The Member Spotlight Q&A is part of an ongoing CASSS series, in which we invite members to meet other members of the CASSS Community.
The Member Spotlight is an ongoing Q&A series focused on getting to know the CASSS community. Today’s spotlight shines on Andrew Lennard, Regulatory Affairs CMC at Amgen Limited.
Q. What was your motivation to volunteer with CASSS?
This goes back quite a few years when I had just joined the Amgen Regional Reg Affairs CMC team in the UK. As I recall, attending the CASSS CMC Strategy Forum Europe was suggested to me by Jason Hampson – my then line manager – to begin developing an external network across industry and regulators. I was very impressed by the scientific content, open, relaxed discussion across the attendees, and especially the high regulator attendance and active participation. Since then, I have been, in essence, an ambassador for CASSS - recommending to colleagues across different functions to participate. My career path swung directly into CMC ‘advocacy and external engagement’, meaning that working with CASSS became part of my ‘day job'. Ultimately, I took the plunge to volunteer and ticked the boxes in CASSS surveys!
Q. What do you do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?
I don’t have a lot of time to relax; after all, I work for a global company. I love traveling and exploring different cultures, geographies, and their wildlife. Working remotely from home, I took up photographing and recording local wildlife through the seasons. I recently rediscovered my childhood fascination with marine life and my best holidays are spent snorkeling (scuba when I was younger!) with an underwater camera. I also do my best in maintaining a tropical aquarium at home.
Q. What's your favorite type of food or special dish you cook? Why?
I always choose the most exotic thing I can see on a menu – though that has not always worked out well for me. For instance, once at Chinese restaurant in Osaka and finding that I’d chosen sea slug. An Amgen colleague informs me that this is a real delicacy. Hmmmm! I now cook a fair bit at home, a highlight being Christmas and my family recipe Christmas pudding.
Q. What is your favorite movie, tv show, music or book?
Family tradition dictates ‘Zulu’ but I tend to go for the sci-fi action movie type such as Bladerunner, Matrix, etc. (OK, not so cerebral but to be entertained). I always say that I hate musicals, but I have to admit that Lion King was pretty amazing.
Q. What famous person (dead or alive) would you choose to have dinner with? Why?
I’ve no idea where to start on this one, so many for so many reasons. Michael Palin has to be one as I’ve been told more than once that I look a little like him. His travel experiences plus having been part of an old favorite with ‘Monty Python’ would make him a most fascinating guest.
Q. What’s your favorite travel experience?
Well, that has to be scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef with the Maldives as a close second.
Q. How did you get inspired to go into science/biotech/pharma industry?
Ever since primary school I was fascinated by science, though no idea where that came from as none of my family had any connection with the sciences. The passion stayed with me though soon focused on life sciences.
Q. If you did anything other than your current occupation, what would it be?
Who hasn’t wanted to be an astronaut or marine biologist?