Getting to Know Gloria Malpass, Ph.D.

Gloria Malpass, Ph.D., has worn several hats in her professional career—computer-aided measuring machine programmer and quality specialist, university researcher, math and science teacher, and now, a Research Consultant with Womble Bond Dickinson’s Medical and Scientific Solutions team.

In this Q&A, she discusses her professional journey, her scientific and medical research background, her love of writing, and her newfound interest in photography.

You have an extensive background in science and medicine. What did you do before coming to Womble?

I majored in mathematics as an undergrad. I worked at GE Aircraft—an aircraft engine manufacturer—for almost 13 years in the Quality Division. I’d always had a love of science and decided to make a complete change away from computer-aided measuring machine programming, which is what I was doing.

I went back to school for a program in pharmacology and toxicology. When graduated, I completed a postdoctoral program at Wake Forest.

My background also includes working for a university lab and teaching middle school for a year.

What drew you to your particular areas of study?

I initially thought I would study pharmacy science doing drug development. But as I got into it, I found pharmacology and toxicology more exciting. It’s all about discovering new things.

I did my dissertation on issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. I like seeing how chemicals impact not only the body, but also the environment.

What do you do as part of the Medical & Scientific Solutions Team? How do you apply your skills and knowledge to work for clients?

We receive several different types of requests. Sometimes, it’s straightforward—look at the research and see what you can find about a topic. Sometimes, we’re looking for alternate causes for a medical condition.

Another thing we do is analyze data. We evaluate literature to see if there are any concerning statements. If we put an expert witness saying this in front of a jury, could it cause us problems? Recently, I worked alongside an attorney to help select expert witnesses.

Since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved detective stories. Even now, my favorite novels and movies are mysteries. And finding the unknown is a big part of what I get to do for our clients. It’s like putting together a puzzle and figuring out where the pieces fit together.

How does your teaching background benefit you in your current role?

When I was working at the university, I guided students in the lab, working with one or two students at a time. And I taught middle school math and science for a year. I like explaining things one-on-one.

What about your background in mathematics? How does that play into what you do now?

Math is analytical and having that background has sharpened my skills in that respect. But math and science are different in one important way. In math, everything has a definite answer. In science, it’s not always black-and-white. You must be able to think logically in science, but you have to be open-minded, because it’s not always cut-and-dried.

I know you also do a lot of writing. Tell me about that—how did you get interested in writing and why do you enjoy doing it?

I didn’t enjoy writing until I took an American History course in college. There, I had a professor who encouraged me to write, and I discovered that you learn more about a topic as you write about it.

At MSS, it’s important that we convey information in a way anyone can understand it. I try to do that in my writing, and writing has helped me communicate with our clients.

Tell us a bit about your life outside of the office. What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?

I always like to learn, and my latest project is learning more about photography. I’m still in the beginning stages, but I’ve always enjoyed wildlife, so that’s where I want to focus my photography. There’s something about nature that is inspiring.

Want to learn more? Visit Womble Bond Dickinson’s Medical and Scientific Solutions team page.