Women in Science Series #6: Cassandra Maktabi

Cassandra Maktabi
Senior Manager, New Product Development, Home & Personal Care shares her experience as a mechanical engineer and how science shapes the way she views the world.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
I have a master’s in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison and I work on the fuzzy front end of product development at Spectrum Brands. My official role is Advanced New Product Development and I work with the NPD and Marketing teams to bring consumer insights into approachable innovation for all categories within HPC.  

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
I remember in high school being told you are good in math and science…so go be an engineer. It was not super flashy, but with some school programs and internships, I learned the field would enable me to tackle big problems and make an impact on the world. Through science, I continued to learn the process of solving tough problems. How to make a hypothesis, then test it out and allow yourself to fail and learn. I can use those skills in any problem, whether its engineering, business or personal. I never feel stuck as long as I continue to tackle problems this way.

How can we support women and girls in science?
I remember the days of being in classes and I was the only female. At one time I even sported a look with glasses and dark hair to feel smart enough to fit in. For me it was a necessity to find others to push through the invisible fence of self-doubt. I guess for any future women in science finding others that help you and encourage you through school groups, mentors or community is really important.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
I am less technical now than before, and I have not referenced my thermal dynamics books in some time, but I continue to use my problem-solving skills. Any new challenge that comes my way is a great way to fail fast and fail often to keep learning. 

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
The science field can be exciting and even flashy. Science is not just a subject to be learned but a way to approach the world. What you learn in your career and studies creates a foundation for solving problems. So good luck, the work is worth the reward.

Women in Science Series #5: Dr. Gladys Mbofung-Curtis

We had the pleasure of checking in with Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, PhD, Plant Scientist, Home & Garden, to speak about her career as a scientist at Spectrum Brands.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
My career has evolved from being a bench scientist to field scientist and morphed to both bench and field currently. Over the years I have worked on providing innovative management options that have contributed to the development of integrated plant health management strategies benefiting both organic and conventional agriculture. These strategies have included research on the biology of plant pathogens of economic importance, the development of diagnostic tools, use of genomics to define each pathosystem.

In my current role as Plant Scientist at SPB, I design, initiate and conduct efficacy tests with control products in greenhouse, laboratory, growth chamber and field, and provide technical expertise on all things plants to stake holders.

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
I am, by nature, reserved but with a very inquisitive mind. I have always wanted to understand “the why and how” of things. The abundance of microorganisms that do not cause any harm on crops was an enigma to me. The idea that new diseases emerged from existing microbes that may have been harmless in the environment under certain conditions was interesting enough to garner my interest in science. I love how the scientific method could stimulate a mind to discover hidden gems in nature – more like a private investigator – only one ends up with a product that helps the society and not conviction.

How can we support women and girls (future women!) in science?
It is imperative to encourage women and girls to adopt a growth mindset, and to base feelings of belonging on effort and engagement wherever they are, whether in a classroom or work setting. When I joined the University for my PhD program, I was unprepared to face the multiplicity of issues that surfaced daily. I was fortunate some of the professors came to my rescue and their efforts had a profound effect on me. Today, I realize their encouragement helped me to identify the problems I encountered as difficulties and not limitations. The art of mentoring should be encouraged and not removed from our society. We have come along way and I salute the pioneers in this field, but societal priorities are fast changing, and women are no more the focal point, but we still have to continue the fight for women who want to excel in science.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
I am amazed at the opportunities SPB offers for improving oneself. Here, the sky and you are your limits at growth both in one’s field and cross-functionally. Unlike in other companies, at SPB I feel integrated and supported by all colleagues. The human mind is sharpened by innovation and continuous learning. It is hard work, but I am provided with everything I need to succeed.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
From the get-go, define your interests, find out how and what you need to achieve those interests and go for it. You will excel in whatever is of interest to you. On your journey, do not hesitate to ask for help when you have exhausted all your leads (asking for help when you have done the necessary research is scientific). Thus, taking a more active role in furthering and encouraging women in science will entail collaborating with already established programs to build core supervisory competencies.