Making a Difference in AD - Celebrating National Women in Engineering Day

Today is National Women in Engineering Day, an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. In an industry like AD we cover Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects, which means there are many opportunities for girls to get involved and start their Engineering (or STEM) career. We have decided to celebrate women across Science, technology, Engineering and Math as the AD industry covers all of these areas. You can support the campaign on twitter by using the hashtag #NWED2016 and #RaisingProfiles.

At ADBA we are in a fortunate position to have a number of members and work with many different organisations across the UK and internationally. We have been in touch with a few women in the sector to find out what has drawn them to their STEM careers; you can find their profiles below. 

Alison Fergusson, Principle Engineer at Ofwat

What do you do in your day to day Job?

Ofwat sets the prices that water companies are allowed to charge their customers. My role is to check that when water companies say they need to charge money for something, that it makes sense, is fairly costed and in the customers’ interests.  Right now I’m thinking about how we can help to promote a market in treating sewage sludge – sounds unpleasant, but it is a really innovative idea as it can be used to generate renewable energy.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I had a fantastic teacher in year 5 who was excited about science and got us doing real experiments. Then when deciding what to study at university my teachers and parents never told me that it was unusual for a girl to study engineering. I only found that out when I went to a WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) event in year 12. And that event confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing as I loved the hands-on workshops.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I’ve joined my local running club, entering races when I can. I also like sewing and I’ve made all the curtains in my house. I’m an active member of my local Baptist church (well I would be since I’m married to the minister!)

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

If you love solving problems and find science and maths fascinating, then a career in engineering is a great fit. It might have a traditional male image but don’t let that put you off. Engineering isn’t all about hard hats and oily overalls, although it can be. I’ve spent many happy hours on sewage treatment works, getting new processes up and running.  But my main work tool now is my computer, looking at relationships between activities and costs. I also successfully worked part-time while my children were young. Engineering is a really broad field – take a good look at it, you’ll be surprised!

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Practical, varied, stimulating 

Where can you find Alison at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

I’m speaking at the conference on 7 July in the session at lunchtime “What challenges and opportunities does the de-regulation of the water sector hold for AD?”

Company twitter: @ofwat

Angela Bywater, Anaerobic Digestion Network Manager/Director, University of Southampton / Methanogen UK Ltd

What do you do in your day to day Job?

As Network Manager of the AD Network, a job I share with Dr Louise Byfield, we help academia to engage with industry (and vice-versa) in a number of ways, including organising networking events and providing funding to facilitate academic-industry collaborations. At Methanogen, we build small farm and micro-AD systems. 

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I used to help my father and brother work on heavy equipment and build things. I was given a choice to help them or to do housework with my mother, so it seemed a no-brainer to me. When I took up computing, the engineering side seemed much more interesting to me than business. 

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I don’t get much spare time, but I like to garden and build things. I am interested in integrated renewables, so have built an outbuilding with a sedum roof and solar PV, which can complement my garden digester and am planning to add solar thermal.

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

Join a relevant professional body such as the CIWM or IChemE and take advantage of the things they offer, including networking opportunities and certified training. Don’t be afraid of doing something you want to because you might perceive it as a “man’s world”. Be confident. Don’t beat yourself up if something in the job or home life comes unravelled because you are trying to do too much. Do your best, forgive yourself, learn and move on. And enjoy!

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Fascinating, Varied, Fun

Where can you find Angela at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Come and visit us at the R&I Hub at ADBA UK AD and Biogas 2016.

Personal Twitter: @BiogasUK

Company twitter: @AD_NIBB

Louise Byfield, Co-Manager of the Anaerobic Digestion Network, University of Southampton

What do you do in your day to day Job?

Managing a NIBB involves a lot of emails. I share an office with my Co-Manager and take care of the paperwork behind the scenes for various funds, grants and events associated with AD. We also organise workshops/events around the country so we do get out a bit.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I was influenced by family and temperament. My father was a mechanical engineer/teacher and I have always been interested in science and ideas. My background is Biology and I am fascinated by how much there is to learn about the way the world works.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I have four children so my spare time is snatched bits of Netflix between chauffeur duty and school run. I do have an allotment – sadly neglected - and a penchant for bad Sci-fi.

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

Start small. Things will have changed since you left. I took a nearly 20 year break to raise a family. Being a dinner-lady did not adequately prepare me for the computer age. I started by temping, became a familiar face and was in the right place/time for this job. Being part-time suits my life and keeps my skills honed for later, when I have more time available. There are plenty of positions in STEM which require a trained mind that can work around family but it helps to be around in the first place to hear about them. So, if you have contacts – stay in touch.

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Fascinating, Ever-changing, Complex

Where can you find Louise at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

The R&I hub – look for Angie Bywater – expert on all things AD

Emma Thomas, Market Analyst, ADBA

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I look at developments in the UK anaerobic digestion sector and see how they affect the future of the industry. I also read research into new and emerging technology in the sector to understand how it can be applied to AD.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I struggled to decide what to do for A-Levels and a friend influenced me to decide to study for a BTEC in Engineering as it was 100% coursework and has elements of practical work. I loved making things at school and knew an engineering career would be a way to earn a good wage.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy seeing friends and family, watching Netflix and I am a bit of a foodie. I also sit on the WISE Young Woman’s Board where I encourage girls and women into STEM and attend events for them. I also enjoying going travelling and seeing the world as you get to see what a different culture is like.  

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

Don’t be afraid to take a different path than your friends; start thinking about what you are interested in and enjoy doing and go from there. Choosing to study a BTEC opened so many doors for me, such as studying Engineering at University and a great career. Be pro-active throughout your career, set-up your own work experience throughout the years. This will enable you to try different working environments and to understand what you want to get out of a career; you never know, you might end-up choosing a new career entirely.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them, pick yourself up and try again. 

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Creative, Opportunities, Growth

Where can you find Emma at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

At the R&I Hub for both days, come find us!

Company Twitter: @adbioresources

Personal Twitter: @elthomas7

Lois Griffin, Project Development Manager, Future Biogas Limited

What do you do in your day to day Job?

Future Biogas is a growing company; this is reflected in my role. I cover a broad range of areas from policy and regulation to technical aspects on metering and grid connections. Working within the Project team I am involved in every stage of construction and commissioning, assisting construction and operation teams.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

From a young age I have always leaned towards maths and sciences, this was reflected in my choice of A-Levels and then later at University. At University I started on a broad Geography BSc and later specialised in quantitative statistics, upon leaving I was looking for a role in which I could use some of the wider environmental knowledge I had gained whilst capturing some of the more technical skills.

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

There is a tendency for STEM or engineering to be seen as a male dominated industry, which can put young women off, but this is just not the case. The diverse range of roles available within these industries is often overlooked and the obvious areas such as civil or mechanical engineering, which can be male dominated are the focus – but there are so many more opportunities across different fields.

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Diverse, Innovative, Inspirational

Where can you find Future Biogas at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Exhibition Stand C203

Kate McKinley, Client Project Manager, Aqua Enviro

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I am a client project manager. I work for an environmental consultancy with water and wastewater. On a regular day I am organising staff, resources and logistics to enable samples to be taken at waste water treatment works all over the country. 

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I studied Environmental Management at the University of Leeds and enjoyed modules on waste and water. I had a field trip to a sewage works and thought it was very intriguing, although a bit smelly! I wanted to work in a field where I enjoyed the subject and could see longevity for the future. 

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I am busy with two children but any spare time I have I enjoy running. I have recently entered a 10k which will be the furthest I have attempted so fingers crossed! 

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

To anyone who is interested in science and engineering should go for it. You might think it’s a boring male orientated field but there are a lot more women out there. Get out there and increase the numbers of women! It is a constantly changing area and very interesting. 

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Interesting, Changing, Stimulating

Where can you find Aqua Enviro at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Three Aqua Enviro colleagues will be covering a range of topics in the Advice Clinics

Company Twitter: @aquaenviro

Ana Afonso, Process Scientist, Aqua Enviro

What do you do in your day to day Job?

We often visit sites by client request. If a site is having difficulties performing, we will develop an action plan to put it back on track. Also a lot of clients have interest in installing new works on their site, in this situation we would analyse the effluent and its suitability for a specific treatment.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

The environment started calling my attention in my early days. That curiosity transformed itself in an engineering degree and here we are! Hope it keeps taking me into different places where I can put my experience to practice and improve water quality.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Going for a walk, playing with the dog outside, cooking (although it rarely goes well!)

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

For young girls, find out what you interests you.  I believe it is very important to enjoy what you do every day. Working can be stressful due to meeting deadlines or sometimes you’re just having a bad day. It has to be worth it, so work in what you love and give it your best!

For women returning to engineering, once you go engineering you never go back J . A break is good, but if you are thinking in returning you already know what, where and how to do it! Enjoy being back!  

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Stimulating, Thought-provoking, Hands-on whatever its necessary

Where can you find Ana at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Will be presenting at the event.

Company Twitter: @aquaenviro

Dr Dhivya Puri, Senior Technical Lead, Research and Development, Fiberight Ltd

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I work in research and development so no 2 days are the same. The company I work for takes in black bag rubbish (your bin) and turns it into useful products such as; bio-based chemicals, bio-plastics and bio-fuels. These bio-products are used to replace commodities otherwise produced from fossil fuels. 

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

My father is a scientist and he was always very passionate about his work. He had lots of opportunities to travel and he had colleagues / friends all over the world. So, I guess he inspired me to want to go into a STEM based career.  I wanted to do something more practical and applied than straight science, however, and this then led to me to study Chemical Engineering.  

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like to travel, read, play squash, spend time outdoors and with friends.

I also frequently organise and partake in public engagement and outreach activities revolving around bioenergy and bio-economy.

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

If you enjoy STEM subjects it is definitely worth considering a career in those fields. It’s accessible for all, interesting and fun.

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Solving problems, Interesting, Fun

Amaya Arias-Garcia, Technical Director, Goals Project Management and Engineering Support

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I work with multidisciplinary teams designing, building and operating anaerobic digestion plants. As a process engineer I focus on the design, control and optimisation of the plant and as a technical project manager I focus on time, cost and quality, leading a team, managing risk and stakeholder expectations. 

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I always wanted to build things and to understand how things work. When I was a kid someone gave me a children biography book of Marie Curie and I remember reading it thinking that I wanted to be like her!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Cooking, talking to friends, walking on the beach, look at the sea, surfing, reading. 

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

Engineering is about taking your time to understand the basics and then build on that. Understanding doesn’t come without lots of thinking and time. Often challenges look big until you break them into small units and then one thing leads to the next! 

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Exciting, Rewording, Satisfying 

Where can you find Amaya at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Walking around talking to friends! Give me a call 07968388909!

Rokiah Yaman, Director, Community by Design

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I manage a micro anaerobic digestion project, which tests the viability of micro AD in a dense urban environment (Central London) with one pilot plant and two in development. I work with engineers, academics, students and volunteers to create a closed-loop urban model.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I have always been interested in the environment and enjoy learning about science in an informal way. I am excited working with people who have a STEM background.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

What spare time?! I enjoy being in nature, walking, playing music, singing, playing games and seeing friends 

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

Its never wrong to follow a dream. As an employee, I look for personal qualities as well as experience. Information can be learned but good attitudes and motivation are harder to cultivate.

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Exciting, Rigorous, Rewarding

Where can you find Rokiah at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Unfortunately, we won’t be there this time but we can be contacted on info@communitybydesign.co.uk

Or visit www.communitybydesign.co.uk

Susanna Pflüger, Secretary General, European Biogas Association

What do you do in your day to day Job?

As a European industry association, we facilitate the liaison between European institutions and the industry to ensure that EU policies properly consider the industry’s requirements, possibilities and limitations. I spend most of my time talking, writing and exchanging with our wide network of politicians, engineers and scientists all over Europe.   

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

After my University graduation, I wanted to work on environmental policies. After I had spent a few years working for other energy industries, I joined the AD sector that offers a perfect combination of interesting technical, political and scientific opportunities and challenges - no one day is like another!

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I spend most of my spare time with my little son, discovering the World through his eyes. 

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

The STEM sector is usually male-dominated. Women should be more self-confident and learn to require more of their professional life but also make use of their special advantages related to for example interpersonal and multitasking skills.  

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Diverse, Rewarding, Innovative

Where can you find Susanna at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

Speaking during the session on ‘The EU Circular Economy Package: implementation, regulation, and impact on AD’

Company twitter: @European_Biogas

Ursula Kepp, Director, process engineer, Patrick Nolan Consulting Ltd

What do you do in your day to day Job?

I am involved in two different types of work, technical due diligence (process analysis) of planned AD installations and on site operational support including data analysis, integration of maintenance tasks in process operation (effluent and AD), education of operators and development of design improvements.

What/ Who influenced you to go into Engineering (or STEM)?

I had a strong interest in our environment and studied at the time (1973) civil engineering with a main interest in water (hydrology including process modelling and sewage treatment). 

What do you like doing in your spare time?

Gardening, camping and travelling, art and craft, family. 

What advice would you give young girls who are interested in a career in Engineering (or STEM) or a women returning to Engineering (or STEM) after a career break? 

From my own experience it was very difficult to come back after caring for my children for several years, living in different countries. Charity work partially related to my work interest was important when seeking for a job.

From that point, whenever you have the possibility, try to continue working at reduced hours and limited travelling.

From personal experience I think it is good after a break to seek initially for a more practical (site) job, where you can fresh up your theoretical knowledge and catch up with recent developments. Don’t be afraid to start in job below your original education as long as you come into contact with new things and you find it interesting, there is a lot you can make out of such a job. Communication (be precise in your instructions, listen to arguments from others and be flexible to make adjustments) is a key point in your work as you will be mostly working with men of both higher and lower education.

How would you describe Engineering (or STEM) in 3 words?

Knowledge, Analysis, Search for answers

Where can you find Ursula at the UK AD & Biogas 2016 event?

I am there on July 6th, giving a presentation in the green seminar