Visiting Lecturer Examples

Vicki

Environmental Engineer

Being a bit of a moth, my initial attraction to science was light! When I went to university I was torn between astrophysics and laser physics - lasers won! However, when I graduated, there weren't many jobs which let me play with light and I ended up in the dark, operating electron microscopes. At this point I found out how interesting materials could be and spent a few years researching steel corrosion (or more accurately – delaying steel corrosion!). My next stop was a semiconductors company where I controlled the equipment to make tiny layers on semiconductor wafers which were used to make lasers. However, I missed the fun of research and started to look for a new direction. This brought me to energy! Now I’m investigating how we can live our modern life without destroying the planet. By developing solar energy products and new construction materials I give people the option of being progressive and protecting the planet or being old fashioned and helping to wreck it.

Andrew

International Development Engineer

It is a hugely exciting time to be an engineer - there is so much that engineers can become involved with. And engineering is not just about long bridges, fast cars, big aircraft carriers and tiny computers. It is about human development; it’s about people. The most urgent problem seeking a solution is sustainable human development. Engineers can use their skills to fight climate change, prevent conflict, tackle global health issues, fight the root causes of terrorism, feed the growing world population – by using their skills to fight poverty and inequality. I work for Engineers Without Borders UK. In my presentation I will show how engineers can use their skills for the benefit of humanity.

Liza

Snowboard Design Engineer

I’m 24 years old and I am half way through my engineering doctorate (EngD), the world’s first in advanced snowboard design. I got to this point through 6th form, further education at college and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. When I was 22 I became the Technical Director of the UK’s biggest snowboard company, True Snowboards, which I co-founded with two colleagues. By the time I’m 26 I want to have a GB rider win an Olympic medal on one of my snowboards and hopefully to be a millionaire. Engineers Change the World...I just happen to do it for snowboarders. I would like to draw upon my experiences within engineering and identity the huge variety of avenues and jobs on offer. Using real world examples such as snowboards, footballs and even hair straighteners, which students can relate to, enabling me to excite and inspire them into a dynamic engineering career.