International Women in Engineering Day 2023
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), brought to you by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), is celebrating its 10th year and figures as of June 2021 show that 16.5% of engineers are women. INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented in their professions.
This year, INWED is profiling the best, brightest and bravest women in engineering, those women who #MakeSafetySeen and are helping to build towards a brighter future.
Safety and security lie at the heart of engineering
by Dr Si Chen, an R&D Engineer and Energy Systems Specialist at PNDC
As a Research and Development Engineer specialising in energy systems, I focus on modelling and simulation to ensure engineering safety and security. By conducting thorough simulations prior to physical experiments and installations, my work fosters more resilient and safer processes, reduces risks, and minimises wasted time and costly experiments. As a female engineer in the energy sector, I take pride in contributing to engineering safety and the pursuit of net zero targets to create a better world.
To promote psychological safety in the engineering industry and support the participation of women in this field, it is critical to create a culture of inclusivity and respect. Despite the challenges and barriers posed by engineering being a traditionally male-dominated field, I have consistently strived to demonstrate my technical ability and maintain confidence. Initially, language was another obstacle during my studies in the UK. Despite being fluent in using English, I needed time to adapt to thinking in English. Nevertheless, I overcame these challenges, earning a distinction for my MSc in engineering and receiving the “Best Student” award. I then completed my PhD in Electrical Engineering at the age of 27.
PNDC fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where a culture of respect and inclusivity promotes psychological safety for female engineers and those from diverse backgrounds. The unique and comprehensive test and demonstration environment also guarantees the safety and security in engineering.
I encourage more young women and girls to pursue careers in engineering.
#MakeSafetySeen #INWED23