Women in Engineering: Our inspiring UU student stories

Sarah-Louise Maskey, BEng Mechatronic Engineering

• Mechatronic Engineering

Story

I study...

Mechatronic Engineering, which means I can join others in making an impact in the field by creating electronic systems, designing new products and finding innovative solutions to everyday issues.

I would encourage more young women to study within the field of Engineering because...

It is such a dynamic field of work, which is vast enough that everyone can find their ‘niche’. The industry also presents immense opportunities to create real positive change in the world, through environmental, economic and social change.

I chose to study Engineering at Ulster because...

I thought the range of modules, industry links and impressive work placement opportunities were unmatched.

I was inspired to follow a career in Engineering because...

I really enjoyed the practical/hands on aspects of science and design, and felt that I would be suited a career utilising this. I also love how careers in Engineering highlight that a small change in design, can vastly improve peoples lives.

After graduating, I would like to pursue a career in the area of...

Sustainable Engineering, or the Engineering of products designed to positively impact Human life.

Hannah McMullan, BEng Mechatronic Engineering

• Mechatronic Engineering

Story

I study...

Mechatronic Engineering, which means that I can join others in making an impact in the field by combing Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Software skills to co-ordinate between different sectors of engineering rather than focusing on one, allowing me to extend my options for my future career.

I would encourage more young women to study within the field of Engineering because...

It is important to contribute to reducing the traditional gender imbalance which has prevailed across all sectors of engineering. As a growth sector it affords many interesting opportunities for career development and progression.

I chose to study Engineering at Ulster because...

It offers a vast range of degrees including Bio-Medical, Engineering Management etc. The Engineering Faculty is one which caters for all abilities and the staff are always there to help, encouraging and pushing you to do your best.

I was inspired to follow a career in Engineering because...

I noticed that there was no limit to what Engineers can achieve with constant growth and new opportunities.

After graduating...

I hope to pursue a career in the field of Mechanical And Electrical Co-ordination and Consultancy. Many opportunities for post graduate training also exist and I may follow this path in the future.

Hannah Willis, BEng Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

Story

I study...

Mechanical Engineering, which means that I can join others in making an impact in the field by finding solutions to problems and making the lives of others easier. The world we live in is so dependent on technology now and as we grow and develop, so too must the technology and machinery we use. So much good can be done using engineering to improve the world we live in and it’s so exciting and rewarding to be a small cog in the big machine of difference.

I would encourage more young women to study within the field of Engineering because...

It is the work of the future. Solving problems and creating new innovative ideas to make a positive impact on the future.

Within Northern Ireland especially, I have found there is still a stigma around girls going into engineering however, in the past few years there has been such a positive increase into the amount of women coming into engineering. My main encouragement and advice as a woman within the engineering sector is to not be intimidated by the low quantity of women but instead let it motivate and drive you to be the best you can be. A woman can do a job just as well as a man, don’t doubt yourself.

I chose to study Engineering at Ulster because...

The modules offered at ulster within the mechanical engineering course were so vast that I knew if I studied at Ulster, I would be gaining knowledge on almost every part of the engineering industry. In comparison to Queen's University, Ulster is smaller however this was so beneficial to me as the lecturers have more time available for each student If they require help.

The staff and teaching at Ulster are exemplary, throughout my 5 years of university I could always get help from a lecturer with ease, and they didn’t mind explaining topics multiple times to help us gain a better understanding.

I was inspired to follow a career in Engineering because...

During my time at school I always excelled in art, technology, maths and engineering (physics took a bit of work sometimes). When it came to selecting university courses mechanical engineering was the perfect fit, it combined all the subjects I enjoyed and felt confident with. Having already done some engineering with the North West Regional College as an A Level, I knew going into the course that it would be hard but very interesting and rewarding.

Before going into engineering, I read a quote from Queen Elizabeth II that said “At its heart, engineering is about using science to find creative, practical solutions. It is a noble profession.” As someone with a creative mind who loves problem-solving, when I heard this quote I knew engineering would combine my skills and strengths and be a career in which I would be making a positive difference and finding joy while doing so.

After graduating...

I would like to pursue a career in the area of Manufacturing engineering. During both university and placement, I developed a love for lean manufacturing and continual improvement processes therefore when I finished university my goal was to gain a job within the manufacturing side of a business. I have just recently signed my contract with an engineering company to be their new manufacturing engineer and I am very thankful to my time at university to be in a place where I feel prepared for every challenge the working world will throw at me.

Tegan Blair, BEng Electronic Engineering

• Electronic Engineering

Story

I study... 

Electronic Engineering + German Master’s degree in Belfast. This means I can join others in making an impact in this field by improving practical technology, devices and systems that are used everywhere in life through the application of maths, science and technology.

I would encourage more young women to study within the field of Engineering because... 

I would love to encourage more young women to study engineering, particularly electronics, because of the excitement and rewarding challenges it brings each day. With each lecture I get the opportunity to learn something new and the potential to apply it in laboratory sessions. With the limitless applications and areas of research so there is something for all women in engineering.

I chose to study Engineering at Ulster because...

Ulster has a high reputation for the engineering courses and the variety of choice in the different campuses. The modules offered are all exciting and relevant to industry demands but the friendly nature of the staff and their specialities make it an amazing experience. Spending a semester studying in Augsburg for a master’s is unique to Ulster and very attractive to employers in my future while building an attractive portfolio.

I was inspired to follow a career in Engineering because... 

The female role models I have had throughout my education, many of them being graduates from Ulster. Seeing their passion and enthusiasm for all areas of STEM and electronic engineering has influenced my love and passion for electronics. I hope one day to have an influence on other young women like me.

After graduating...

I would like to pursue a career in the area of VLSI design and microelectronics.