Dotmatics Recognizes Eight Women Who Inspire Inclusion
Today, it’s more important than ever to recognize women’s contributions, to smash stereotypes and defeat discrimination against women and girls in science.
Each year, on March 8th, International Women's Day not only serves as a poignant reminder of the achievements of women worldwide, but it also prompts us to reflect on the work that remains to be done. In the scientific industry, championing gender equity is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic move towards unlocking the full potential of scientific innovation.
The Dotmatics team is hundreds of women strong. We are scientists, marketers, engineers, technologists, and much more. And while we may have different backgrounds and roles, we make Dotmatics better together. To celebrate that diversity and representation, we take a moment to recognize a handful of the gifted and dedicated women of the Dotmatics team.
Caitlin Danehy
Application Scientist
Caitlin has been in the pharmaceutical informatics industry for seven years, following her graduation from the University of Vermont, where she graduated Cum Laude, participated in simulation modeling for a USDA funded grant, and earned a major in biology and a minor in computer science. Caitlin entered the industry developing novel process analytic technologies for small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing at Vertex pharmaceuticals, supporting the launch of a life-changing, commercially available treatment for cystic fibrosis. From this role, she transitioned to analytical chemistry and supported the development of other treatments, as well as other small molecules in pipeline, from research and discovery to FIH and POC studies. Noting a keen interest in informatics and laboratory information system optimization, Caitlin pivoted her career to the informatics realm, where she now uses her pharmaceutical, scientific, and academic experience to inform implementations, data models, and workflow configurations to enable Dotmatics customers to capture, interrogate, and leverage their data to its full potential.
“Continuously investigate your interests, find what energizes you, create some goals you would like to reach, but don’t get stuck on the details of how to get there. Letting yourself be flexible and open to the various paths a career journey can take, positions you to be adaptable to changing industry technologies, needs, and trends. Always be learning.”
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”
—Mae Jemison, first African American woman astronaut in space.
Christine Byrne
Head of Product and Technology, Statsols
Christine has been working in product management for the last eleven years, seven of which have been for nQuery, part of the Dotmatics portfolio of scientific applications. She feels fortunate to have earned three first-class honors degrees. The first two were undertaken in University College Cork, where she began with an undergraduate degree in Commerce focusing on Management, Marketing and IT and later became passionate about Information Technology during her Masters in Electronic Business. She ultimately gained her postgraduate diploma in Product Management from Dublin Institute of Technology. Her interest in security and quality management helped her to successfully implement ISO27001 during her time at Statsols, and she is now working towards ISO9001 certification. Outside of work she volunteers with a local dog charity (Cork Dog Action Welfare Group), fostering rescue dogs and assisting with fundraising and administration.
“Serena Williams once said that a champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall. In business, as in life, we will always encounter challenges, have things we wish had gone better or that had had another outcome. However, I have always believed that real success comes from analyzing those situations, picking ourselves up, pushing forward and ensuring better next time round. As women we are an integral part of Dotmatics and through resilience and perseverance we can continue to push ourselves and the company to amazing new heights.”
Mirela Martin
Software Developer, FCS Express
Mirela has a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from “Babes-Bolyai” University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania and a Masters in The Management of the Projects with European Finances from University of Oradea, Romania. She was a teacher in the UK and Romania for several years, where she had the opportunity to impact students by driving innovation and by being a role model for many who later pursued careers in science. In 2009 she moved to the U.S. where she joined the De Novo Software team as a software developer. De Novo’s flow cytometry solution, FCS Express, is part of the Dotmatics portfolio of scientific applications.
“Nothing is impossible when you are on the right team, and you have people around you to inspire and offer their support at the right time. My advice to women on International Women’s Day is to be confident and value yourself—find the environment that inspires and challenges you and never be afraid to start anew. With great challenges also come great rewards.”
Megan Kennington
Product Manager, Geneious Biologics
Megan started out studying Engineering Science and Molecular Biology at the University of Auckland, graduating with a BE(Hons)/BSc. She joined Biomatters in 2014, working on the early research/clinical software prototypes that would later become Geneious Biologics, part of the Dotmatics portfolio of scientific applications. She feels lucky to see it grow into the polished antibody screening solution it is today, first as a Full-stack Software Developer, and later as a Product Manager.
“As soon as I have got flying to perfection, I have got a scheme about a steam engine.”
—Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
Jess Bowers
Technical Support Specialist
Jess has a knack for talking to people, connecting with others, and computer-to-human technical work and support. Before joining Dotmatics’ Customer Success team in 2020, she worked with and supported the YMCA Youth & Government program in San Diego, CA, and was a delegate throughout high school. She frequently volunteers with Miracle League, a national group focused on helping disabled children play baseball.
“Without diversity and inclusion, I wouldn't be here. There is nothing like the camaraderie between women who know and trust each other—I have found it to be one of the greatest lessons I've learned and benefited from at Dotmatics. Including everyone means creating a powerful team and understanding that each person has their own unique skills and places where they'd be suited, and helping them reach those goals. When we band together, we can create and perform in ways that can truly inspire others to shine just as brightly.”
Jessica Biagi
Principal Field Application Scientist
Jessica completed her PhD in Chemistry from Boston University in 2016. Post-graduation, she ventured into the dynamic realm of scientific software, becoming an application scientist at Dotmatics in 2018. Utilizing her insights from chemistry and biology labs, Jessica supports scientists across various domains in optimizing data capture and management processes. Recently, she proudly joined The Olivia Joan Foundation as a Foundational member, dedicated to increasing awareness and backing research for the rare GNAO1-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
“International Women's Day is not just a celebration; it's a reminder of the ongoing work towards a more inclusive world, where every woman is empowered to reach her full potential. For me, #inspireinclusion means recognizing and celebrating the uniqueness of every woman's story, embracing diversity in all its forms. It's a call to action, urging us to uplift one another, break down barriers, and pave the way for future generations.”
Viji Ranganathan
Senior Software Engineer
Viji (Vijayalakshmi) is one of the first few engineers hired for BioBright, which was later acquired by Dotmatics. Viji works on the engineering components of Dotmatics Luma LabConnect. She brings extensive experience in software engineering across various architectural full-stack components. She is also well-versed in South-Indian classical vocal music and dance and has taught the same to many kids in the community, inspiring them to pursue fine arts.
“The Sanskrit poet Shankara said, ‘Sarvasmin api pashyaatmaanam, Sarvatrotsrija bheda gyaanam,’ which means: see yourself in others, shed seeing the differences. It feels good to see the evolution of the workplace moving towards accepting and respecting people from all walks of life. Go Dotmatics!”
Angelina Cechetto
Strategic Customer Success Manager
Angelina is a strong believer that communication is central to every aspect of work and life. She has a Master’s Degree in English Linguistics, and speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish and some German. Prior to joining Dotmatics two years ago, she was a teacher, and she worked in IT support and account management. She is most passionate about nature and nature conservation, and an unconditional advocate of nature conservation and clean-up organizations.
“Greta Thurnberg said, ‘No one is too small to make a difference.’ I find it truly inspiring that, against all odds and detractors, a young woman’s convictions, determination and tenacity led her to become the iconic leader of a worldwide movement during her lifetime and without her necessarily wanting to be one. To me, true inclusion means not only being included in discussions or decision making; inclusion means being included in discussions and decision making that matter and that impact on our lives.”
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month throughout March in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, Dotmatics wishes to thank all of our incredible female colleagues around the globe. Together, we are building the most powerful scientific R&D platform to accelerate scientific innovation. Your vital contributions and leadership help us to achieve our mission: to make the world a healthier, cleaner, safer place to live.
If you’d like to join the team, visit our Careers page to check out current openings.
