Where community meets cutting edge

“I’ve been able to grow BIOVECTRA and it has been wonderful for me.”

- Bruna Coutinho
Principal Scientist, Process Development - Biologics

Bruna Coutinho has experienced many adventures on her path pursuing a career in science. Her most recent journey was joining BIOVECTRA, finding a new home in Prince Edward Island and starting her family. Originally from Brazil, Bruna studied microbiology and immunology there, got her Biotechnology Ph.D. in Italy, and completed post-doctoral work in Seattle. Bruna’s pride in her team, commitment to problem solving, and pursuit of biotechnology is infectious - in the best way possible! Bruna thrives on challenges, performing her best, and encouraging others. She sets her sights on a career with industry because of her strong desire to do something tangible and productive with her knowledge. Bruna joined the company as a Research Scientist and was quickly promoted to Senior Scientist and then to lead of the Process Development Biologics team. She and her team work to help clients solve their early-stage problems in the lab and support them to scale-up their products to be ready for manufacturing. The collaborative and helpful nature of her team, new challenges to solve in the lab, and ongoing learning feeds Bruna’s professional growth and passion for her work.

 “I am honored to be part of the successes and challenges that ensure we continuously grow”

- Andrea Dawson

Senior Director, Commercial Operations & Project Management

Andrea Dawson’s fate was to become an engineer.  Growing up she loved fixing things with her family around their property in rural Prince Edward Island (PEI).  She later graduated with a BEng, Chemical Engineering from Dalhousie University (then TUNS) and was BIOVECTRA’s first engineering student. Andrea went on to carve out a dynamic career path working both in Alberta and Ontario, gaining experience in the manufacturing, energy, and clean technology sectors.  Then an opportunity came to move her young family to PEI.  Her career came full circle when she accepted the role of Director, Manufacturing with BIOVECTRA when she returned in 2010.  Andrea came with considerable engineering and leadership acumen to contribute back to the company where she first cut her teeth as student.  In the past twelve years Andrea has held several key leadership roles in manufacturing and engineering.  She is now the Senior Director leading BIOVECTRA’s project management team, working across departments to ensure clients’ project needs are met. The one-time mentee has become the mentor, as Andrea enjoys encouraging new talent to achieve heights in their BIOVECTRA careers.