Dr Majda Akrach Natural Products Chemistry
After finishing my PhD in Polymer Science at University of Warwick in 2018, I moved to West Yorkshire to work in home and personal care fragrance encapsulation at Ashland. I was designated as a technical leader to design the first generation of new biodegradable and renewable microcapsules. In 2020, I joined Syngenta at Jealott’s Hill, specifically the Innovative Vector Control Consortium project sponsored by Bill Gates to tackle malaria. I had to develop a polymeric microcapsule to encapsulate an insecticide designed at Syngenta. In 2022, I joined the Natural Product Chemistry team at Syngenta in which I enjoy extracting specific metabolites from plants, fungi, or soil which display some activities against towards crop diseases. In addition, I develop new analytical methods to fully characterise the extracted compounds. Outside the chemistry world, I adore travelling in a new country to learn about new cultures and traditions.
Dr Graham McDougald CChem FRSC Process Technology Capability Development Lead
After completing his studies in 1999, Graham joined Coalite Chemicals as a Development Chemist, subsequently moving to Syngenta 3 years later, at their Huddersfield Manufacturing Centre. His subsequent 20 years there have covered manufacturing support of many active ingredients, development of synthesis routes for new products, introduction of products to first full-scale manufacture and technology transfer with external partners. In 2013 Graham took up the role of Process Technology Group Leader, and with a particular focus on Chemistry Competence, led the development of Chartership and Degree Apprenticeship training schemes for early-career chemists. In 2022 Graham moved into the role of Process Technology Capability Development Lead where he is responsible for global competency management and training schemes. Graham juggles his work alongside taking his 2 daughters to their various sporting and musical endeavours, and following the travails of Huddersfield Town football club.
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog