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.

In the third and final part of her reflections on the Global Engineering expedition to Borneo, Amy Hogg (Stage 4 MEng Civil & Structural Engineering) gives advice to students who may participate in the expedition in future years.

The Global Engineering module was an amazing experience and I am so thankful that I was able to participate in a project that made a real difference. The expedition was a once in a lifetime experience, providing the opportunity to immerse in a completely different culture and live in the jungle without modern technology for 12 days. For those offered the opportunity to complete a project of this nature, I cannot recommend the experience enough and hope to provide advice of some aspects of the project.

Fundraising presented quite a challenge, particularly in the final year of my degree. I would strongly advise making an early start and the summer break to apply to trusts and foundations and plan fundraising activities. This, along well as my passion for the project, allowed me to exceed my fundraising target. I would also strongly recommend group activities as they provide a chance to bond with team members before undertaking the expedition, however this does require a lot of planning!

The expedition allows students to take ownership of the project from early design through to construction. I was quite surprised at how the Raleigh staff stepped back and let us take complete control of the project. As such, it is vital to use the design stage to develop a sound understanding of the challenges presented on-site and to comprehend the scale to works to be completed in such a short time frame. I would recommend clearly breaking down the tasks to be completed and learn how to solve construction problems before arriving on-site.

The experience has really opened my eyes to the engineering challenges in the developing world and the key role engineers must play. The module has allowed me to develop a wealth of engineering skills that will prove invaluable in my graduate career. The Borneo expedition was a truly life changing experience which has most definitely been the highlight of my university career.  As such, I cannot recommend the module enough to all future students lucky enough to undertake the experience!

Life in the jungle – a truly life-changing experience!

In the second of her three posts reflecting on the recent civil engineering expedition to Borneo, Amy Hogg (Stage 4 MEng Civil & Structural Engineering) write about life with the remote village community her team were working with.

The Borneo expedition provided the unique opportunity to see first-hand the social side of engineering. Although the social aspect of sustainability has been addressed in a number of university modules, the expedition really opened my eyes to the difference that engineers can make in the developing world. The project involved the provision of appropriate infrastructure, however raising awareness of the importance of health and hygiene practices was important to maximise the impact of the new technologies provided. As such, community integration was vital to ensure project success.

Before the expedition, I was apprehensive of how the community would welcome us to the village, particularly as we were the first Western group in Bombong Empat. However, it was overwhelming how welcoming the community were, inviting us to the local church services, to play volleyball games each evening and allowing us to teach the children new games and dances – a great way to relax after a long day of work! We all formed a really strong bond with the community which heightened the importance of the task at hand, pushing us to work that little bit harder to ensure we could do as much for the community as possible in the short time we were on project.

The Newcastle University team and local community at the opening ceremony.

The highlight of my trip was the opening ceremony which was an opportunity to thank all those involved and to unveil the new system. It was really heart-warming to hear such kind words of appreciation from the community which truly highlighted the impact we had made, successfully supplying a reliable system that would ease pressures during the dry season. The community treated us to some amazing performances, playing gongs and teaching us traditional dances which was an amazing cultural exchange thoroughly enjoyed by all! The strong bond formed between the Newcastle team and Bombong Empat residents really enhanced our experience as it was so rewarding to participate in a project that made a lasting change for all members of the community.

Traditional dancing to the community played gongs at the opening ceremony.