Dr. Aneta Przepiorski, Ph.D.

Hi, I’m Aneta — co-founder of PhairyGodmothers, stem cell enthusiast, and your go-to guide for turning scientific passion into purpose.

I have a strong passion for stem cell research, tissue engineering, and exploring how we can harness this technology to better understand — and eventually combat — complex disease states. I completed my PhD in Molecular Medicine at the University of Auckland, where I focused on developing assays to guide induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into forming kidney tissue.

My proudest achievement? Creating a simple, cost-effective assay to generate kidney organoids — a miniature kidney-in-a-dish — that opened new possibilities for studying kidney disease pathways. That project didn’t just teach me science. It taught me how to think creatively, lead from within a team, and communicate across disciplines to solve real-world problems.

Alongside my scientific training, I’ve always had a deep interest in psychology and human behavior. Understanding how people think, react, and make decisions has been a huge asset throughout my career — from mentoring students in the lab to guiding PhDs through the often emotional process of career transition. It’s helped me become not just a better communicator, but a more empathetic and effective coach.

Over the years, I’ve built a reputation as a forward-thinking, ambitious scientist, but also as a mentor and motivator — someone who sees the bigger picture and helps others find their place in it. I love big questions, bold projects, and the kind of problem solving that doesn’t come with a protocol.

At PhairyGodmothers, I bring that same energy to helping fellow scientists reimagine what their careers can look like. I know how overwhelming it can feel to leave the academic track — especially when you’ve trained your whole life for it — but I also know the freedom and fulfillment that come with discovering your value outside the lab.

We’re here to help you navigate change with clarity, confidence, and community — no extra degrees required.

Dr. Amanda Crunk, Ph.D.

Hi, I’m Amanda — co-founder of PhairyGodmothers and the original lab escape artist.

I started my first company, RP SciCom LLC, while I was still a postdoc. It began as a way to help scientists become stronger communicators and presenters — turning technical research into compelling stories, crafting better talks, and connecting with audiences beyond their immediate field. What started as a few side projects grew into a full consulting practice focused on scientific communication strategy, and it opened a door I didn’t even know existed.

Over time, I realized my true strengths weren’t just in the science. They were in communication, project management, and seeing the big picture. Those “non-scientific” skills became the key to my own transition out of academia — and the foundation of a new career path I never saw coming.

In every conversation with fellow scientists, I kept hearing the same thing: “I don’t know what I’m qualified for outside the lab.” And I saw the same problem over and over — brilliant people who had no idea how to translate their skills into roles that didn’t come with a PI, a pipette, or a publication deadline.

That’s why I co-founded Phairygodmothers — to help other scientists navigate career transitions without going back to school or slogging through outdated “alternative-academic” advice. We don’t believe you need another certificate to prove your worth. We believe you need clarity, strategy, and support — from people who’ve done it themselves.

If you’re a scientist wondering what’s next, we’re here to help you find a path that fits who you are now, not just who you were trained to be.