Like many, my journey to the clinical research industry was not a direct path. I studied psychology in college, and while I found it fascinating, I realized that my true passion was in statistics and math. As a result, I started looking for career paths that would allow me to utilize all three of these skills, which is how I stumbled upon the world of clinical research.

I started my career at a university hospital, gaining valuable experience working with patients and designing clinical trials. Following my time there, I began working for a CRO, which I had not planned on, but I quickly found that I enjoyed the fast-paced and challenging environment.

Clinical research is a field that requires a unique combination of skills and expertise. You must have a strong understanding of the scientific and mathematical principles that underlie clinical research and the ability to communicate the data to various stakeholders.

Clinical research is an incredibly demanding but rewarding field where I constantly learn and grow. Similar to being a mom.

My entire world changed when I began to have children. My husband and I were blessed with six children, two girls and four boys. And as a working mother, I found that it requires a great deal of planning, time management, and purpose. You must balance work demands with your family’s needs, which can sometimes be challenging. However, there is no better feeling than coming home to your kids after a long day. It is priceless.

As a mom of two young women, it is my passion to continue to pave the way for strong women leaders within our industry. I hope to inspire my children to pursue a career they are passionate about. I want them to know that there is no difference between men and women in the workplace, especially in a male-dominated field like clinical research.

My colleague and fellow mother of six, Marcia Swank, VP and Head of Ophthalmology, said motherhood taught her the importance of being a role model. “Society should not dictate what my children can and cannot be. I encourage my children to do whatever they want and be whatever they want in life. We should all continue to inspire future generations by never giving up on things we are passionate about.”

Hanna Sandvall, VP of Strategic Resourcing Solutions, said, “Motherhood has given me unconditional love, more balance, and motivates me to be in the moment. At the same time, it forces me to be more efficient and evaluate when I must put in the extra effort and when it is good enough, which can apply both professionally and privately.”

I am honored to work with many amazing women and mothers at TFS, and we feel proud to work for a company where a home-based work environment is welcomed, and work-life balance is seen as essential. More workplaces – particularly in male-dominated industries like clinical research, finance, engineering, and others – should adopt these flexible models that support working mothers and families. I am hopeful that we will continue to make progress and that future generations of women will be empowered to pursue careers in these fields.

As a mom and a woman in the industry, it’s immensely rewarding to know that I am making a difference in the lives of my family and patients around the world who rely on our research to improve their lives.