What is your background?

I joined the University of Nottingham (UoN) in 2018 as a Teaching Associate in the Department of Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS). Before joining UoN, I worked at Derby College as a Lecturer of Professional Construction. I completed my PhD in Civil Engineering in Malaysia in 2016 following the completion of my MSc in Civil Engineering from Malaysia and BEng in Civil Engineering from Pakistan. During my MSc, I developed cement-free concrete for the construction of buildings. Whereas during my PhD, I developed an innovative fire-resistant cementitious coating to provide extended protection to concrete building columns against fire.

I have been a lifetime fellow of Schlumberger Faculty for the Future since 2010. I was among 33 female fellows who were selected to pursue a PhD under this programme from among 300 females who applied for this fellowship from around the world. Since then, I have been actively working for the promotion of women's participation and achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and mentoring them to cope with any of the barriers in pursuing engineering education and careers.

I am the academic lead for the ‘Inspiring Women in Engineering’ programme in the Faculty of Engineering, UoN. In this programme, I mentor groups of female engineering students of all levels - Foundation, BEng, MEng and PhD - together with the alumni, to inspire year 9 and Year 10 girls from local schools.

In 2018, I joined the Institute of Civil Engineers Early Career Network (ICE-ECN) committee for the East Midlands and in 2020 I was nominated as a Chair of the committee. During my tenure at ICE-ECN, I have initiated the idea of the High Early Strength Concrete Cube Competition which is successfully running to date as an annual event. 

Tell us about your job?

I am leading the Applied Engineering and Professional Skills module for the Electro-mechanical degree apprenticeship programme. In addition, I contribute to the Computer Methods (MATLAB), Engineering Project, Mechanics and Professional, and Experimental and Academic Competencies modules for the FEPS programme.

Apart from teaching, I am also the Disability Liaison Officer in FEPS and provide direct support to our students with disabilities and learning differences. I am also the Destination Officer at FEPS who looks after student progression to their chosen degrees. As part of my role I lead several projects to help students decide on their firm choices including Destination Department Research Project and Destinations Day. I also help with admissions and recruitment activities at FEPS and the wider faculty.

I am also the Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Champion for the Faculty of Engineering which means that I act as a bridge between the faculty and the BAME Staff Network, bringing concerns and good practices to the network's attention, and representing the network within the faculty.

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

The invaluable support that I have had to date is from my parents who always believed in me and made a lot of sacrifices for my education and career. My teachers and mentors were the first people to realise my potential and encouraged me to continue no matter what the circumstances were.

Since I joined the university a whole pool of opportunities has opened for me, giving me the chance to use my potential and further enhance my teaching and leadership skills through continuous professional development and work experience. I’ve also been very fortunate to work with my colleagues who played an invaluable role in my development by providing me with their honest and constructive feedback.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in engineering?

If you love to solve problems and want to make this world a better place then engineering is for you. Never be afraid of fulfilling your dreams, no matter what people say. No one can make you unsuccessful unless you believe in it. Unfortunately gender bias can still exist in engineering. Stay resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. I firmly believe that women are equally capable of doing things as men so keep on challenging the status quo.