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Chair

Agnieszka Rutkowska

What is your current profession/background?

I am an independent consultant specializing in sensor technologies and medical
device development. After completing my PhD in nanotechnology, I dedicated my
career – both in academia and industry – to driving healthcare innovation. With over
10 years of experience, I have contributed to the development and
commercialization of biosensor technologies aimed at improving healthcare
outcomes. In my current role, I advise global clients on integrating sensor systems
and de-risking them for successful commercial roll-out.

What point in your life led you to pursue a career in STEMM?

I was raised in a family of engineers and scientists who inspired me to approach the
world with curiosity and an open mind. Some of my earliest memories are of doing
chemistry experiments with my dad, who was also a chemist – most likely the smell
of “egg in vinegar” in our house was the beginning of my fascination with science. My
path into STEMM was also shaped by personal experience: witnessing my mum’s
health challenges gave me a deep sense of purpose and a desire to contribute to
healthcare innovation. This combination of early curiosity and personal motivation
has driven my pursuit of technological solutions that can directly improve people’s
lives.

What is one of your biggest aspirations?

One of my biggest aspirations is to bring cutting-edge technologies into the hands of
people who need it most. I am committed to drive the development and
commercialisation of medical technologies that are not only innovative but also
accessible and transformative for healthcare systems globally. At the same time, I
want to empower more women to thrive in STEMM careers – by supporting their
professional passions, enabling them to lead with confidence and authenticity.

What advice would you give to aspiring female scientists and engineers?

Follow your interests with true passion and joy. Develop your intuition into a strong,
reliable skill which can become your greatest compass in navigating career choices
and challenges. Surround yourself with a support network of like-minded
professionals and mentors who can lead by example and provide invaluable advice.
And utmost – be confident you in your curiosity to science and engineering.

How have you benefited from being a part of CamAWiSE?

I first joined CamAWiSE as a member when I moved to Cambridge in 2019. Later, I
was invited to join the Steering Committee, where I met a network of inspirational
women who share a deep passion for STEMM. With their support, I was able to
shape and develop my ideas into meaningful projects that have contributed to others'
career progression and broadened the general public’s perspective on what it means to
be a woman in STEMM. CamAWiSE has given me the confidence to pursue my
professional ambitions at the highest level.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a mother to
two wonderful children. Together we do all sorts of things from sports activities like
cycling, skiing and swimming to travelling and playing board games or conducting
crazy cooking experiments. I am passionate about yoga and staying active, so I
exercise several times a week. I read books in Polish and English, and I’m always
learning new skills – currently exploring Ukrainian on Duolingo.

Ask me about...

Near-patient biosensors, medical device technologies and healthcare product
development, inclusion and equity in STEMM.

Agnieszka Rutkowska
Chair

Helen Arnold

I am a Business Development Scientist in the Life Sciences with a PhD in Advanced Medicine and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences. My career has focused on advancing innovation in Cell & Gene Therapy and Antibody Development, bridging scientific discovery with business development to drive progress in medicine and diagnostics. Coming from a STEMM-oriented family, biology has always been my “second language.” I see biological research as an exciting puzzle—complex at first glance, but full of clarity once the pieces fit together. This curiosity continues to fuel my work at the intersection of science and industry. I am passionate about inspiring and making a difference within STEMM—whether through conversations with key opinion leaders, scientists, public outreach, or mentoring. To aspiring female scientists and engineers, my message is simple: treat your career as an adventure. Explore, embrace challenges, and never stop asking questions—because it is through those questions that we discover, innovate, and shape the future. I am also an active supporter of CamAWiSE, an amazing organization that connects and empowers women in STEMM careers. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, exploring nature with my children, and volunteering with Scouts. I’m equally passionate about science communication, dance, yoga, and Pilates, all of which keep me grounded and inspired. If we meet, ask me about science-driven business development, antibody innovation, or gene therapy—I’m always happy to share ideas and insights.

Heleen van ‘t Spijker, PhD

I am a neuroscientist working in neurodegeneration research. I hold a PhD in Clinical Neuroscience and a Msc in Neuroscience and Cognition. My background spans both academia and industry, with a strong focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Ever since I was in primary school I have been fascinated with biology and during my undergraduate degree I was drawn to the complexity of the brain and the power of molecular tools to unravel its mechanisms. One of my biggest aspirations is to help bridge the gap between academic discovery and clinical application in neuroscience. I want to contribute to developing effective, targeted therapies for neurodegenerative diseases while also creating inclusive spaces for early-career scientists to thrive. CamAWiSE has been a great platform to connect with like-minded women across academia and industry. In my free time, I’m part of a book club and I love to take dance classes. I also have a deep appreciation for science communication and often get involved in mentoring and outreach initiatives. Ask me about navigating the transition from academia to industry, or RNA biology in neurodegeneration!

Sofia del Pozo Rodriguez

I hold a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, an MSc in Advanced Engineering Design, and a BEng in Industrial Engineering (Electronics). I began my career at TWI Ltd.’s Advanced Manufacturing Group in Cambridge, UK, progressing from PhD student—focused on electron beam technology and equipment R&D—to Section Manager, leading a team delivering innovation and technology projects for global clients across the aerospace, defence, and energy sectors. I have worked in both industry and government - including the UK Space Agency - and have successfully delivered complex R&D and technology projects for startups, large companies, and government bodies. Mentorship and a support network with aligned values and goals—with both women and male allies—have been key to my professional growth. I’m passionate about building inclusive and supportive environments in STEMM. At CamAWiSE, we are committed to helping others access the support they need to grow and thrive in their careers.

Karolina Spalek

My interest in applied chemistry originally led me towards studies of food technology with degrees in food quality and safety. I have experience in industrial chemistry and microbiology laboratories in scientific roles. Currently, I work as an R&D Manager at a Cambridge-based battery startup, developing printed battery technology for scalable production. I have expertise in managing and delivering research projects, overseeing daily lab and office operations, leading a team of scientists and conducting data-driven experiments.

Iratxe Puebla

I work for the non-profit organization ASAPbio, where we promote a productive use of preprints in the life sciences. I very much enjoy working with members of the community to try and change life sciences communication for the better, by making it faster, more transparent and more inclusive. Before ASAPbio I worked as an editor, most recently at the open access publisher PLOS, where I oversaw the day-to-day editorial operations of the journal PLOS ONE and I was involved in the editorial and review process for research manuscripts. I am also involved with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), an organization which promotes best practice and education around publication ethics and develops resources for journal editors and publishers.

Isabel Tingay

I hold a PhD in Chemistry and currently work at an International Chemicals company, developing after-treatment solutions for the automotive industry. I apply my knowledge and skills to the creation of next generation catalysts. I started in research and followed this with a move to development. This involves working with customers to understand their requirements, turning these into development projects.

View Other Steering Committee Members

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