Inspirational Alumnae

Newnham, 1978

Details of your career in engineering

When I left Newnham in 1978, I joined WS Atkins, one of the largest civil engineering consultancies in the UK as a graduate engineer. I followed their training programme, which included 2 years working on one of the last coal mine projects in the UK, and I became a chartered civil engineer by the age of 25. I then joined Thames Water and had a hugely varied, and thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding career in the water industry which included roles in Operations, R&D, Financial Planning, Corporate Affairs, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Change Management. The job allowed me to work in locations across the UK and also abroad in Jamaica and the US. My final role before retiring from the Corporate world was as Vice President of Shared Financial Services in the largest privately-owned water company in America where I headed up a team of over 200 people providing centralised financial support across the company.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

The great thing about being an Engineer is that your career can take you in so many different directions, As my experience shows, it opens so many doors to a wide variety of disciplines, acting as a springboard to give you a wonderful range of opportunities. If you are looking for a career that gives you variety and flexibility to move between business roles, Engineering is a great option.

Also, don't be afraid to be different by choosing a career where women are in the minority - the key is to use that difference to stand out and be noticed, and to use this to make your mark.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

My father always encouraged me to focus on my strengths and to not be afraid to be different and move away from the 'norm'.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

When I was at Newnham, we didn't have a Director of Engineering so we were classed as part of the Mathematics department and our supervisions were organised by St John's College. It is very encouraging to see that Newnham now has its own Engineering teaching staff which is a huge advantage. I was one of only 3 engineers in my year at Newnham and only 10% of Cambridge engineers were female, so we quickly formed a strong bond. One of the other Newnham engineers is still one of my closest friends.

Newnham, 2005

Details of your career in engineering

I am now an Associate Professor at UCL Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction. I am the founding head of the Engineering for International Development Centre which researches infrastructure in resource challenged settings. Our ambition is to inform research on infrastructure so that every person should have access to decent infrastructure. I was recently recognised as one of the 100 most influential academics for policy making by Apolitical in climate and sustainability.

I currently hold a prestigious Bboxx/Royal Academy of Engineering fellowship which explores clean energy transitions for sub-Saharan Africa. As ICE Council Member and board of trustee for Happold Foundation and Engineers Against Poverty I engage in strategy development for engineering, sustainability, poverty reduction and climate.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Give it a go - engineering is cool and there are diverse career options after graduation. As ICE Council Member I am now actively engaged and embedded within the engineering community. Engineer's can contribute to climate change and are fundamental for improving infrastructure and living conditions.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

My father inspired me to become an engineer. Growing up in India we could see the value addition of engineering – especially in resource challenged settings. When slum communities in India received infrastructure services (water and sanitation) their lives were transformed. This got me excited about engineering.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

Newnham College provided me the foundations for my current academic career. I met free thinking and inspiring women from all walks of life - many who are still good friends. I was awarded the Muir Wood Scholarship which made my doctorate studies possible. This was life changing as it opened doors, enabled me to move from industry to academia and form new networks. I am also grateful to Newnham College for the generous travel funds which enabled me to conduct fieldwork in India and South Africa.

Newnham, 2006

Details of your career in engineering

My name is Farah Al-Naimi and I am currently a group manager at Cambridge Mechatronics. Cambridge Mechatronics develops miniature motors called actuators to sit inside some of the world's leading smartphone cameras. I lead a team who have the responsibility to bring our exciting new designs to mass production. I am proud to manage a team who consider not only the performance of a product, but also customer experience at every level (from actuator all the way to end product). Becoming part of the ‘go to innovative company’ is what I strive for every day, while also helping the company to grow the business to reach millions of units shipping every year. I appreciate having had the chance to work with some of the top smartphone manufacturers during the past 7 years, experiencing the demands of working to tight deadlines and challenging product specifications.

I had the opportunity prior to Cambridge Mechatronics to study and work in Seoul (South Korea) as part of a scholarship program backed by Samsung Electronics. It opened up a variety of exciting opportunities for me, during which I not only experienced working within a big team, but also within a successful start-up team after winning their creative idea award. It allowed me to learn about developing a new product within a corporation, while assimilating a new culture, etiquette and work ethic.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

My advice for all considering an engineering degree, is to do it if you love it and to have a growth mindset while practising it. Don’t ever give up on your engineering dream no matter the culture, society or expectations. You will be constantly challenged to better yourself, your product, your teamwork, and finally your leadership.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I grew up in Iraq, where your immediate thought may not be on encouraging ‘women in science and engineering’, but in fact it is a country which has a great love for both subjects. Growing up with four brothers and an engineering professor for a father encouraged me to explore how things worked and to develop my logical reasoning. I fought every stereotype I came across in different parts of the world with ‘why not? If you love a subject, do it! Don’t wait for someone to OK it!’

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

Studying at Newnham College was inspirational as you are reminded of its long history of empowering women to achieve their full potential. I was also lucky to have the support and direction from an accomplished sustainability and materials engineer (Dr. Claire Barlow) who tailored her tutoring to each person’s capabilities, getting me and others to achieve our best at every level.

Newnham, 2005

Details of your career in engineering

After graduating with a BA in Chemical Engineering from Newnham College, I started as a financial risk modeller. Despite this being a great learning opportunity, I had a preference to reorientate towards an energy-focused career where I can leverage knowledge from my chemical engineering degree. As a result, I had various operational and commercial roles across the LNG and Gas sectors.

My current role is General Manager of Decarbonisation Solutions at Shell. Currently based in Australia, I am leading Shell Australia's strategic priority to partner with global industrial customers to decarbonise their processes and operations to achieve their net zero goals. As part of this role, I am leading a global research team and a technology consortium (ranging from battery manufacturers to robotic research) to develop an innovative, bespoke solution for electrification of the heavy-duty haul trucks used in mining operations. In addition, I’m the lead in a joint project with a global steel manufacturer in a renewable hydrogen project that will investigate designing, and operating an electrolyser to demonstrate hydrogen as a pathway towards low emissions steelmaking. What attracts me to this role is that I am part of the team shaping the new future for Shell Australia as it goes through the energy transition and that is very exciting.

Prior to moving to Australia, I was a power sector specialist in Shell Europe and lead the project development and commercial structuring of the 100-megawatt Minety battery storage system, which is the largest of its kind of in Europe. Additionally, I was part of the leadership team developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for Limejump, a virtual power plant platform to support distributed renewable energy projects in the UK with a portfolio of over 1GW in capacity.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

The opportunities are global, and you have the chance to work on some real-world issues where you can make a difference. The sector is becoming more diverse and dynamic, with more women engineers making real changes and leading teams as well as projects, solving some of the most technically challenging problems for industries. As we go through the energy transition, the engineering degree is so valuable in continuous improvement and innovation to adapt to a net zero future. One of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is saying “yes” to new challenges and opportunities. It has opened a number of doors for me and allowed me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Being flexible, being open-minded, taking on whatever challenges available to me over the long term is so important.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I was heavily influenced by my grandfather’s career as a professor in electrical engineering at Shanghai JiaoTong University where he was at the forefront of complex electrical system research. I remember how much he loved his work and his passion for teaching. I remember trying to read his papers as a child and being fascinated by all the formulas and algebra!

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I am so grateful to my Newnham years where I was taught how to think critically, independently and be curious to explore. I loved the long corridors and the gardens, where you have some of the most engaging conversations – I even met Professor Hawking in the garden once! Of course, the best gifts are the friendships developed in Newnham, I am still in touch with many Newnham alumni even after moving several countries!

Newnham, 1989

Details of your career in engineering

I work in the consumer tech space as a VP at Booking.com, heading up the Global Partner Services teams. Prior to that I spent 6 years at Amazon running various retail and advertising businesses in Europe. Problem solving is at the heart of what I do and I have used it in multiple environments. I worked in product and process development for Kraft General Foods after graduating, designing heat exchangers for pilot plant, then quality processes and then products themselves, measuring starch viscosity for salad dressing. From there I moved through other consumer companies Kellogg's, Nike, PwC and McCormick, leading teams developing, manufacturing and distributing consumer products. In recent years I have become increasingly more visible as a woman in tech, in order to help others, and I led efforts to increase women in innovation across the UK for Amazon. I took the last year to write a book on careers. Two Mirrors and a Cheetah: Think Differently, Own Your Career & Succeed by Being Yourself. Engineers can be super versatile.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Engineering is a wide field, constantly changing, and you can't fail to find something interesting. The skills you build in studying engineering, how you think and problem solve, will be useful where ever you go, and far wider than you might think. Engineering is for me the most flexible discipline. There are not enough women to design things for an equal world so I encourage you to join the push!

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I love playing with things and making things happen and Engineering was a multi-faceted course that allowed that, whilst feeding my mind with puzzles that can be used for real life! I started as a construction engineer, inspired by a week's work experience from school at 15, when I worked under some of Manchester's oldest sewers. I was an adventure and it was practical. Finishing in manufacturing (MET) I took the practical mindset to process industries and found that the way I think can be useful in tackling lots of problems on and off the production floor. Practical is something that I still am and engineering is not only a subject, but a way for looking at things to me.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I was very grateful to be awarded the bursary for practical engineering skills in my first year - related to my construction experience. That little endorsement gave another level of endorsement to keep going and one I quote fondly still today.

Newnham, 1998

Details of your career in engineering

I joined Kier International in 2002 as i wanted an early career travelling and civil engineering. Being a young engineer I want to see the world and not stuck at a desk. My first project was in a construction contractor role with Kier in Hong Kong building a major railway station. By the end of the project I was responsible for handover of the station to the client and statutory compliance and inspections.

Throughout my career I have also worked in projects in Antigua, Jamaica, London, building a range of infrastructures including railways, waste, water, hotels. My career highlight is the refurbishment of the King's Cross station Victorian roof, being responsible for a rolling temporary work platform, hanging over a live station whilst renovation works is carried out above it.

I had a varied career from site engineer to project manager and now a construction planner. I just finished 4.5 years on High Speed 2 and now working in the head office in Skanska as a reconstruction Planning Manager - work winning and preparing construction programmes for tenders

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

You have to have a practical mind and good at communications and problem solving.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

When I was in sixth form i attended some STEM events on engineering, work experience at BAE in Bristol and BT. That inspires me to do an Engineering degree rather than pure sciences and maths.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I enjoyed my time in Newnham. The engineers always work hard and play hard. We support each other in lab works. Our Director of Studies Dr Barlow was supportive and make sure we are focused in our studies from the first term.

Newnham, 2001

Details of your career in engineering

I am currently the Chief Strategy Officer of a public listed company based out of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that delivers offshore services and installs offshore infrastructure for the oil and gas industry. My key responsibility includes understanding how the ongoing energy transition narrative will impact the oil and gas industry in the next few years and what the Company must do to pivot. Putting into plan, steps to leverage the prevalence of LNG in the global energy mix and the designing an integrated offshore decommissioning service in the Asian region, is not only technically challenging but exciting.

The breadth my engineering study at Newnham, complemented by my professional experience gained in Investment Banking and Management Consulting, has enabled me to understand from ground-up, all our core capabilities as a business: welding, yard operations, subsea installation and vessel management. Only with in-depth insights of these capabilities can one develop a strategy to restructure, expand and attract new capital to fund the pivot.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

I loved studying engineering but I did not pursue a career in engineering at the outset. Stepping into a leadership role in a Company that prides itself in engineering and construction has rekindled my passion for large steel structures and I thank the Tripos for driving that appreciation.

In addition, engineering as a discipline provides agility and a framework to learn new things. You are not easily intimidated by complexity - I still find Thermodynamics scarier than Companies Act.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

Meeting Dr Claire Barlow in person during an Open Day visit was the beginning of my engineering story. I am truly grateful for her advise and guidance over the years. MET was a game changer for me - and again, I thank Dr Barlow for that steer!

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

My best memory of Newnham was my neighbours at Strachey. Being an engineering student living alongside for 2 years with neighbours studying modern languages and architecture brought diversity in my overall experience and exposure. Forever grateful for our cookouts and introduction to Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Newnham, 2005

Details of your career in engineering

Currently, I am the European Research Area (ERA) Chair in Blockchain at the University of Lisbon, leading a team of interdisciplinary researchers investigating the role of digital technologies in creating sustainability and social good outcomes.

I have split my time between industry and academia including as a CTO for a large company of 14,000 staff and worked as an advisor to the UK / Australian governments and also the EU Commission. I previously worked at Imperial College, London and was the co-founder of the Imperial College Centre for Crytpocurrency Research and Engineering.

In addition, I was a member of the United Nations Secretary General's High-Level panel on Digital Cooperation, one of only 10 such panels convened in the history of the United Nations.

I am also a Fellow of the World Economic Forum around blockchain for sustainability.

I have published 7 books on telecommunications engineering.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Engineers build the future, so if you want to build the future and have a real say in how just and sustainable that world is - become an engineer.

Engineering is one of the most exciting and rewarding careers you can have - do not look at the traditional representation of 'engineering' as nerdy and boring. Engineering has given me the opportunity to travel the world and learn several languages.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I started coding when I was 10 years old mainly due to sibling rivalry - I was jealous that my brother had a computer! I never looked back after that day - I knew I was going to do this for a long time. However I had significant encouragement and support from both of my parents and also the teachers at school and University.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I was a post grad so I spent most of my time with the Engineering department - however at the time I studied there only 3% were women (faculty). One thing that I hope has changed a lot is the number of women studying engineering!

Newnham, 1967

Details of your career in engineering

I am now 74 and retired. I spent the first five years after graduation becoming chartered as a civil engineer, working for Cambridgeshire highways department. A year of that was working on site at the A10 Littleport bridge. I then transferred sideways into the new career of transport planning. In particular I was involved in early attempts to build a national traffic model on computers now seen as ridiculously tiny. I spent 33 years in that profession. I ended up as one of the Highways Agency specialists in the assessment of the traffic and economic effects of new and improved trunk roads/motorways. I remain a strong believer in the importance of an improved road network and I am cynical about the economic justification for HS2!

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

If you feel it is the right thing for you, really go for it. In the 60's not many of us did, and many had discouragement from family/friends, but I never had trouble from within the industry, and have absolutely no regrets. I combined it with a happy time as a wife and mother - you can have it all.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I grew up in a family that ran a building business and spent holiday times sometimes visiting the building sites. So the choice was natural.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

In my year (1967-70) there were only two girl students studying engineering (in about 300 boys), and the other was at Girton. But the variety of courses studied by my friends at Newnham gave me a broader outlook on life than just concentrating on my subject. It was a great place to develop both as an engineer and a person.

Newnham, 1983

Details of your career in engineering

VP software eningeering Swift Navigation currently. After leaving Newnham I was a staff scientist at SHAPE in the Hague.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

If you have a logical mind and can solve puzzles you may do very well in engineering

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I liked physics and maths and it seemed like a good match to things I could do well

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I especially chose Newnham since there was a dirth of women in the Ph.D programs and I enjoy having the company of other smart women.

Newnham, 1967

Details of your career in engineering

I am now retired. From 1967 to 1970 I read Natural Sciences, specialising in Metallurgy, then did an MSc at Strathclyde University in Mechanics of Materials.

From 1975 to 1989 I worked for Babcock Energy, power station boiler makers, in their research centre. I worked on creep, fatigue and other issues.

From 1989 to 2020 I worked for what is now HKA, latterly acting as an expert witness on cases large and small, from personal injury to international arbitration.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

The choice of job opportunities and types of employer is enormous. You can work in anything from a factory to a university or a construction site. You can work for a small outfit, a local authority or a multi-national company. You can work on large construction projects, building services, product design, aerospace, environmental issues, renewable energy and much more.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I liked science and materials. Engineering looks at how the materials are used.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I studied Natural Sciences, not engineering itself. So I drifted sideways into engineering during my career.

Newnham, 1981

Details of your career in engineering

Having completed my maths degree at Newnham, I joined what is now Leonardo as a Systems Engineer, and spent many happy years developing software simulations of our equipment and the hostile environments in which they work. "Protecting those who protect us" is our motto, and we supply true defence equipment to the RAF, RN and export customers to provide accurate information on the threats around them and to protect servicemen and women from missile attack allowing them to do their jobs. I spent time on trials with the RAF helping to optimise our equpiment against real threats, and have travelled the world supporting our sales teams. I have enjoyed passing on what I've learnt by teaching new graduates over the years all about our industry. I am now Head of Capability for our Electronic Warfare Sensors, meaning I am responsible for the future direction of this vital part of the chain.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Do it! Engineering surrounds us in every aspect of life. If you use a gadget - from a pencil to a space shuttle - then an engineer came up with the idea for it, designed it and made it real. Engineering is a creative, exciting, dynamic field: now more than ever.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I'll be honest, all those years ago I thought an engineer was someone who fixed your washing machine - but the engineer is actually the person who designed the machine! My brother went into software engineering and it sounded interesting, logical and fun. I'm so glad I gave it a go! I've spent 37 happy years working in a fascinating and challenging industry with inspiring colleagues.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

I actually studied maths, not engineering - but I know from experience that maths and physics graduates make excellent engineers and love applying their studies to practical problems!

I am still in touch with my maths and NatSci friends from Newnham, and value the lessons I learnt there about how to tackle difficult problems, and the importance of persevering along a logical path.

Newnham, 1994

Details of your career in engineering

My current role is as a checking engineer for Quadrant Approved Inspectors. All new buildings in the UK have to comply with the Building Regulations and it is the job of Building Control companies - either private or local authority - to check all buildings.

I fell into this role a few years ago; I engineered buildings for over 20 years and then I was asked to join an insurance company and ended up in its Building Control division. Post the Grenfell fire, building control is an interesting place to be and I very much enjoy working with surveyors to ensure that the public are safe.

My first role was in 1998 with Buro Happold, designing large buildings and I started by own consultancy after the birth of my first daughter, which I ran for 15 years. This was pretty successful.

I have an interest in teaching and my 'specialist' subject is Robustness and Disproportionate Collapse. I taught this subject at the IStructE for a while and I am now leading the re-write of the IStructE book.

I also spent a few months working in Bangladesh inspecting clothing factories in the wake of the Rana Plaza collapse.

I became a Chartered Engineer back in 2002 and I recently became a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Engineering is a very broad field; I have always felt that you can be as autistic or artistic as you want and find a role for yourself, at the same time as being well paid and useful. I have travelled with my work, found myself doing stuff that I never expected to do, worked part time for years, brought up two children and still find new and interesting things to do.

There is a shortage of engineers so you will never be short of a job. My oldest daughter is about to study Mechanical Engineering, so I obviously haven't put her off!

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

I didn't really know what an engineer was as I was growing up, and it was a Year 8 trip to the Cambourne School of Mines that gave me the idea. However, I had lots of experience of building projects through my Dad's work (he was a Methodist Minister) and was always interested in the Built Environment and construction.

I think I am actually a thwarted builder and I now own a piece of woodland in which I build stuff out of trees! Once my girls are through University I may retire from engineering and become a charcoal burner in the woods, possibly doing the odd bits of consultancy to make use of my years of experience.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

It was really hard; lots of maths! I am in touch with people from my year but none of them are engineers. I appreciated being at an all female college because engineering was so male dominated then.

Newnham, 1978

Details of your career in engineering

I have just retired as an engineer and earthworks asset manager with Network Rail, where amongst other things I managed risks around old mine workings and determined work required. During my career working for the railway and in engineering consultancy, I have worked on bridges, buildings and other structures, with a memorable highlight being the reroofing of Bristol Temple Meads Station in the late 1980s. After that I became depot manager for a track reclamation depot in South Wales and was responsible for ordering track materials for Western Route relaying. My career started when I left Newnham in 1981 and joined British Rail as a management trainee, where I received an excellent training, helped by people’s interest in a female engineer!

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

There are many different roles and skills required in engineering and recognition that diverse teams can solve problems together and achieve better outcomes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show your interest. Always build on the positives and find your own way to overcome any negatives.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

My father was a civil engineer and had several postings abroad. As a family we moved to Zambia where he was involved with the construction of a hydroelectric power station at Kariba Dam. Walking around the top of the narrow coffer dam and through the turbines within the massive underground machine hall was an experience I never forgot. However it also made me question hard whether I wanted to be an engineer. In the end it was the subjects I was interested in that led me to engineering and my experience of doing a general engineering degree that confirmed my choice as a civil engineer.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

Studying at Newnham College was a good contrast with the male dominated atmosphere at the Engineering Department. When I started my degree there was no Director of Studies at Newnham, so we had supervisions at St Johns which, although less convenient, diversified our experience and gave us links with others. I have kept in touch with both the other Newnham engineers in my year and one of them is still one of my closest friends.

Newnham, 1978

Details of your career in engineering

After leaving Cambridge, I did a PhD in aerodynamics at Cranfield Institute of Technology (now Cranfield University) and in parallel became involved in the automation of their wind tunnel facilities. I joined a small company which was involved in wind tunnel testing and analysis of offshore platforms to support health and safety risk assessments, later becoming their technical director. In 2005 I transitioned to the growing subsea oil and gas sector, joining the risk and reliability team in a subsea consultancy firm. Five years later I moved to set up a consultancy with two colleagues, providing specialist services in reliability, integrity, technology qualification and technical risk assurance in the subsea, wider energy and utility sectors.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Studying engineering can open up so many different and worthwhile career options. Don’t be afraid to follow your own interests when it comes to deciding which engineering sector to specialise in. The transition to net zero over the next decade will create an even greater demand for good engineers to support the deployment of the wide range of emerging technologies we will need. It will be a very exciting time.

I have had the privilege of working with so many knowledgeable engineers. I have also been able to combine my career with bringing up three children and, although I worked part time for a few years, I never felt that being a mother was a constraint on my career aspirations.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

Everyone at home and school assumed I would study maths at university but the engineering courses looked so much more interesting. I didn’t know very much about the different engineering sectors so the course at Cambridge was perfect as I didn’t need to specialise until my third year. My grandfather was involved in aviation and always encouraged me. Every project I have worked on has had different challenges and I have learnt so much during my career.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

Although there wasn’t a Director of Engineering when I was at Newnham, the college had an arrangement with St John’s College for supervisions which worked very well. Being a woman’s college, Newnham provided a good balance with the male dominated engineering course. It is also very close to the engineering depart

Dr Elizabeth Garry

Newnham, 1978

Details of your career in engineering

After leaving Cambridge, I did a PhD in aerodynamics at Cranfield Institute of Technology (now Cranfield University) and in parallel became involved in the automation of their wind tunnel facilities. I joined a small company which was involved in wind tunnel testing and analysis of offshore platforms to support health and safety risk assessments, later becoming their technical director. In 2005 I transitioned to the growing subsea oil and gas sector, joining the risk and reliability team in a subsea consultancy firm. Five years later I moved to set up a consultancy with two colleagues, providing specialist services in reliability, integrity, technology qualification and technical risk assurance in the subsea, wider energy and utility sectors.

What advice would you give someone considering studying/pursuing a career in engineering?

Studying engineering can open up so many different and worthwhile career options. Don’t be afraid to follow your own interests when it comes to deciding which engineering sector to specialise in. The transition to net zero over the next decade will create an even greater demand for good engineers to support the deployment of the wide range of emerging technologies we will need. It will be a very exciting time.

I have had the privilege of working with so many knowledgeable engineers. I have also been able to combine my career with bringing up three children and, although I worked part time for a few years, I never felt that being a mother was a constraint on my career aspirations.

Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?

Everyone at home and school assumed I would study maths at university but the engineering courses looked so much more interesting. I didn’t know very much about the different engineering sectors so the course at Cambridge was perfect as I didn’t need to specialise until my third year. My grandfather was involved in aviation and always encouraged me. Every project I have worked on has had different challenges and I have learnt so much during my career.

Would you like to add anything about your experience of studying engineering at Newnham specifically?

Although there wasn’t a Director of Engineering when I was at Newnham, the college had an arrangement with St John’s College for supervisions which worked very well. Being a woman’s college, Newnham provided a good balance with the male dominated engineering course. It is also very close to the engineering depart