Catherine Savidge

Catherine joined ApconiX for a 6-month placement after graduating from the University of Newcastle. Following her degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and final year dissertation “Stochastic Agent-Based Model for Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 Transmission Dynamics in Britain: Evidence from NATSAL-3”, Catherine became particularly interested in bioinformatics and working with the Acuity Target Safety Assessment team was an ideal opportunity to explore her interest further.

Read more here Catherine Savidge

Dr Sarah Pass

Sarah is an experienced drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) consultant, having worked for almost 30 years in the pharmaceutical and CRO industries, providing a wide range of expertise to academia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.  A collaborative project leader, Sarah has broad experience ranging from lead identification though to end of Phase II clinical development.  Sarah is passionate about making a difference to patients’ lives and delivering decision-making data to accelerate new drugs through the R&D pipeline.

Read more here Sarah Pass

Dr Craig Thomas

PhD

Craig has extensive expertise in toxicology, discovery research, competitive intelligence and due diligence spanning more than three decades. He began his career at the Marion Merrell Dow research institute where he worked in Cardiovascular and CNS discovery before joining Eli Lilly in 1996 where he focused on increasing the efficiency and predictability of early phase safety assessment. Building on this, he spent two years leading cross-functional due diligence then progressed to lead strategic competitive intelligence for neuroscience, including conducting drug target assessments.  Craig is passionate about the critical role toxicology plays in delivering innovative molecules with optimal risk-benefit profiles to address major unmet medical needs.

Read more here Dr Craig Thomas

Henry Bushell

Henry has a keen interest in economics and decided to acquire some business experience, joining ApconiX straight from sixth form college.  Playing an active role within business development, Henry hopes to gain an understanding of how businesses become and remain successful before going on to study economics at university.  An active mind and a willingness to take on new projects, Henry is well suited to the very busy, very demanding workload of a growing company.

Read more here Henry Bushell

William Humfrey

MSc

Will studied for an integrated master’s degree in biomedical science at the University of Sheffield where he gained understanding of human health, disease processes and developed both practical and written skills. Particularly enjoying literature searches, critical reviews, data analysis and report writing, Will is keen to learn new skills as part of the target safety assessment team.

Read more here William Humfrey

Michelle Blissett

MSc

With almost 20 years devoted to preclinical toxicology, Michelle has developed an excellent ability to conduct extensive literature searches, interrogating, analysing and interpreting data and has contributed to regulatory and scientific reports and produced numerous literature reviews.  As a Senior Toxicologist, Michelle has experience of clinical chemistry, haematology, cytogenetics and conducting preclinical studies for clients globally.  A collaborative and articulate communicator, Michelle has an aptitude for conveying complex scientific data in an accurate and concise manner.

Read more here Michelle Blissett

Scott Hackford

MSc

Scott has over 12 years’ experience at a UK CRO where he was Senior Toxicologist, Study Director, and manager of a team of study directors.  As Senior Toxicologist, Scott advised clients on drug safety programs across multiple therapy areas and therapeutic modalities. This work included the design, conduct and reporting of nonclinical safety studies to support regulatory submissions.  Scott has experience with agrochemical and chemical industry clients and the relevant regulatory guidelines including REACH.  Collaborating with clients to obtain the best outcomes, Scott is easy to approach, always working to enable projects are completed in a timely manner.

Read more here Scott Hackford

Dr Amy Shepherd

PhD

Amy holds a PhD and Masters in Immunology and Cardiovascular science from the University of Sheffield. An experienced Immunologist with 10 years’ experience in non-clinical and clinical safety programme design for both biologic and small molecule compounds, Amy has led cross functional drug development teams globally within a large CRO. She has a strong reputation for building client relationships and managing projects and combines a passion for pharmaceutical development and fostering collaborative relationships.

Read more here Dr Amy Shepherd

Dr Kerry Illston

PhD

Kerry is an experienced Project Manager with over 25 years’ experience in molecular toxicology, new target identification/validation and nonclinical safety within large pharmaceutical and biotech companies and contract research organisations.  She has a strong background in driving complex, valuable, high profile drug development programmes.  Kerry draws on her knowledge and passion for science in drug development to identity and solve problems with innovative thinking.

Read more here Dr Kerry Illston

Bethan Kelly

Bethan joins the ion channel laboratory team for a years’ placement.  She has just finished her second year studying biology at the University of York. Her interest in the pharmaceutical industry and keenness to gain more experience of laboratory practices, data analysis, and research, led her to apply for the position.  Bethan’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn makes her a great fit for the ApconiX team.

Read more here Bethan Kelly