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  1. Videos
  2. Video

Our Story #PortraitOfAnEngineer #SmashStereotypestoBits

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Interview
  • Duration: 12 mins
  • Publication date: 21 Dec 2018
  • Part of series MiniDocs

Abstract

The Institution of Engineering and Technology recognised the achievements of six exceptional young women engineers at its Young Woman Engineer (YWE) Awards Ceremony on 6 December 2018.  Launched in 1978,  these prestigious awards honour the very best early career female engineers working in the UK today.  This collection of profile pieces is a snapshot of the incredible work that our six finalists have been involved in.  It is a fantastic opportunity to both celebrate and be inspired by the achievements of some of the young women who are set to shape the future of our industry.

Keywords:
  • YWE
  • award
  • engineer
  • technology
  • winner
  • women

Channels

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Speakers

  • Sophie Harker

    Sophie Harker

    BAE Systems

    Sophie is an Aerodynamics & Performance Engineer for BAE Systems’ Concepts & Technology team.She performs aerodynamic and performance analysis on future aircraft concepts, and leads on joint hypersonic and space concept work with Reaction Engines Limited.Sophie decided to become an engineer after she received careers advice from Dr Helen Sharman, the first Briton in space, who she met whilst at university.At the time, Sophie was studying Mathematics at the University of Nottingham and aspired to become an astronaut. With Helen’s advice in her mind, Sophie focused on applied mathematics and took a software engineering internship with BAE Systems.After graduating with a Master’s in Mathematics, Sophie joined BAE Systems on their graduate scheme.She undertook engineering placements across various aircraft platforms and products, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. For her final placement, she was seconded to Reaction Engines, where she worked on the Skylon spaceplane, which led to her current role.An active STEM ambassador, Sophie is currently setting up a non-profit to enable schools and institutions to video call engineers and scientists. Her aim is to make sure that no child misses the opportunity of a STEM career due to their geographical location.As well as taking aerodynamics workshops to schools and air shows, Sophie has given talks on the engineering vision for space and hypersonic transport and has shown that women like herself are an integral part of that vision. Sophie also sits on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the Royal Aeronautical Society.
  • KS

    Kate Self

    BT Tower, Degree Apprentice in TV

  • AW

    Amy Wright

    Farrans Construction, Senior Site Engineer

  • Shajida Akthar

    Shajida Akthar

    Engineer, Accenture, Software

  • CD

    Claire Donoghue

    3M, Corporate Research Lab, Researcher

  • Lorna Bennet

    Lorna Bennet

    Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Mechanical Engineer

    Lorna joined ORE Catapult in September 2016 as a Mechanical Engineer forming part of the core Engineering team. With a background in mechanical design and project management, Lorna is involved in both research and design projects.Having previous experience in marine energy development with Pelamis Wave Power, Lorna brings a practical understanding of the challenges faced by the offshore renewable energy sector with a structured approach and technical knowledge. Lorna has experience in the design, development and technical challenges of delivering complex collaborative projects within multi-functional joint venture partnerships.Prior to joining the ORE Catapult, Lorna worked for six years in a variety of mechanical design engineering roles in a wide range of industries: wave power development, oceanographic research, oil and gas, aerospace and construction.
  • Kate  Self

    Kate Self

    BT Tower, Degree Apprentice in TV

  • Claire Donoghue

    Claire Donoghue

    3M, Corporate Research Lab, Researcher

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