To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day we're sharing individual stories of women engineers from across UKCRIC member institutions.
Tell us about your role and what you find most exciting about it.
As a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham, my research focuses on developing holistic tools to assess the consequences of design options for roadworks and streetworks, known as the All Consequences Calculator. The most exciting aspect of my role is the potential to influence sustainable practices in engineering design process. I enjoy the challenge of integrating sustainability principles into civil engineering projects and the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to create impactful solutions.
I also serve as a student representative, an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) representative, and an engineering ambassador for the School of Engineering. I firmly believe that a woman can excel in all these roles while contributing valuable knowledge to the world. I am convinced that these responsibilities not only enhance my own skills but also enable me to support my colleagues and make a positive impact in the communities which will have ripple effects to the wider environment. This alignment with my core values brings me a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment.
Before pursuing my PhD, I accumulated seven years of experience as a consultant in the field. During this time, I dedicated myself to acquiring extensive knowledge, honing my management skills, and fostering empathy within a predominantly male-dominated industry. The most exciting aspect of my journey is my ongoing commitment to excellence and creating a legacy of prosperity. My goal is to serve as a bridge for future generations of women, encouraging them to excel and succeed in this field.
What inspired you to become an engineer/work in the engineering sector?
My inspiration to become an engineer stems from a lifelong fascination with how things work and a strong desire to solve complex problems that brings more than just technical knowledge wealth but understanding of the system that comes to it. I was particularly drawn to civil engineering because it combines creativity and technical expertise to design infrastructure that improves people's lives. Seeing the tangible results of engineering projects, such as safer roads and more efficient urban systems, motivates me every day.
How do you balance your professional and personal lives?
Balancing my professional and personal lives requires careful planning and prioritisation. I set clear boundaries between work and personal time, ensuring that I dedicate time to family, friends, and self-care activities. I also practice effective time management techniques and seek support from my network when needed. This balance is crucial for maintaining my overall well-being and staying productive in my professional endeavours.
In your opinion is there more that can be done to encourage a greater diversity of people into engineering careers?
Absolutely! To encourage greater diversity in engineering, we need to start by promoting STEM education at an early age and providing strong role models and mentors for underrepresented groups. Creating inclusive work environments that value diverse perspectives and implementing policies that support work-life balance can make engineering careers more accessible and attractive to a wider range of people. It's also important to address any biases and barriers within the industry to ensure equal opportunities for all.
What advice would you give for anyone interested in pursuing an engineering career?
My advice to anyone interested in pursuing an engineering career is to stay curious, never stop learning and keep going whatever life brings. Engineering is a field that constantly evolves, and keeping up with new technologies and methodologies is key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from mentors and stick to those who cares about your growth. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and develop your skills. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to make a difference through engineering, and life as well.
Kelwalee Jutipanya is a PhD Student in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham.