How Alexandra Turned Science into Impact at RKW
My name is Alexandra, and I have always loved science, especially biology and chemistry. I grew up in sunny Sydney, Australia, and today I live in (currently wintery) Germany, near Cologne. Although the surroundings have changed, my passion for science has stayed the same.
I studied in Sydney, where I earned my PhD in Organic Chemistry. After that, I completed several postdoctoral positions—first in the United States, then in Belgium, and finally in Germany. Over time, I decided to branch out of the laboratory and move into Regulatory Affairs (RA), with a focus on food packaging product safety.
What motivated you to work in a scientific or technical environment?
I have always been drawn to science. I was fascinated by biology, genetics, plants, animals, insects, and even phase-changing molecules—just think of water freezing, melting, or boiling. If we could observe or measure something, I wanted to understand it.
What truly motivates me is that, no matter how much we already know about the world, there is always more to learn, discover, and question. Over time, I learned to channel this curiosity into my scientific research. I chose projects that inspired me, including work on tuberculosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Eventually, I realized that science doesn’t only happen in a laboratory. Through Regulatory Affairs, I can help ensure that products brought to market are safe for consumers—and that is incredibly rewarding.
What does your typical workday as Manager Regulatory Affairs at RKW look like?
My days involve a lot of communication and collaboration. I lead a team of Regulatory Specialists, and together we ensure that RKW’s entire product portfolio complies with a wide range of regulations and customer needs.
I stay in close contact with my team to address ongoing and new regulatory tasks. My day may include meetings with customers or internal colleagues to discuss upcoming or ongoing projects—it’s always exciting to see these projects progress from ideas to reality. I also represent RKW in regulatory roles within industry associations.
Since many of our production sites are located in Europe, I closely follow EU regulations, which are among the strictest and fastest-evolving in the world, particularly in food safety and environmental protection. Keeping up with regulatory changes is a key part of my role—and it ensures that my work never gets boring.
Which skills or qualities are especially important in your field?
Communication skills and a willingness to learn new things are essential for my work. I need to convey complex information clearly to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and professional fields.
Collaboration is equally important, listening to different perspectives and working together toward solutions. Analytical thinking, asking the right questions, and problem-solving are core parts of my role. Finally, flexibility is crucial. Regulations, knowledge, and expectations evolve constantly, so being open to change, and helping others navigate it, is key to success.
What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in science, technology, or regulatory affairs?
Never be afraid to speak up or ask questions. Stay curious and keep an open mind. If you don’t know the answer, someone else might—and if they don’t, you may have discovered something worth exploring further. There truly are no stupid questions.
If you feel inspired by science or technology, pursue it with confidence. Do what you love, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Even if you don’t see yourself represented in a particular field, don’t be discouraged. Studying science can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding—and you never know where it might take you.