.
In my previous position as a Senior Analyst I established deadlines, scope and direction of reports in the cardiovascular and oncology portfolios.
2002-2004
ERA Consulting UK Ltd., London
I was recruited to this regulatory affairs consultancy as a Scientific Assistant. This role involved a lot of data gathering, analysis and compilation of reports in support of the firm's consultants. One of my first assignments was to commission a new web-based intelligence service that provides analysis and interpretation of European regulatory developments for colleagues and clients. I brought my own ideas to the project, producing a service that far exceeded the expectations of the company.
Later, I was involved in consulting projects for some of the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotech companies. My work required consideration of quality, safety and efficacy aspects of product development. I wrote briefing documents, dossiers, investigators' brochures, quality overall summaries and requests for scientific advice. Working on both originator and biosimilar products, I focused on growth factors, polypeptide hormones and monoclonal antibodies.
As I demonstrated my increasing competence, I assumed greater responsibility for important clients' projects. I often received positive feedback from clients on successful completion of tasks to tight deadlines. In October 2003, I was promoted ahead of schedule to the position of Consultant. I became Project Manager for three clients, identifying how best to meet their needs and complete the work in time and on budget. I regularly made presentations to senior management and have represented the company at two international conferences.
Although I had increased commitments to work for clients, I retained overall responsibility for the intelligence service. I trained a junior member of staff to take over its day-to-day running and I supported him in these activities. I continued to determine the overall strategy, direction and scope of the service and regularly wrote executive reviews.
Summer 1998 and Summer 1996
Rhône-Poulenc Rorer (now Sanofi-Aventis), Dagenham
As an intern, I joined a project team developing asthma therapies. In addition to laboratory research, I took part in discussions that allowed me to see how Research and Development fit into the product development cycle. These internships also gave me an understanding of the operation of a large pharmaceutical company and it was interesting to see the progress that had been made in the interval between my two placements.
Summer 1997
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, USA
I worked as a member of a large laboratory team working on colon cancer. I initiated a research project that the group has continued since my departure. In addition, the internship gave me experience of living and working in the United States.

References

Available on request.