Advancing Science Through Diversity: A Conversation with Women in Chromatography, Part 1

In this first roundtable discussion focused on Women in Chromatography, LCGC International spoke with Diane Turner, Jacqueline Hamilton, and Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay, who are all leading voices in the International Women in Chromatography group. ​Established on LinkedIn, the group is a professional community dedicated to supporting and connecting women involved in the field of chromatography. The group serves as a platform for members to share knowledge, discuss advancements, and promote opportunities within the chromatography community​.

Jacqueline Hamilton, Diane Tuner, and Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay © Images courtesy of interviewees

In this discussion, we explore key topics such as gender inclusivity, the unique challenges women face in their careers, and the guidance and resources available to support aspiring female chromatographers. Our guests bring a wealth of experience across different sectors of analytical chemistry, from atmospheric science and environmental engineering to method development and industry training.

Diane Turner is the founder, director, and senior consultant of Anthias Consulting. A Warwick University Graduate, Turner completed her master’s in analytical chemistry and started her career in environmental and then agrochemical science, later gaining significant experience as an applications chemist. Turner has developed methods and given support and high-quality training for companies in most industries around the world for more than 25 years. She is a visiting fellow and consultant at The Open University where she continues her disease diagnosis research from her PhD along with food, drug, and space applications.

Jacqueline Hamilton is the Science Director at the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and a professor in Atmospheric Chemistry at the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories at the University of York. She develops novel analytical techniques to understand the sources of air pollution both outdoors and within homes. She also studies how these chemicals evolve once they are emitted into the atmosphere and their impact on human health.

Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay works at the interface of engineering and analytical chemistry, driving innovation in high-resolution and sensing analytical techniques to address emerging challenges in water and environmental biotechnologies. Passionate about the role of interdisciplinarity in tackling complex environmental issues, Gauchotte-Lindsay actively explores how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can enhance interdisciplinary research. Beyond research, she is a dedicated advocate for DEI in STEM.

Part 1 of this conversation discusses the initiative behind the International Women in Chromatography Group.