Engineering Success

Engineering Success interviews Dr Margi Vilnay a Lecturer in Structural Engineering at the University of Dundee. Dr Margi Vilnay is a Lecturer in Structural Engineering and the Director of Public Engagement and Outreach for the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee. Margi completed her BSc (Hons) followed by a Research MSc (Cum Laude) in Structural Engineering, investigating the protection of historic structures as part of an EU funded project. Subsequently, Margi obtained her PhD from Heriot Watt University looking at assessing the behaviour of reinforced concrete columns under blast loads. Margi then went on to work as a structural engineer in the oil and gas industry before returning to academia. Margi joined the University of Dundee in her current roles in 2020. Margi holds a postgraduate certificate in higher education and is a senior fellow of the higher education academy. She is a chartered member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and is the Education and Inspiration lead fo

Engineering Success interviews Dr Emma Yhnell a Neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer based in Cardiff, Wales. Emma is an award-winning science communicator and she is making it her mission to make science more accessible, inclusive and fun for everyone. Emma is a first generation academic and a regular contributor to local radio and television as well as a commentator for the Science Media Centre. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and changing the minds of people who nervously think science isn't for them. Emma obtained her BSc honours degree in Biochemistry before completing a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience and Huntington's Disease. She then obtained a prestigious research fellowship to work with families impacted by Huntington's Disease. Emma is passionate about teaching and learning and has been accredited with a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, completed part-time via dist

Engineering Success interviews Ayo Sokale a Chartered Civil Engineer, a Presenter and Keynote Speaker, ICE President's Future Leader and ICE Superhero ECO Warrior. Ayo graduated with a Masters in Civil and  Coastal Engineering from Plymouth University in 2016. She is a professionally qualified Project Manager at the Environment Agency. Ayo is a Supervising Civil Engineer taking graduate engineers through the professional development process to achieve their professional qualification. She is an active member of her professional institution, The Institution of Civil Engineers, where she is a member of The ICE Thames Valley, ICE Policy and External Affairs and ICE Communication Committees. Ayo was also nominated for the Top 50 Women in Engineering under 35 (WE50) initiative run by The Telegraph in partnership with The Women's Engineering Society (WES)

Engineering Success interviews Lisa-Jayne Cook an award-winning Refrigeration Engineer and advocate for Diversity and Inclusion. Lisa is on the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Refrigeration, a member of the Women's Engineering Society, a Director at ACRIB - the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board and a STEMazing woman. In 2019 Lisa was named in the prestigious WES Top 50 Female Engineers list and works tirelessly to champion women in engineering and to raise the profile of the refrigeration engineering industry. With 22 years experience Lisa draws on her vast knowledge to help the next generation of talent understand engineering and the amazing career opportunities open in the STEM fields.

Dr Nike Folayan MBE is a Chartered Engineer and gained a PhD in electronics engineering from the University of Sheffield. Nike is a Technical Director at leading Engineering and Consultancy firm WSP, but is more widely known as the co-founder of AFBE-UK (Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers). AFBE-UK was founded by Nike and her brother Dr Ollie Folayan in 2007 and through it there has been tremendous growth in the inclusion of Black and Minority Ethnic people in Engineering. Nike is one of the leading voices and advocates for more representation of BME engineers in industry and works relentlessly through AFBE-UK to support under-represented individuals. AFBE-UK has actively supported over 20,000 individuals seeking work in engineering and engineering related subjects whilst also engaging a mix of communities across the UK ranging from companies to engineering institutions and schools, to develop and showcase the engineering talent available within the BME community thereby contributing to the w

Engineering Success interviews Simran Dhadda a Content Developer and Presenter. Simran has a unique hybrid skillset in marketing engineering. Graduating from Imperial College London with a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering she then worked at Airbus, the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer. Starting her career as a Structural Engineer she then moved into marketing. Simran has had an international career, seconded to New York, Beijing and lived in France experiencing first-hand how engineering is a truly global business. Simran managed corporate events at Airbus where she travelled to over 35 different countries, working with world class airlines conducting business with different cultures. She is extremely passionate about promoting engineering, showing what an exciting profession it can be and is now working full time on developing a TV series to do just that!

Engineering Success interviews Ellie Carter a Pilot and STEM Ambassador. Ellie has always wanted to be a pilot from a very young age. The physics and mathematics of flying always fascinated Ellie. When Ellie was eight she became fascinated with high altitude flight and an aircraft called the U-2. The science of flying at such altitudes was intriguing and she was fortunate enough to meet the aircraft and her crews which propelled her towards her dream. Ellie became the youngest female solo pilot when she took a day off school to solo gliders on her 14th birthday. She followed this up by soloing powered aircraft three days after her 16th birthday, due to storm Diana preventing her from flying on her birthday. Ellie collected her PPL on her 17th birthday. Since then Ellie has added various ratings including her tail wheel rating which allows her to fly a 1943 Piper L4 Grasshopper which served in D-Day! Ellie most memorable aviation moments to date include flying to Belgium, which won her an international aviatri

Engineering Success interviews Alexandra Knight the Founder and Director of STEMAZING Ltd and STEMAZINGKids CIC. Alex is a Fellow of The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and a Member of the Institute of Asset Management with over 15 years experience in Systems Engineering, Asset Management and Project Management. She is also a Trustee on the Board of the Women's Engineering Society (WES) and a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at Brunel University London. Alex is passionate about developing others and promoting the engineering profession. She is an active STEM Ambassador and a mentor for the Women in Brunel Engineering and Computing Scheme. She was announced one of the Top 100 WeAreTheCity Women for championing gender diversity in engineering 2020. Alex Strongly believes that through STEMAZING she will be able to extend her impact for inspiring people to go into STEM careers and supporting women to remain and progress in their STEM journeys. STEMAZING aims to inspire and increase diversity an

Engineering Success interviews Georgia Thompson a Civil Engineer at BAM Nuttall and the Co-Founder of D-VERS-TY Georgia is passionate about personal leadership and an advocate for changing cultures in diversity, inclusion and innovation. Currently a Design Delivery Coordinator at BAM Nuttall, Georgia is responsible for the pre-construction delivery of railway bridge renewals and refurbishments in the South East on behalf of Network Rail as well as innovation lead for the Rail South team in Sevenoaks. Georgia is the Co-Founder of D-VERS-TY a social enterprise dedicated to challenging the habit of identifying differences before recognising attributes and talents in Engineering and Technology fields. D-VERS-TY are currently running their mentorship scheme between students at the University of West England and graduates at Rolls Royce, aimed to develop inclusive leaders. Georgia is the communications officer for the Railway Civil Engineering Association, promoting the benefits of railway civil engineering and

Engineering Success interviews Sophie Harker a Senior Aerodynamicist for BAE Systems. Sophie is one of the youngest engineers to have achieved Chartered Engineer status at just 25 years old. She works at the forefront of aerospace technology, developing advanced designs and concepts for new generation fast jets and aircraft that operate in space as well as inside the atmosphere. Sophie has contributed directly to BAE Systems hypersonic capabilities including applying technologies from first hybrid air-breathing rocket engine system (SABRE) being developed by Reaction Ltd, which could revolutionise travel from the atmosphere into space. One day she hopes to go into space herself as an Astronaut. Sophie is an exceptionally talented engineer with her creative and innovative approach. Her work on hypersonic air vehicles includes building the necessary business cases and defining the product philosophy at each stage of development. She has also led a process transformation programme within the avionics department

Engineering Success interviews Michelle Richardson a Senior Project Manager at Property Alliance Group. Having always known that she wanted to work in construction Michelle started out life wanting to be an Architect. Whilst studying for her BA(Hons) in Architecture she soon realised that she was much better placed for a career in Project Management having realised her organisational and communication skills were stronger than her creative design skills. Having completed her degree in Architecture she embarked on studying part-time for a Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management after securing her first role as an Assistant Project Manager with a consultancy firm in Leeds. Over the past 18 years Michelle has worked for a number of large international consultancies firms including Arcadis, Mace and Deloitte in the Project Management teams. In addition to this Michelle has worked as an Operations Director for a small construction company and is now a Senior Project Manager with a large property developer in M

Engineering Success interviews Mamta Singhal Mamta is an Engineer, a Public Speaker and a New Product Design Expert. She is a Chartered Engineer, a Council Member at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), on a UK Manufacturing Policy Panel and was Women of the Year ToyNews 2015 finalist and Women of the Future Ambassador 2015 and 2016 as well as an Associate Member of the Women's Engineering Society (WES). In 2007 she won the WES IET Young Women Engineer of the Year Award. She is also a Committee Member for Strathclyde University down South Alumni network. Mamta holds over 16 years' experience working for global firms such as Mattel, Hasbro, Dyson, Mars Chocolate and Polaroid. She is experienced in continuous improvement, engineering, project management and New Product Design in commercial, creative and technical environments. Holding a passion for sustainability, engineering, public speaking and inspiring others. Mamta is professionally media trained by MediaWomen Limited in 2015. Recently inte

Engineering Success interviews Gemma Darroch the Head of New Projects at Ideal Modular Homes. Gemma has several years experience providing expert advice across the interior design and modular housing sector. As Head of New Projects at Ideal Modular Homes, Gemma has a proven track record of developing successful business relationships with existing and prospective clients. With her exceptional understanding of the growing housing market, Gemma helps clients achieve their aspirations in creating "beautiful homes in which people want to live". With a creative eye for precision, Gemma advocated 'simplicity in design' through sustainable construction methods without compromising on quality and deliverability. This is reflected within the design ethos of Ideal Modular Homes. Her commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon initiatives set out by the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) and creating socially viable homes for all, is at the forefront of her sustainability mission.

Engineering Success interviews Jo Foster the Diversity & Inclusion Manager at The Institute of Engineering and Technology. Jo is an accomplished Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) specialist with more than 9 years experience in the profession. She currently works as the EDI Lead for the Institution of Engineering and Technology - one of the largest professional engineering societies in the world. Jo leads on all EDI activity for the institution and in 2018 she set the IET's first multi-year EDI Strategy. This strategy has full senior leadership support and approval from the IET's Board of Trustees. It has an internal and external focus and is an excellent example of embedding EDI practises across a complex organisational structure. She imparts expert knowledge across multiple diversity strands such as; gender, LGBTQ+, social mobility, BAME groups, disability, mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. She is Chair of the IET Diversity & Inclusion Committee, sits on the Royal Academy of Enginee

Engineering Success interviews Josie Rothera the Course Director for MSc Civil Engineering at Leeds Beckett University. Josie is a Chartered Engineer, an Associate of the Association of Project Management, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Early Career Researcher. Josie has also recently been appointed as a Panel Member for the Institution of Apprenticeships and Technical Education. Josie has over 10 years experience of project site management on contracts over £10M, often the sole female representation on the delivery team. She is a active promoter of the Institution of Civil Engineers in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and is a board representative on several steering groups in both academia and industry. Josie is a Company Director of STEER Support and Mentoring CIC, which supports under-graduates in transitioning into Built Environment careers. Josie is a supporter for under-represented groups in civil engineering and the built environment industry and is a member of the Women's Engineer

Engineering Success interviews Chiara Armandi who is currently studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Surrey. Chiara is the President of the first Society of Women in Space Exploration in Europe and loves everything to do with Space. Keen to be involved in the Space |Industry she wants to help make discoveries that will change our lives and advance our knowledge. Chiara believes there is much unknown and she wants to find out as much as possible during this perfect era. Having spent a great deal of time deciding her career path Chiara can only see her future working in the engineering industry and wants to share her passion to inspire others into engineering.

Engineering Success interviews Dr Sarah Peers the Founder Director of Peers & Peers Sarah's route into engineering is a little unusual: her background is mathematics, having several degrees, but has a PhD in mechanical engineering from University College London. Sarah calls herself "sort of engineer/mathematician/systems engineer". Her first jobs were in programming and analysis and then as a lecturer at University College London where she worked on the development of reliability and AI based maintenance planning of offshore structures. She is currently Deputy President of INWES, the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists and she has been involved in activities to increase the number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) since 1992. She is also a senior advisor and a Fellow of the Institute of Innovation & Knowledge Exchange, driving innovation skills in scientific and tech corporations, including defence and global companies, and a Director at The STEM Foun

Engineering Success interviews Vicki Reynolds a Digital Manager at Multiplex Construction Vicki has worked closely with stakeholders of every level of seniority and experience to deliver BIM and Digital Construction across a number of major projects in the UK. In her current role as Digital Manager at Multiplex Construction she works on the pre-construction digital strategy and digital skills development across the organisation. She believes that, so long as you find the right learning method, BIM and Digital Construction can be accessible for everyone. A core member of Women in BIM, Vicki works hard to support, retain and provide opportunities for women in the digital construction environment and regularly presents at schools to promote STEM and Construction to girls in education. Vicki believes strongly that the industry must diversify in order to successfully digitalise, and works hard to encourage women of all ages and experience to consider construction as a viable and rewarding career option.

Engineering Success interviews Fred Mills the Co-Founder and Managing Director at The B1M. Having worked with a leading UK contractor, Fred co-founded The B1M in 2012 to upskill the construction industry on building information modelling (BIM) The award-winning "BIM For Beginners" series went on to gain several million video views and is now embedded in over 500 organisations worldwide. Building on the success of the platforms BIM content, Fred focused on sharing 'the best of construction' to improve the industry and ensure that it appealed to the best talent. Fred grew The B1M into the worlds largest and most subscribed-to video channel for construction with over 7 million viewers each month. It now employs a nine-strong team from its London HQ. Fred's videos have amassed tens of millions of views making him a global figure in video publishing and a role model to millions of people interested or already working in construction. Fred's mission is to fundamentally alter the perception of construction on planet

Engineering Success interview Mark Farmer the Founding Director and CEO of Cast. Cast is a Real Estate and Construction Consultancy business with a strong heritage within the UK property development and investment sector. Mark has 30 years experience in construction and real estate and is a recognised international commentator on a variety of industry and policy related issues. Mark is a member of the Mayor of London's Construction Skills Advisory Group, a Board Member for the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, a Co-Chair of Construction Excellence, a Vice Chair of the ULI UK Residential Council, A Trustee of the MOBIE educational charity and is an Honorary Professor at The University of Salford's School of Built Environment. Mark authored the 'Farmer Review', an influential 2016 independent government review of the UK's construction labour model entitled 'Modernise or Die'. He is a member of the Construction Innovation Hub Industry Board and Chairs the MHCLG joint industry working group tasked with ena