Margaret Hardy

Meet Margaret Hardy

Calling: “Research is a creative career – you’re constantly problem solving, collaborating, and looking at problems from different angles. Throw in travel for research and conferences and I was hooked!”

Emphasis: “My research is focused on the discovery and characterization of new ‘green’ insecticides from the venom of Australian spiders. These compounds are specific for insects, and may have novel mechanisms.”

Triumph: “Patent filing has been my most exciting achievement – and the patent has opened doors for the project and me.”

Advice: “First, recognize that innovation is central to good science. Second, cultivate other ‘soft’ skills that can help with funding applications.”

Regret: “Definitely not. A PhD in chemistry provides a solid launch pad, but developing other skills is key.”