Mosopefoluwa Oikeh, a postgraduate student studying an MSc in Environmental and Petroleum Geochemistry, writes about Women in Engineering.  Here’s part 1 of her blog celebrating International Women in Engineering Day:

Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye, the first female professor in physics in Nigeria and the first black African to be named a fellow of the Geological Society of London encouraged me to progress my career further. Her passion for science and engineering is unwavering, as well as her focus on mentoring and collaborating with younger women at various level of education. Against all odds, her passion and doggedness proves to me that excellence in career as a woman is achievable.

I am passionate about science and engineering because of the practicality and applicability. I chose to study geology because of my desire to know about the environment and natural processes or forcing that create the earth’s resources and physical features. Then, my interest in sustainable environment practices was renewed due to environmental problems associated with harnessing natural resources. Currently, I am studying MSc Environmental and Petroleum Geochemistry and I am interested in sustainable environmental engineering and I hope to hope to know more about this subject area.

Challenges faced by women in science and engineering could range from gender discrimination in awarding research funding, marginalisation in salary compared with male colleagues, family commitments, lack of role models and the confidence gap between girls and boys (i.e. girls are often given an impression that science and engineering is difficult and not a feminine profession). In lieu of these challenges, there is need to intensify mentoring and funding opportunities solely for talented females be made available.

A woman is not a second class citizen, nor is she an alternative. She is as original as any other gender, even an extraordinary being. She is a man with a womb and the reason she is called womb-man (woman).  She is worth celebrating and respected, ‘Happy women in engineering day’.

#INWED17

Coming from a geology background, prior to starting my masters I had never actually set foot in a “proper” laboratory. So there was definitely a steep learning curve when we started working in the labs for our modules. However throughout it all we were always helped and guided by very, very patient lecturers and PhD students. One of the greatest parts of lab work is that it breaks up the monotony of having to sit in lectures all day. It is nice to learn all about the theory in class but to actually conduct the experiment to see and prove that the theory works is always good fun and interesting.

The most recent activities we undertook in the lab were for a water supply and treatment module. We conducted experiments looking at the chemical coagulation of dirty River Tyne water, in order to decrease its colour and turbidity. Experiments to measure the effectiveness of chlorine and chloramines as disinfectants for water were also carried out. Although this may not sound like the most riveting of experiments, everything they look at is extremely relevant to real issues in industry. Water companies work hard to make sure the water that comes out of our taps is nice and clear and doesn’t taste or smell funky. Understanding coagulation and disinfection allows them to deliver that quality delicious water we all enjoy and take for granted, whilst also making the treatment process more efficient.

As the first term comes to an end I have had the opportunity to learn about all the different methods used to analyze water samples in the lab. But not everything has been lab work, for some practical components we were able to learn how to use advanced computer modelling software, in order to predict how air pollutants will act in an area under specific conditions.  Overall the practicals and lab work in the Environmental Engineering course are (usually) fun and extremely interesting.

Find out more about the modules.