Blog 12 Apr 2022 

Meet the Team: Abby Clark, Apprentice Scientist, Downstream Processing Team

Our Meet the Team blog series celebrates our incredible people from across CPI.

Amy Smith

Amy Smith

Chief People Officer
(she/her)

Here we meet Abby Clark. Abby wanted to continue her education alongside being in the workplace after sixth form, so she knew a full-time degree wasn’t for her. She’s now currently completing a degree-level apprenticeship, where she works on our biological and RNA projects. Read more about Abby’s journey and why she loves working at CPI below.

What do you do at CPI?

I’m an Apprentice Scientist in the Downstream Processing Team at CPI where I work on projects recovering and purifying biological materials. 

I also work within the technical team on CPI’s RNA projects, researching and developing processes. Working in this area allows me to be at the forefront of innovative research that contributes to solving some of the greatest scientific and health challenges. 

What did you do before joining CPI?

Before beginning my degree apprenticeship with CPI, I was waitressing and studying for my A Levels in Biology, Law and Medical Science at Durham Sixth Form Centre. I joined CPI straight from sixth form at 18 and quickly began building my skill set to aid my career development.

Why did you join CPI?

I’ve worked since I was 13 and didn’t feel ready to leave the workplace but I also didn’t want to neglect my education, so when an opportunity to do a degree apprenticeship with CPI came up, I jumped at the chance.

Science has always been my favourite subject, so this was perfect for me. I am a visual learner and being taught solely in a lecture hall is not something that keeps me engaged.

CPI covers different sectors within the STEM industry and having the scope to develop within a growing environment meant that I wouldn’t be forced to concentrate on only one discipline.

What do you like about working at CPI?

Lots of things! I really like that the projects we work on are for the greater good. Helping to develop medicines and technologies that help people and the planet gives me a great deal of job satisfaction. 

CPI supports career development and provides opportunities for people to grow into their desired role. There is a big focus on women in industry, which makes me feel valued and empowered within the workplace.

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