Jo Fish
PIPS Host Organisation: Nanomerics, Ltd.
Project Title: Development of a Bioanalytical Assay for Clinical Use

Jo Fish developed a completely novel bioanalytical assay for a pre-clinical trial from scratch, to quantify the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a drug formulation in vivo. This required knowledge of the API and formulation, understanding of biodistribution, handling of samples, and the methods and quality checks necessary to produce a high-quality report for governing body evaluation.

Jo learned about the next stage of pharmaceutical development, which has always intrigued her and is a consideration for her future career upon completing her degree. She gained skills in time management, report-writing, and legal compliance, as well as developing her creativity, learning to channel her curiosity, and producing work with tight deadlines efficiently.

Jo was able to utilize her existing knowledge in a field she had no prior experience in, creating a reproducible assay in a very short space of time that worked. She brought expertise from her previous experience to help organize the laboratory and improve the efficiency of various processes, including health and safety, and the correct storage and disposal of waste. Jo is also proud that she managed to work on a project she knows will be important in improving outcomes for patients and reducing off-site target toxicity, which is a passion for her.