Francesca Bagnasco
What do you like about working at LabAnalysis?
In 2000 I started working at what now is the Genoa office of LabAnalysis Group as a thesis candidate. I've seen the company grow year by year and I'm very proud to be part of Quality Assurance Team. I like to contribute to the achievement of the company goals and to be part of a dynamic and growing group.
On the technical front of Food analysis, that I follow, I appreciate being able to take on new challenges. I aim to accredit new tests every year and to grow the food business line by meeting the needs of our Customers.
Your scientific journey
I graduated in Chemistry at the University of Genoa (Genoa, Italy) with a major in Analytical Chemistry. My supervisor had proposed me a thesis at a private company and I accepted. The company was ISMAR CHIMICA, what is now the Genoa headquarter of LabAnalysis. There I had the chance to gain experience in all departments: I started with microbiology and managed HACCP audits for customers; then I spent 5 years in the environmental chemical sector, dealing with gas chromatography. I also managed some wastewater analyses on cruise ships, as part of a "test on board" project, to verify the operation of sewage treatment plants. It was a very challenging job that allowed me to gain independence and dexterity of the taskk, making me more confident. In 2007 I started my experience with food chemistry.
Since the acquisition of LabAnalysis, in 2002, I started my training in Quality Assurance with Dr. Massara (LabAnalysis’ founder, together with her husband Prof. Luigino Maggi, ndr). In 2005 I became Head of Gas-Chromatography and in 2007 Head of Quality Assurance and of the Genoa Food Department at the same time. In 2013 I started to work with the Quality Assurance of the Pavia office and in 2018 I took charge of the Pavia Food Department.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
For the technical side, my hope is that the people who work for me grow. I'd like to designate people who will carry on projects and make the food business line grow. I also hope to improve the collaboration that already exists in my team, to achieve our company's goals together. I think that a good teamwork is key.
For the Quality Assurance part, I hope to continue to be part of it because it has always been a point of reference for me.
What about the people who've influenced you? Who has had the biggest impact on your career?
With no doubt, my mentor is Dr. Massara and I’m glad to be able to thank her here.
She started training me as soon as I graduated, but her training was not only dealing with Quality Assurance. I think I can say that she has given to me a modus operandi that has helped me also in the management of the technical part.
When you were young, what career path did you want to follow?
When I was younger, I think I always wanted to do this. I mean, not so much as working in a laboratory, but as being part of a group. Then clearly, since high school, I learned to love scientific subjects and I chose chemistry for this reason. I think I have a natural predisposition to work, sacrifice and commitment.
To conclude... highlights!
I am happy with the roles I cover. Having dual jobs has always been challenging, but very satisfying and a reason for growth. I am a dedicated person who pursues company goals and I’m focused on meeting the needs of our Clients.
When I took the picture for this interview I was with child. She’s Ludovica, my little girl, who is now six months old. I want to say her a phrase that I have made my own in these years of hard work and changes in LabAnalysis Group:
Live! It is truly beautiful to fight with persuasion, embrace life and live with passion. To lose with class and win by daring... because the world belongs to those who dare! Life is too good to be insignificant
Charlie Chaplin
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