After gaining her MEng and PhD in biochemical Engineering from University College London, Laura spent over 20 years in international business development, sales / licensing, marketing and management within the engineering, technology and life sciences industries. She joined OXGENE in January 2021, after two years as a STEM specialist, during which she honed her engagement and communication skills to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists to take up a career in a STEM field and also became an accredited Physics teacher. She now focuses on supporting OXGENE and WuXi Advanced Therapies to offer solutions to clients across the EU.

Laura appreciates that her commercial role sits at the interface of multiple departments, where she is able to apply her strategic skills and to work alongside colleagues with a broad range of expertise. Laura feels excited by pivotal developments across cell and gene technologies, physics and engineering, as researchers extend the limits of our knowledge and realise new ways to advance healthcare. At the same time, Laura considers the ethical implications of any novel development; she treasures working with like-minded people who aim to apply them to yield positive outcomes.

Laura has a lifelong passion for classical ballet, having received extensive training in her early years – an experience that she credits with instilling a sense of self-critique and self-motivation. She enjoys spending time in art galleries and places of worship, as well as outdoors and exploring the mountains, and takes time for early-morning yoga while at conferences.