This is STEMAZING

In this episode you’ll hear from Sahar Danesh, Senior Government Advisor atThe British Standards Institution. Sahar works to influence government policy in response to emerging technologies such as AI, Quantum, Data, Telecoms, and Cyber Security.  “I found the problem-solving element the best part and that's really what made me into an engineer”, Sahar says reflecting on her initial entry int...

In this episode you’ll hear from Amanda Kangai , Graduate Trackside Engineer at Pirelli as she shares her journey from Vice President of the University Engineering Society at Cambridge to now working trackside in Motorsport. Her incredible story reveals how determination and self-belief can overcome the double minority status of being both a woman and a person of colour in engineering. "You n...

In this episode you’ll hear Dr Marzia Bolpagni , Head of Building Information Modelling International at Mace. Marzia is passionate about Digital Transformation for the Built Environment and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of professionals; helping young talent bridge the gap between academia and industry.  Marzia grew up with one simple goal: to be happy. From her early love of both...

In this episode you’ll hear from AI, data and technology consultant Christina Tueje . Christina delivers a variety of AI, cybersecurity and data protection training programmes, supporting the learning and development needs of AI and privacy professionals. Hear how Christina’s career pivoted from Psychology to Tech, almost by accident. When talking about working in data security, Christina says ‘I...

In this episode you’ll hear Najwa Jawahar , Associate Director in Design Management at WSP.  Najwa's journey began in school where maths and physics weren't just subjects — they felt like different languages that made perfect logical sense to her. She loved disassembling machines but admits she didn’t always know how to put them back together! When her physics teacher presented career op...

In this episode you’ll hear from Melanie Stewart , Lead Structural Welding Engineer at Merit. Has a single moment defined the rest of your life? For Mel, it was looking out of an office window and seeing the sparks fly as some people were welding. Mel was amazed. The magnetism of that moment – the sound, the light, the creative power – pulled her away from a mundane office job and into a challengi...

In this episode you’ll hear from Monisha Gower , Assets Director for Northumbrian Water Group. Originally from Nigeria, Monisha developed an early fascination with how things worked—taking apart VHS players and televisions, only to reassemble them with a few "spare parts" left over.  Despite her father being a chemical engineer who inspired her interest in engineering, cultural expectati...

In this episode you’ll hear from Kat Parsons , Group Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Centrica. Kat reflects on her childhood love for the outdoors, which led her to the challenging field of contaminated land management. She describes making ‘mud pies’ as a child, only to end up doing the same thing as an adult in a more professional capacity! Kat’s story of discovering the power of auth...

In this episode you’ll hear from Elina Militello Asp , Transport and Scenario Modelling Group Leader at UK Atomic Energy Authority. From her earliest days in a rural Swedish village to leading a team at the forefront of nuclear innovation, Elina’s journey is fuelled by a passion for science and inspired by the many strong female role models in her family (her grandmother was one of the first femal...

In this episode you’ll hear from Heather Tymms , an advisor for global engineering consultancy GHD. Her love of STEM began at an early age when a guest speaker at her school explained how you can count to 30 on one hand. Heather also had a strong passion for puzzles and is able to solve a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute! Heather recalls her struggles at school and how she didn’t achieve the grades...

In this episode you’ll hear from Kelly Stone , Head of Airport Operations at Heathrow. Kelly’s career began at Gatwick in the 80s and has spanned electrical and water service engineering at both Gatwick and Heathrow.   Kelly recounts her early experiences of STEM; being encouraged to ‘tinker’ alongside her Dad’s passion for amateur car racing (he enlisted Kelly and her sister to be his unofficial...

In this episode you’ll hear fromaward winning Engineer and Innovator Yewande Akinola . Yewande has worked on the design and engineering for sustainable systems and large projects spanning water, energy, construction and more.  Yewande reveals how her initial interest in STEM began with architecture, as she was fascinated by the buildings she could see from the back seat of her Mum’s Passat! Yewand...

In this episode you’ll hear Anna Preston , Chartered Civil Engineer, currently working at Mabey Hire as a Team Leader in the Product Development Department. She has nearly 30 years experience working in the construction sector.  Anna has always had a fascination with STEM. She reveals how she dismantled the family television at a very young age (much to the frustration of her mother) just to try a...

In this episode you’ll hear from Dr Alice Bunn OBE , Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and previously the international director of the UK Space Agency. Dr Bunn looks back on her remarkable career in STEM, highlighting the power of perseverance, curiosity, and breaking gender stereotypes. From growing up in rural Scotland, moving to Shropshire, to navigating a traditionall...

To kick off ‘This is STEMAZING’ you’ll hear from STEMAZING’s founder and CEO Alex Knight on her story growing up, what attracted her to a career in engineering and ultimately what led her to launching an inspiration and inclusion revolution.   Alex describes herself as an unlikely engineer and recovering wallflower! Growing up in a small village in Kent, Alex's life was profoundly impacted by...

Introducing This Is STEMAZING, the podcast highlighting inspiring voices of diverse everyday STEM role models.  We all have stories to tell and this is where you will hear them.  On each episode, you'll discover the often surprising histories, backgrounds, challenges and triumphs of a woman who is proudly part of the STEM community, and all in her own words.  Follow the podcast so you don&apo...