Spotlight in SWE
This segment seeks to spotlight a member of Yale SWE community and share their story.
This week, we are following Dr. Molly Grun, a scientist and long-time SWE member who received her Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University in 2021. Upon graduating from Yale, she worked at a diagnostics startup in Guilford, CT for two years. Afterwards, she worked in drug product development at Alexion in New Haven for two years, before relocating to Seattle, WA.
Why were you drawn to engineering?
My draw to engineering was somewhat basic—I liked physics, chemistry, and math, and engineering seemed like a good profession to mix those subjects. Eventually, I enjoyed chemical engineering for the elegant mathematics and skills to understand complex systems. I also wasn’t 100% sure what direction I wanted to go with my career, and I felt that chemical engineering would give me flexibility.
What is your research topic and what has your experience been like in your current position?
During my PhD, I developed polymer nanoparticles to deliver mRNA to the lung by inhalation. At Alexion, I worked on formulations for injectable drugs like antibodies and oligonucleotides. I loved working at a larger company with managers who had 10+ years of experience; I was surrounded by supportive mentors who were able to teach me about the intricacies and interdependencies of the clinical pipeline. I was the formulations lead for two pipeline programs, and I had the opportunity to manage junior scientists in the lab and work cross-functionally with other leads in the Development organization.
What role has SWE had in your path?
I was an active member of SWE starting the first year of my PhD (2015), and I held leadership positions for a few years starting my second year. SWE helped me form connections with other women across the engineering departments and engineering administration. Some of those friendships are still going strong today! In my current field, women are underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. My time with SWE emphasized the power of female relationships, and in my current career, I intentionally strive to cultivate connections with other female scientists who are junior and senior to me.
What was an inspiring moment in research?
The Saltzman lab shut down for several weeks in March 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and then we embarked on a lab-wide collaboration to develop an inhalable mRNA vaccine. The sense of purpose and teamwork was incredibly inspiring! Part of that project became the basis for my dissertation.
What advice would you give younger women engineers?
I did not want to hear this as a student, but networking is important. It doesn’t have to consist of “working the room” during networking events, which is what I always envisioned. Look around you and ask your friends and colleagues who they know. Can they introduce you to someone at a company you’re interested in? Or someone who’s pursuing a career that’s interesting to you? Both of my post-graduation jobs were facilitated through networking and referrals.
We believe stories of women engineers from all career stages are important!
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