Ashley Hallfrisch, M.S.

Finding career growth through scientific leadership and management.

Ashley Hallfrisch (MS ‘22) began the program as a bench scientist without experience managing people and discovered an interest in people management thanks to the mentorship she received through the program. Hallfrisch has worked for the contract manufacturing company Catalent Pharma Solutions for the many years, receiving annual leadership promotions within the organization. Her roles have included Quality Assurance Assistant; Laboratory Associate, Analytical Development; Assistant Scientist, Analytical Development; Associate Scientist, Analytical Development; and now Senior Associate Scientist.

Discovering an interest in people leadership.

“I think one of the faculty that has had a major impact on my professional development was Michelle Venturini,” says Hallfrisch.

“Her class on effective management and professional development made me realize that I would like to be a people manager.”

Ashley adds, “It taught me a lot about what it means to be someone’s manager, giving and receiving useful feedback, how and when to use different management styles, and all of the interpersonal skills required to be successful in that type of leadership role.”

Venturini, an experienced human resources and administrative operations leader, teaches Professional Development and Effective Management in the M.S. in Biotech program, which began as a workshop and evolved into a required course that focuses on managing people with compassion and understanding.

“Management and leadership skills are differentiators in the workplace, but they are often misunderstood as skills that don’t apply, unless your career goals include a management position,” says Venturini. “In reality, everyone leads, whether they recognize it or not.”

“It has been rewarding to share my experience with students in the M.S. in Biotechnology Program. That moment when students discover that there are leadership tools as tangible as their lab bench is indescribable,” notes Venturini. “I also enjoy working with students one-on-one to improve their resumes and discuss career goals. I’m grateful that the program recognizes the importance of graduating students who have exposure to these critical topics.”

Milestones met and more to go.

Ashley’s career at Catalent has steadily progressed since graduating. Her scientific expertise has grown in tandem with her interest in mentoring other scientists, helping others develop their careers, and more broadly, leading process development for Catalent’s customers and their highly technical projects.

As Ashley career nears ten years with Catalent, she credits the M.S. in Biotechnology Program for helping her realize what she could achieve and for helping her become the scientist and leader she envisioned.