Sonia Patel
Scientist

Pfizer Global Research and Development, Sandwich, UK

Sonia Patel is enjoying a thriving career in Research Formulation at Pfizer's Sandwich, UK site, where she develops solid dosages (tablets and capsules) for Phase II human clinical trials.

But that's not exactly how she had it planned.

Sonia thought she would become a pharmacist in a hospital or local pharmacy, when she happened to meet some industrial pharmacists at a conference. Even more fortuitous, the reason she even attended the conference was that she had just dropped her father at the airport and the conference was being held nearby. She completed her Masters in Pharmacy and joined Pfizer in 2002.

While her career path may have diverged a bit, her love of science has been clear since a young age, when her chemistry set, microscope and "Operation" game were among her favorite possessions. A math and science-focused student, Sonia did a study program at a local hospital at age 16 and was able to watch a heart transplant, though she found that surgery wasn't her calling, as she "didn't like all the blood."

The altruistic aspect of pharmacy and the desire to improve patients' lives are what drive Sonia. From her travels through India, she has seen first-hand that Pfizer medicines like Selzentry (Maraviroc) can affect the entire fabric of some of the Indian villages being decimated by HIV. In the future, she hopes to have the opportunity to do hands-on work in such a community.

When not in the lab, Sonia indulges her love of art, photography, cycling and fitness. Oh, and if she weren't an industrial pharmacist, she'd want to be a rock star.