In this month’s edition of CMAC’s Meet Our Team series, we are delighted to celebrate Physical Analysis Technician and CMAC Net Zero Champion, Rachel Feeney.

Prior to joining CMAC, Rachel attained an MChem (Master of Chemistry) from the University of Edinburgh. During her final year, Rachel lived in Innsbruck, Austria, where she focused on her Master’s thesis centred on amorphous ice discovered in space. It was during this period that Rachel became familiar with X-ray diffraction, sparking her interest in pursuing a career in analytical chemistry.

When Rachel first joined CMAC as an X-Ray scientist, her primary responsibilities included maintaining the operation of instruments, managing the instrument booking system, training staff and students on various instruments, and conducting sample runs for both internal and external projects.

In October 2023, Rachel began a new position at CMAC as a Physical Analysis Technician. While maintaining her previous X-ray responsibilities, she now collaborates with various analytical instruments such as DSC, TGA, SEM, and DVS. Her daily tasks include conducting sample runs for the national facility, processing data, and calculating CO2 emissions related to equipment.

Rachel is also the CMAC Net Zero Champion. In 2022, CMAC received a UK RPIF NetZero award to support the development of sustainable processes and the investment in future medicine manufacturing technologies. She commented on becoming CMAC’s Net Zero Champion:

“As CMAC Net Zero Champion, I would like to expand our sustainability initiatives across all areas of CMAC and focus on more ways to decrease our carbon emissions. I would also like more opportunities to spread awareness of lab sustainability, potentially through talks or workshops.”

Rachel has played a key role in helping CMAC to reduce carbon emissions by implementing sustainable initiatives such as infrastructure upgrades, replacement of older instrumentation with newer and more energy efficient instrumentation, energy monitoring, digital alternatives to travel, automation, smart experimentation and behavioural changes. Reflecting on the progress that CMAC has made and looking towards the future, Rachel said:

“I feel proud to have helped implement some of our Net Zero initiatives and achieve some of our Net Zero targets. Although we still have a long way to go to meet our overall University of Strathclyde target of reaching net zero by 2040, we have still made significant progress and hope to raise awareness in doing so.”

While Rachel enjoys her role and responsibilities, her favourite aspects of working at CMAC are the people and the world-class facilities:

“Everyone will go out of their way to help you and make you feel supported, which is essential for any workplace. I also enjoy working in the amazing facilities that CMAC has invested in, like our extensive X-Ray lab which has a range of cutting-edge instruments.”

In her spare time, Rachel loves travelling and exploring new cities. She also enjoys going to the cinema and having drinks with friends. Her ideal weekend includes going for brunch in Shawlands, taking long walks, spending time with her nieces and nephews, and catching up with friends.