Norna is pursuing a career within regulatory toxicology

What did you study as an undergraduate (bachelor)?

I studied Chemistry at Stockholm University, mostly by chance. I tried a course, and I really enjoyed it, so I stayed for the whole bachelor's degree.

Why did you choose the Master programme in Toxicology?

There are several reasons why I choose the Master programme in Toxicology. Firstly, I had an interest in chemistry, but I wanted to work with human health and within a field that contributes to chemical safety. Secondly, I realised that I wanted to move away from laboratory work, which is the focus of many chemistry-oriented master programmes. I envisaged myself working within a regulatory setting, preferably focusing on risk assessment, and the master programme in Toxicology gave me a solid foundation for pursuing a job within regulatory toxicity. 

Where did you conduct your MSc thesis and what was it about?

I did my master thesis at the company Perstorp, where I conducted a reproductive toxicity risk assessment of two industrial chemicals using a systematic literature search and a weight of evidence assessment. During my thesis I also evaluated the regulatory applicability of a new in vitro method for developmental toxicity. 

How did the Bergendorff summer internship support your research training? 

During the Bergendorff summer internship I learn a lot about retrieving, handling and evaluating large data sets, which I greatly benefitted from during my master thesis. It was a fun experience, and I believe that the internship gave me the chance to stand out when I applied for jobs after graduation.

Looking back on your time at KI and the Master programme in Toxicology, what is the most valuable thing that you learned?

The value of exchanging ideas, scientific discussion with people from different (scientific) backgrounds and working in groups. Knowledge in target organ toxicity and risk assessment. 

Where are you and what are you doing now?

I am currently working with health risk assessment of plant protection products at the Swedish Chemical Agency (KemI). It is an interesting job with a lot of varying tasks, where I have the opportunity to apply a lot of the knowledge I learned during the master programme. 

What made you decide on this career?

I wanted to work within risk assessment and regulatory toxicity. As a risk assessor of plant protection products, I get the chance to work with several different European legislations, focusing on both occupational toxicity as well as the safety of residents and bystanders. It is important for me to make a meaningful impact in my daily work, which contributed to my decision to select regulatory toxicity as a career track.