What is your background?

I joined the University of Nottingham in 2019 following a varied career in engineering. I did my degrees in chemical engineering at Cambridge University before working in the nuclear energy and fusion industry. I specialise in tritium processing and safety analyses. I was an operations manager at the ISIS Neutron and Muon source for three years before moving to Nottingham to join the university’s Faculty of Engineering. Here at Nottingham, I am the project manager for both the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems research group and the University Technology Centre (UTC) in Gas Turbine Transmission Systems. 

Tell us about your job?

I support the research group and UTC in programme and financial management, research strategy and bid development, resource planning, and most things in between. The group and UTC have a broad range of research interests from solids and dynamics to thermofluids, and it’s fascinating to continue learning about a variety of different engineering disciplines. We have links with many different funding bodies and have strong industrial links, so the work continues to be relevant and interesting.

What kind of support have you found helpful in advancing your career?

Working with people who put their faith in me has been the best motivation for improving my skills and abilities. In particular, I am most productive and collaborative with people who embrace diversity of all types, including of thought and personality. Some of the best support has come from individuals who first teach me new skills but then encourage me as I take that learning and extend it.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in engineering?

Engineering is such a broad discipline that there is place for every ability, expertise, and interest. Projects and ideas become more successful with different viewpoints and input; there’s never only one correct solution. It can be difficult, but speak and make your ideas and abilities heard, especially when they may be different. A good team will listen and encourage you, and you deserve to be heard.