What is your background?

I studied BSc (Hons) in chemistry and PhD in nanomaterials and membranes at Loughborough University. After this I spent approximately four years as a postdoc at the University of Leicester working on the scale-up of electrofinishing and electroplating processes using green chemicals. I worked as a fixed term lecturer in physical chemistry at Nottingham Trent University and achieved the PGCHE and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. I returned to Leicester to take up the permanent position of Laboratory Manager and became a University Teaching Fellow and Director of Undergraduate Laboratories. I came to the University of Nottingham (UoN) in 2015, working as Senior Technical Manager in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, primarily based in L3 and L4 Laboratories Buildings. In 2017, I won a Lord Dearing award. In 2018, I completed a NEBOSH certificate, and in 2020 became a part-time MBA student funded by the Apprentice Levy. 

Tell us about your job? 

My substantive role as Senior Technical Manager is to provide efficient management and leadership of the Chemical and Environmental Engineering (CEE) technical staff within the L3 and L4 Laboratories Buildings (University Park) and the Energy Technology building (Jubilee Campus), and I provide a high level of specialist technical support to the department and wider faculty. I ensure effective practical provision of teaching of undergraduate students and supporting of postgraduate students, as well as management of the facilities within the CEE department and faculty teaching labs in L3. I collaborate and liaise with Senior Technical Managers of other engineering disciplines in order to co-ordinate tasks requiring different engineering skills. I regularly meet with the Head of Department and the academic teaching team, Heads of Teaching and Infrastructure and Facilities Managers. I plan and implement strategies to keep laboratory provision, technical expertise and skills; and equipment up to date. I teach large scale chemistry practicals and coordinate and deliver a wide range of widening participation activities and recruitment events. I manage large scale change projects e.g. I was the technical lead for the incorporation of the Green Chemicals Beacon into L3.

In August 2020 I was appointed Faculty of Engineering Deputy Director of EDI with a focus on staff development. In this part-time role I am responsible for leading the implementation of the Faculty of Engineering's Gold Athena Swan action plan, and to help embed the UoN's EDI goals, working towards fulfilling the EDI KPIs the faculty has chosen. In April 2022, I became Co-Chair of the University of Nottingham Women’s Staff Network.  Both roles involve working with a wide range of staff across the faculty/university as well as other EDI directors/PVC in the University of Nottingham (UoN). 

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

My parents have been central to encouraging and nurturing my love of learning and have made many sacrifices to support me and help me to advance in my career. In my early postdoctoral career, I had amazing support from academic Principal Investigator’s on the projects I worked on, who ensured I was included in all aspects of the research, as well as sending me around Europe to interact with project partners.  Since joining UoN I’ve been fortunate to be able to undertake a wide range of training courses and join networks and communities of practice in project management, lean, peer mentoring and leadership and management. I also apply for things and ‘have a go!’.

Since becoming a part-time MBA student in 2020, I’ve found networking with others on the course very interesting and supportive and have learned a lot from interacting with them in group projects.  As part of the MBA, I’ve had a mentor for the first time, who has given me help and advice about workplace situations. In 2022, I have been participating in the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership. As part of this, I’m in an ‘Action Learning Set’ with three other female technical staff from across the UK, together we have explored the support we need to thrive and excel. Finally, I try to act as a source of emotional support and motivator for others. I gain the greatest pleasure from supporting my team and students I work with to be their very best. By doing projects together, this helps advance everyone’s skills and brings up new opportunities.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in engineering? 

Until I worked at UoN, I had no idea how diverse engineering is – even within one ‘discipline’, for example in my team I have mechanical, chemical and food processing engineers, chemists, molecular biologists and geologists!  My advice would be to try and get some work experience or work shadowing in industries/universities that interest you and find out for yourself and be prepared to have your preconceptions challenged about what engineering is. Go online to find out about Engineering, and see if there’s any clubs happening in your area!  Check out this link for some inspirational stories and career advice and never be afraid to try. You can do it!!.