Fatma Salahioglu

Fatma Salahioglu graduated from Kent with a BSc in Forensic Science (1st Class Hons) in 2013 and later earned a PhD in Chemistry. She currently serves as a Team Leader at Resolian, where she manages forensic analysis projects, ensuring top-quality standards for clients.

Fatma's time at Kent provided a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, which has been crucial to her career growth.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

Following the completion of my PhD, I moved to Singapore to work as a Research Scientist at the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES). After a couple of years, an opportunity arose to become a Forensic Scientist at Singapore's government forensic labs, Health Sciences Authority - which I immediately seized, since that was the career path I had been after. After living and working in Singapore for 4 years, I decided to return to the UK (I missed the weather, believe it or not!). This time, I returned as a Senior Scientist at LGC, applying my forensic analysis knowledge and experience to identification of contaminants in pharmaceutical products. In 2022, our department of LGC was bought by another company and we rebranded as Resolian. Currently, I am a Team Leader at Resolian, at our Kent site in Sandwich.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

My days are always varied and no two days are alike! When I have projects to work on, I will be in the lab analysing unknown contaminants using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques in order to identify them. These are typically very fast-paced projects, sometimes requiring completion within a day. Once the experimental work in the lab is complete, I will come out and write a report in the office. At other times, I will be reviewing other's reports and data, ensuring everything is done to the top most quality standards for our customers, who are mostly pharmaceutical companies. On some days, I will be mostly office-based, working on administrative and quality-related tasks, or out completely, meeting customers, giving presentations and attending events to promote our lab and our fantastic services.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

There are several, mostly around when I am able to really help our customers by completing complex projects or finding the answer to a question they have been struggling with, and seeing that I have made a difference to someone else's work, which in turn impacts a much larger population in terms of delivering safe medicines and products.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent prepared me extremely well for a career that has analytical chemistry as its basis. The knowledge I obtained throughout my modules during my undergraduate studies, followed by the hands-on experience acquired during my research as part of my PhD, were instrumental to my career growth. Beyond a certain level, however, personal development and growth (initiated and pursued by your own efforts) becomes more important than the technical skills you have acquired, especially as you move into a more managerial role and oversee others' development.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Learn and work on good "research" skills, that is: where to find reliable information on any topic (no, Wikipedia doesn't count). Even though your course will prepare you for a job in your chosen area, you will not get to learn EVERYTHING. You will need the skills and knowledge to find out and piece together the missing information. Don't ever be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone, or making mistakes. Your growth outside of your comfort zone will be immense and unmatched by any course you can ever take. As someone who has interviewed and hired many people: your technical skills and knowledge is one thing, but your ATTITUDE towards your work is another; and, it is the latter that we pay a lot of attention to. You may not know everything, but are you driven and curious enough to find out?

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

I enjoyed learning and competing in karate, salsa and Ballroom & Latin dancing. These were much welcome distractions from my studies, which also allowed me to stay fit and make long-lasting friendships with wonderful people. I highly recommend you to join sports clubs and societies - these will give you some of the best and most unforgettable experiences of your life!

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Several: When I competed in Ballroom & Latin competitions with my partner and won several medals/trophies; when I competed in Karate at BUCS, and brought back many medals, and when we, as the Kent Karate team, brought back many medals, as well! You learn a lot during practice, but you learn a lot faster during a competition!

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I would take up karate and dancing much sooner if I could repeat my time at Kent. I would also try to be less worried about what people think and push myself outside of my comfort zone a lot more.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I still remain in touch with some of the lecturers, postdoctoral students and some of my classmates. I was recently a bridesmaid of one of my classmates!

What are your future ambitions?

To reach a level where I can make a greater impact across multiple teams, and see people grow, to be a part of their development - to lead.