Women in Engineering – part 2

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:

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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

Women in Engineering – part 1

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:

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I began to show interest in engineering and science as a child after my elementary education. At elementary school, I was introduced to subjects related to engineering like introduction to technology and general science. I found this subjects more interesting and applicable, as there were practical sessions for some topics.

Careers in science and engineering are prestigious professions in Africa and if successful as a female, you become an icon even though the chances were slim.  However, as a child I wanted this prestige and this birth my interest in science and engineering. In addition, I had two science teachers while at college who spurred my interest in chemistry and physics because of the teachers’ creative teaching styles and practicality of the subjects.

My ambition is to be competent at providing engineered solution to issues that affect the environment. I aspire to research ways to harness carbon capture potentials of so called greenhouse sources e.g. landfill and oil polluted soils.

The decision to study geology and petroleum geology as first and second degrees respectively informed my choice of specialising in environmental science. This human activities and impact on the environment increased my awareness of our endangered earth. I believe It is not just enough to create problems in a bit to harness energy, it is safe and responsible to solve the environmental problems that arise in the process

Environmental engineering is one field I am also interested in and plans to gain professional qualifications in this area as well.

Currently, I am doing a postgraduate taught programme in environmental and petroleum geochemistry. This course addresses issues with pollution, assessing and quantifying pollutants, mapping pollution sources and its fate in the environment. I am happy the knowledge gained so far is helping so well in progressing my career

Newcastle University’s career service has been a very helpful medium. It organises career sessions involving talks from industries and professionals in my field. It also provides information about job and research opportunities which may not be opened to the general public. The library resources are wonderful, accessible and up to date.

My advice to young girls is to identify their passion, pursue it with vigour and strive to be the best at it. As a girl, you are not an alternative or option, but a necessity. This statement remains true in any chosen career- as long as you are competent in your chosen field. I hope to inspire young girls first by being a role model to influence those around me. Also, I aim to utilise opportunities I have to creatively teach science subjects to inspire the young ones.

#INWED17

 

MSc Environmental Engineering – the practical elements

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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.

Global Engineering – Borneo reflections (Part 3 of 3)

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!

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

Global Engineering – Borneo expedition reflections (Part 2 of 3)

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 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.

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

Engineers Without Borders

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Jonas Lejarre, a third year BEng Civil Engineering student, writes about EWB, Engineers Without Borders, a charity that focuses on international development.

“Engineers Without Borders UK inspires and supports people to respond to global challenges using science, technology and engineering”.

We are a student-led branch at Newcastle and are part of a wider national EWB-UK and international network that regroup thousands of members, students and professional alike.

What do we do in our branch at Newcastle University? 

Activities are varied and you can always find yourselves interested in one of them. EWB-Newcastle host talks on sustainable cities as well as inviting local charities to tell us more about what they do. Local charities are a great chance for everyone to learn more about their work abroad but it also offers the chance to learn about exciting opportunities with them. If you like talks but also want your voice heard, as part of the global EWB network we go to other universities to participate in debate generally around international development or sustainability. You can also get involved with Outreach, a program aimed at promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to school children. EWB works with the STEM program and local schools by providing activities and small projects, such as building a small wind turbine to demonstrate our need for clean and sustainable source of energy.

Although, only started in the beginning of 2016 EWB-Newcastle is now paired with TONIBUNG, a non-governmental organisation in Malaysia through a Member Led Partnership. An MLP provides students the opportunity to take part in development projects, while working closely with organisations local to the people that are being helped. One project has involved a problem that we have been given to design and develop a piece of equipment that regulates the electrical power generated and delivered to remove communities. It needs to be reliable and yet simple enough so that it can be maintained by village technicians, as our role is to make sure those communities do not rely on us on for its maintenance. Once designed, the solutions will be implemented by some of our members over the summer holidays in Malaysia.

A development project through EWB-Newcastle.

A development project through EWB-Newcastle.

Let’s not forget, this is a student society and as such we have plenty social activity. From going Ice skating, bowling or to just grab a bite at the comedy club. It is also a good chance to meet people outside your course but also for networking as we work with the local professional EWB network here in Newcastle.

BEng Civil Engineering at Newcastle University

Video about Civil Engineering at Newcastle University

EWB Newcastle University