The Member Spotlight is an ongoing Q&A series focused on getting to know the CASSS community. Today’s spotlight shines on Tura Camilli, Senior Group Director, Pharma Technical Regulatory at Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group.
Tura became a CASSS Associate Director in 2020 and was previously a Committee Member for the NorCal Regional Forum. Tura has attended, volunteered, and presented in many CASSS meetings throughout the years, including CGTP Summit, CMC Strategy Forum Latin America, CMC Strategy Forum Japan, CMC Strategy Forum North America, DC Discussion Group, Mass Spec, and WCBP. Most recently, Tura was a Keynote Speaker at Mass Spec 2023 and presented "Perspective on MAM".
Q. What was your motivation to volunteer with CASSS?
Collaborating with peers across industry, as well as influencing the selection of topics that will generate good discussions and be helpful in creating learning opportunities and shaping regulatory expectations.
Q. What do you do to relax? Do you have any hobbies?
I have been a long distance runner for many years, and recently picked up playing tennis. I am also an avid reader.
Q. What's your favorite type of food or special dish you cook? Why?
I am French and I grew up in France, so my favorite is .... French cuisine! I do not cook French dishes very often, but when I do "blanquette de veau" is a favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie, tv show, music, or book?
I enjoy every genre of music, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be classical.
My favorite book is "Crime and punishment" (Dostoievski) and one of my favorite TV show is "Ozark". If you haven't met me, I realize that these choices would not necessarily indicate that laughing is one of my favorite things to do!
Q. What famous person (dead or alive) would you choose to have dinner with? Why?
Winston Churchill, whom I admire for being such an extraordinary leader. I would enjoy hearing from him about some of his strategic partnerships and decision-making.
Q. What’s your favorite travel experience?
I love traveling for the insights it provides into so many different cultures.
My favorite travel experience thus far was probably visiting Egypt when I was 14 years old.
Q. What would people be surprised to know about you?
I played the violin for 12 years, followed by piano for a few years.
Q. How did you get inspired to go into science/biotech/pharma industry?
As far as my memory goes, I have always wanted to be a scientist. I am not sure what inspired me, but I am glad that's what I turned out to be.
Q. If you did anything other than your current occupation, what would it be?
I would have enjoyed being an architect. Architecture is an interest that I have developed a few years ago, but I find it fascinating to explore different styles of architecture and how they can influence neighborhoods/cities.