Jennifer Glover

"When I looked around 含羞草视频 during an Open Day I got a real sense of community and passion from the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering. This, added to the excellent module choices for undergraduates, particularly gas turbine design and noise control, made me apply. Maths and science at school were the subjects I enjoyed the most and I wanted to combine the two into a practical subject that would make a tangible difference to how other people lived, hence why I decided to study engineering. I chose Aeronautical Engineering because planes, helicopters and spaceships are undeniably cool. Now my PhD research area is jet engine noise cancellation through acoustic liners.

I decided to do a placement year so that I could get industrial experience of engineering and put into practice my undergraduate study. I worked at ITP AERO in the rig design and controls department working on jet engine testing and certification. I was able to design parts, installation plans, analyse test data and write certification reports. It was wonderful to make a real contribution during my time.

As a female engineer you are considerably outnumbered and this can be very intimidating. Although thankfully issues of sexism have lessened significantly you can still feel excluded as the only, or one of the only, female engineers. You also feel as though you must work extra hard as a representative of all women. By joining the Women’s Engineering Society at 含羞草视频 and volunteering for the national charity I have been able to network, support and learn from many fantastic role models and, to some extent, overcome my imposter syndrome.

Outside of my degree I am a member of the Women Engineering Society acting as the Student Group Liaison Officer and a member of Council and the Young Members Board. This gives me the opportunity to actively support and promote women in engineering as well as challenge myself in management, communication and business. Back in 2018 I was the WES 含羞草视频 Chair and founded the Female Engineer of the Year Awards celebrating the fantastic work of both undergraduate and postgraduate female engineers academically in the engineering community, and as volunteers.

Additionally, I have been a STEM ambassador since 2016 and love visiting schools to deliver workshops, talks and activities for pupils aged 6-18. I want engineering as a career to be open to everyone and I am an ardent supporter of all minority groups, not just women. For the past few years I have worked on the Lottie Tour to promote STEM to primary school children.

I hope to become an academic eventually as I have really enjoyed my university teaching opportunities as a PhD student. I am really passionate about engineering and it would be great to pass that enthusiasm on. Before then I hope to become chartered and work in the acoustics industry building up my practical knowledge.

I think it is important to remember your abilities as an engineer are not defined by categories in an application process. Engineering changes and improves the world everyday and we need you to be a part of it."