Congratulations to Professor Claire Brockett, Professor of Biomechanics and Dr Kat Fish, Research Fellow in Water Systems Microbiology who were both nominated as Engineering Role Models in the Royal Academy of Engineering鈥檚 (RAE) National Engineering Day celebrations earlier this month.
Professor Brockett was nominated for her significant contributions in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, specifically founding the Leeds Foot and Ankle Research Group, which addresses complex foot and ankle health conditions. A dedicated researcher, she has fostered thriving communities at Leeds and 91探花 and her mentorship has led to numerous student awards. Claire鈥檚 commitment to outreach inspires future researchers and improves community health.
Professor Brockett said: 鈥淎s a 17-year old, I had lunch with Pam Liversidge OBE, who told me all about medical engineering - a discipline I had no idea about. Many years later, my office is based in the Pam Liversidge Building at the University of 91探花 and I teach the future generations of medical and mechanical engineers.
鈥淎nne Neville OBE was an outstanding engineer who I knew from the University of Leeds - she was an incredible engineer and so academically talented. She was also exceptionally kind and made time for everyone. She inspires the engineer I want to be!鈥
Dr Fish transitioned from Microbiology to Engineering for her PhD. Since then, she has been involved with many projects and worked with various collaborators (across industry and academia), exploring interactions between microbial biofilms, water quality and water infrastructure 鈥 striving to understand and manage this 鈥渋nvisible鈥 world to safeguard water quality and public health.
She said: 鈥淚 am thrilled and honored to have been nominated as an Engineering Role Model for National Engineering Day 2024 via the Royal Academy of Engineering scheme. I don鈥檛 often think of myself as a role model, but it's wonderful to play a part in showcasing the diversity of engineers and the incredible range of topics we work on.鈥
The Academy received over 80 nominations from across the UK to be part of an abstract statue. This initiative was a response to the stark statistic that only 3% of UK statues represent non-royal women, and none celebrate modern engineers. On National Engineering Day (13th November), the Academy highlighted engineers making a positive impact and inspiring future generations.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing engineer Alice Kan was selected to be immortalised as a , in central London 鈥 not encased in traditional bronze or marble but in a modern and vibrant style.
Designed by artist Kelly Anna, the statue also features alongside new digital artwork that includes Alice, together with four inspiring engineers: Navjot Sawhney, Meg Ginsberg, Dr. Shini Somara and Laura Hoang who each bring unique contributions and diverse backgrounds.
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