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Four Colleagues, Four Scientific Journeys: Voices of Women in Science

Female scientists from across our business units Biopharma, MedTech, Nutrition and Pharma share their stories

Women in Science

Women in science at Fresenius Kabi 2026
What draws women to science, and what keeps them there? For the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, four colleagues from different scientific areas at Fresenius Kabi share how they found their way into science, what guided their careers, and how they support others along the way. Their stories highlight the role of curiosity and the drive to keep learning – factors that shape scientific work every day.

“It is important and motivating to see the bigger picture and to remember that the ultimate goal is to support patients and that every activity, no matter how small, contributes to that.”

Read more about Anna
Image of Anna Rozhkova.

“I would tell them to trust in their abilities. Science and engineering need a diversity of ideas and multiple perspectives."

Read more about Lucero
Image of Lucero Rondón.

“Science is an ever‑evolving field with much to explore. If you enjoy discovering something new every day, this is the right field for you.”

Read more about Sejal
Image of Sejal Gandhi.

“Understanding the chemical reaction behind the color in my first titration experiment change was amazing. That is what inspired me for science, especially chemistry."

Read more about Nancy
Elodie Weider

Anna Rozhkova

Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.

I joined Fresenius Kabi three years ago as Senior Manager Physicochemical CMC Development. In this role, I work on development and implementation of the CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) analytical strategy for biosimilars and provide strategic and scientific expertise to the team. My work contributes to the development of high-quality products that remain affordable for patients. 

I am biochemist by training. I completed my PhD in natural sciences at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. I have worked in biopharmaceutical companies for about 20 years, always focusing on protein analytics, innovative technologies, and development of analytical methods that meet the requirements of the biopharmaceutical environment.

What inspired you to choose a career in science?

Since childhood, I have been curious and wanted to understand why things are the way they are. At school, I found scientific disciplines much more interesting than languages or literature. That interest led me to study biochemistry, then to do a PhD, and eventually to pursue a career in biopharma.

Was there a moment or turning point that shaped your path in science?

The turning point was my first role as an analytical scientist. That position set everything in motion, and 20 years later I am still working in this field. Analytics plays an important role in ensuring that products delivered to patients consistently meet high quality standards. In biosimilar development, analytics becomes even more important because it represents a large part of the submission dossier.

What accomplishment in your role do you look back on with pride?

Among other achievements, I am proud of my contribution to the establishment of monoclonal antibody analytics at a previous company. When I joined in 2006, the first project was about to start, and I set up the initial physicochemical analytical methods. During that time, I also developed an innovative method that was published in 2009.

How do you support or encourage younger colleagues who are starting out?

I enjoy sharing knowledge and experience, because seeing colleagues grow into strong professionals is very rewarding. As a group leader, I always explained the broader context to younger team members, such as how their individual tasks connected to other project activities or to patient health. It is important and motivating to see the bigger picture and to remember that the ultimate goal is to support patients and that every activity, no matter how small, contributes to that.

What would you tell girls and young women who are considering a career in science?

Science is not about gender; it’s about your interest and passion. Follow your passion, stay curious, keep learning, and your path will unfold.

Anna Rozhkova
Anna Rozhkova, Senior Manager Physicochemical CMC Development, Switzerland, Business Unit Biopharma

Lucero Rondón

Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.

My training began at the Loyola Polytechnic Institute, San Cristóbal, in Industrial Mechanics and continued with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, I have grown professionally within the healthcare industry at Fresenius Kabi in Haina, Dominican Republic. Today I work in the Automation Department, where I support design and development of equipment that supports the production of high‑quality medical products.

What inspired you to choose a career in science?

From a very young age, I enjoyed understanding why things worked the way they did. I was always interested in solving everyday problems. This led me to choose a career that allows me to understand systems, give structure to ideas, and improve my surroundings in a logical and effective way. This work lets me contribute to healthcare by ensuring product quality and patient well‑being.

Was there a moment or turning point that shaped your path in science?

A key moment in my career was my internship at Fresenius Kabi, where I worked on machine automation projects and learned how broad mechanical engineering really is. I realized that I can contribute to people’s well‑being, even indirectly, in many parts of the world. It also showed me new ways to create solutions and motivated me to continue my personal and career development within the pharmaceutical industry.

What accomplishment in your role do you look back on with pride?

I am proud to have taken part in a project that improved the quality of manufactured products and increased their availability. More patients can now access them with confidence and safety. Along this journey, I also faced challenges. I used these experiences to strengthen my confidence, pursue continuous learning, and intentionally grow in order to perform more effectively in demanding environments.

How do you support or encourage younger colleagues who are starting out?

I enjoy supporting younger colleagues by sharing my experience and listening to their ideas. I want to see that careers in science or engineering can have an impact. I try to create an environment where curiosity is welcomed, and learning takes place with confidence.

What would you tell girls and young women who are considering a career in science?

I would tell them to trust in their abilities. Science and engineering need a diversity of ideas and perspectives, and each person’s way of thinking and analyzing can add value and make a real difference.

Lucero Rondón
Lucero Rondón, Mechanical Automation Engineer 3D Design and Machine Modeling, Dominican Republic, Business Unit MedTech

Sejal Gandhi

Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.

I would describe myself as a scientific person with a strong business sense. I studied Medicine (Ayurveda) and Pharma Business Management at Mumbai University. My journey began with patient care during my medical internship and later in my own clinic. 

After almost two years as a medical professional, I decided to join Fresenius Kabi and work on the other side of science. I started by providing scientific support for the sales team and by conducting educational meetings for healthcare professionals. This prepared me for my current role in Medical Scientific Affairs, where I translate scientific, therapeutic insights and patient needs into effective strategies.

What inspired you to choose a career in science?

My biology teacher in 8th grade encouraged us to participate in a science project, and our group performed so well that we reached the inter‑school level. I enjoyed the entire process and knew this was the direction I wanted to follow in my life. My uncle, a gynecologist, also influenced me. As children we often visited his hospital, and that made a lasting impression.

Was there a moment or turning point that shaped your path in science?

After gaining extensive experience in my home country, it was time for an international step, and I moved to Germany to join the Medical Scientific Affairs team at Fresenius Kabi. I have been working here for the last four and a half years.

What accomplishment in your role do you look back on with pride?

I feel a sense of achievement when driving scientific initiatives that increase awareness of medical nutrition therapy and support better clinical outcomes. We collaborated with centers of excellence to contribute real‑world evidence to the United for Clinical Nutrition initiative. These insights help us understand nutritional needs and demonstrate how medical nutrition therapy can support recovery.

How do you support or encourage younger colleagues who are starting out?

I would like to help younger colleagues find their path in science. Early in my career I learned how important it is to understand real-world scientific practice, and this is what I encourage them to not lose sight of.

What would you tell girls and young women who are considering a career in science?

Science is an ever‑evolving field with much to explore. If you enjoy discovering something new every day, this is the right field for you. Science offers many paths to grow and develop.

Jennifer Gehle-Novak
Sejal Gandhi, Senior Manager Medical Scientific Excellence Clinical Nutrition, Germany, Business Unit Nutrition

Nancy Barot

Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.

I have more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device R&D. My passion for chemistry has led me to my current position as an Analytical Manager at Fresenius Kabi in Melrose Park, Illinois, U.S.A. I lead the development and validation of analytical methods for complex molecules. I also support FDA submissions and work with cross functional teams to resolve analytical challenges and ensure high-quality R&D outcomes.

What inspired you to choose a career in science?

My interest in science began in high school during my first acid-base titration. Understanding the chemical reaction behind the color change was amazing. That moment inspired me for science, especially chemistry. I keep the same passion alive by solving analytical challenges in my daily work.

Was there a moment or turning point that shaped your path in science?

That early titration experiment was a defining moment. It showed me how science can make invisible processes tangible and meaningful. That experience stayed with me and still influences how I approach analytical work and problem solving in the lab.

What accomplishment in your role do you look back on with pride?

I am very proud of developing a color-changing antimicrobial formulation that is used in operating rooms to prevent fires. I have a U.S. patent for this formulation, which I developed at my last company. It supports safety in the operating room and helps protect patients and staff. 

How do you support or encourage younger colleagues who are starting out?

I support younger colleagues by guiding them through analytical challenges and sharing practical insights from my experience. I encourage curiosity and independent problem solving, because it helps them build confidence and grow professionally.

What would you tell girls and young women who are considering a career in science?

Follow your curiosity and never hesitate to ask questions. Science thrives on different perspectives, and your ideas are valuable. With dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn from challenges, you can make a real impact on healthcare and on the world around you.

Nancy Barot
Nancy Barot, Manager Analytical Development, Research and Development, U.S.A., Business Unit Pharma

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