Can you tell us about your Engineering Journey?  

Since childhood, I was always eager to learn more about technology and how things were always getting smarter, faster, smaller, more efficient and how these technologies made people’s lives easier. I was always interested in how television screens made an image or how airbags knew when to inflate. Engineering is the field that solves the biggest problems in our world, like creating clean energy or making devices that help to detect cancer.

Having studied Engineering, I have learned that being an Engineer is fun and that we are constantly changing the world with inventions and solutions that affect and improve everyone’s lives.  I always knew that I wanted to make something that can help change the world, and that’s why I wanted to become an Engineer.  

After completing my PhD at the University of Manchester,  I was offered a job within the same research team as a Post-doctorate Research Associate. During those years of continuous research, I was responsible for leading one of the largest Engineering lectures at the University. After been involved in numerous national and international research projects and published more than 40 peer-reviewed journal conference papers, I joined the Department of Engineering at Manchester Met as a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

In this role, I aim to contribute significantly to the Departments’ research framework and create a positive experience for students. I am also the Counselor of the Manchester Met Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Student Branch, which holds technical and non-technical activities for our students as an opportunity to share knowledge and network.

How did your degree prepare you for your current role?  

I took the initiative to manage myself and push myself with each project. I became involved with teaching at the University of Manchester which made me see the opportunities and challenges of teaching and prepared me for teaching in my current role. 

Engaging with Engineering societies and bodies attending conferences and networking all helped me to expand my networks and links.

What do you enjoy about your current role?  

I really enjoy contributing to both Engineering and non-Engineering worlds through conducting cutting-edge research, as well as contributing to society by educating the next generation of Engineers. 

I also very much enjoy working with my colleagues in the Department of Engineering. I like the diversity of staff and the supportive, friendly atmosphere. I enjoy the fact that teamwork is so common in the Department of Engineering, where I am surrounded by smart minds and joyful characters which improve my personal and professional experiences. 

What are your greatest achievements so far?   

In regards to my research, I have been involved with various international research projects,  invented of a registered patent and co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed international conference and journal papers. I have also been awarded numerous prizes in different national and international conferences. 

In terms of teaching, I have obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education.

Other achievements include being the Treasurer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) UK and Ireland and Chairperson of the IEEE UK and Ireland Antenna and Propagation, Electron Devices, Laser and Electro-Optics and Microwave Theory and Technique Chapter. I am also a committee member of the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Committee and a technical and organisational committee member for international conferences. Conferences that I have recently been involved in include the European Microwave Conferences 2016 and 2021. 

What advice would you give to students who aspire to a career in Engineering?  

It’s important to be resilient, keep motivated and make use of opportunities to enhance your personal development and professional skills. Be creative, motivated, committed and engaged. There are endless career paths for Engineers in both industry and academic, which offer opportunities in all corners of the world. An Engineering degree can open many doors and is a chance to help improve the lives of people in different ways.

What does diversity in Engineering mean to you?   

 I believe that diversity in Engineering is an important and certainly a challenging matter. I have joined the IEEE Women in Engineering UK and Ireland as a committee member and for the past 10 years, I have acted as the chair of Women in Engineering at international and European conferences to identify possible solutions and what needs to be done to make the field of Engineering more diverse. 

Diversity is the key to approaching problems from different angles and a diverse team would be stronger, better and more effective at solving problems. Having different perspectives, points of view, approaches and skillsets can help us to get to the best solutions faster.

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