Women's History Month Brings to Mind One of Amgen's First Scientists
Bob Bradway
I’m excited to be leading Amgen as we harness dramatic advances in science and technology to serve patients suffering from serious diseases.
As we mark Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women who helped build Amgen into a global force in human health. Prominent among them is Margery Nicolson, PhD, whose remarkable three-stage career continues to this day.
Margery invested the first stage of her career in academic research and teaching. A Stanford graduate, she earned her doctorate in biochemistry from Baylor, did a post-doctorate at the California Institute of Technology, and spent 15 years with the USC School of Medicine, teaching biochemistry and pursuing research into virology.
The second stage of her career began in 1980, when Margery came to Amgen, among the first scientists recruited to the then-startup. Lab space was so tight that Amgen’s first CEO, George Rathmann, moved into a small trailer to free up room for scientific work.
On March 12, 1985, Margery was awarded Amgen’s first patent for the science that led to the development of Amgen’s second approved medicine. During Margery’s 18-year career, her scientific work helped drive Amgen’s global growth, and she witnessed the expansion of the company from less than 100 people to more than 16,000.
After her retirement, Margery launched the third stage of her career, which continues today. She and her late husband, Iain, devoted their full energies as advocates for global sustainability and the care of natural habitats.
Today, at 88, Margery remains a highly active supporter of groups like the International Crane Foundation, the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and the Nature Conservancy.
Margery’s amazing legacy includes an improved understanding of retroviruses, the training of more than 1,000 physicians, countless lives changed through the application of her scientific work, and a major Audubon Center, named for Iain, on the Platte River in Nebraska.
Thank you, Margery. You continue to inspire all of us at Amgen.
Co-Mgr at Harris Teeter
6 年An inspirational woman for sure! ????????
Senior Director, Conservation Netwworking at International Crane Foundation
6 年Margery, your creative energy and passion? has been an inspiration to all of us who have been blessed to know you!? I am pleased that the cranes tugged on you heart -- and grateful for the people, places, and wildlife whose lives are brighter for your support.? Thank you for all you do! Claire
President & CEO of the International Crane Foundation
6 年Congratulations Margery on this well-deserved and so impressive shout out!? Thank you for being such a tireless advocate for crane conservation during your "third career" too.? We are very lucky to count you among our supporters and friends.
Senior Director, Climate Strategy at National Audubon Society
6 年Margery has blazed trails from Nepal to cancer. She is a mentor of mine when I served on a board with her. And quickly became a friend. Nice shout out Amgen!
Drollinger Environmental Leadership Fellow at LMU CURes
6 年It's women like Margery who serve as encouraging roll models for all young girls to aspire to achieve their dreams.? Margery did it back in the day when women had even more challenges than today.? She paved the way for the rest of us, not with resentment, but with persistence.? I too have served on a Board with Margery, California Audubon, where I first met her in 2000.? I am so privileged to call her my friend to this day.? Thank you Amgen for acknowledging her achievements!?