Her Story
About April
April Owens serves as a Scientist III at a supplement manufacturing facility. In this role, she conducts wet lab chemistry work, tests raw and finished goods to ensure quality, participates in method development for new testing approaches, and engages in research and development activities. She reached this position after five years in the field. Owens earned her bachelor's degree in biotechnology from Utah Valley University in 2021, graduating summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.94. She regularly volunteers for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoys hiking and backpacking in the mountains near her home in Utah. Owens attributes her success to a strong sense of internal drive and ambition, noting that she does not stop until she figures things out. She values integrity, especially in her profession where one cannot fudge results, along with curiosity as part of the scientific process and plain hard work. Among the advice she has received, she highlights not being afraid to make mistakes or try things outside one's comfort zone. She encourages young women entering the industry to never close doors, always explore opportunities such as connecting with people or internships, and invest in themselves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with April
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have a pretty strong sense of internal drive, ambition, whatever you might want to call it. I've always been driven to get the things that I want.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Seek for opportunities that take you outside of your comfort zone.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never close a door without knowing what's behind it. This can include connecting with people (in person or online), internships, and participating in clubs or organizations relating to your field. Invest in yourself!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is a huge opportunity, especially as it relates to the wet lab environment and specifically experimental design. Our industry is affected greatly by the global environment and the global wars and activities that are going on.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is a big one for me, especially in the profession that I'm in, you gotta have integrity, you can't fudge things. Curiosity is a big part of the scientific process. And just plain old hard work. Sometimes you just gotta put your nose down into it and get the things done.
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