What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
I studied Physics, Maths and Chemistry. My sister inspired me to be an engineer and I decided to be an engineer when I was 7 years old. Therefore, I chose these subjects to gain foundational knowledge and skills in engineering.
What degree/PhD did you study?
I have a BSc in civil engineering, an MSc in structural engineering and a PhD in civil engineering.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
My sister is an electrical and electronic engineer who was my role model as a woman in engineering.
What key skills did you learn at university?
Critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, time management and various computational and experimental skills in civil engineering. I am still learning the skills when I teach to my students.
What jobs have you had during your career?
Design Engineer of Dams in Practice, teaching assistant at University of Manchester and lecturer in civil engineering at Salford University.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently a lecturer in Civil Engineering at University of Liverpool. I do enjoy teaching and learning with my students and see how they can grow during their education and how I can be a part of their growth. Furthermore, doing research and exploring complex fluid-structure problems in engineering is what I really enjoy as a researcher.
Do you have an area of expertise / research?
Fluid-structure interaction, hydraulic structures, environmental fluid mechanics, masonry arch bridges.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
Designing dams during my undergraduate study as a project and in practice was very exciting, as the projects required knowledge and skills in complex multi-disciplinary areas and I had to work hard to understand every step of the design and their real-world impact on communities and stakeholders. Therefore, I spent my most of summer breaks on the construction site of dams to understand the challenges and real-world applications before working in practice with high-risk responsibilities. Similarly, my current research requires an understanding of the complex multi-disciplinary area that I love exploring more.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
Be ambitious and dedicated to shaping the future as an engineer.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given? and any advice you'd like to share?
Be resilient and self-confident in engineering. Everyone can have difficulties or problems. You are not alone, talk with others who can share their lessons learned during their career journeys.
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / research / STEMM?
I love being an engineer. Therefore, I am encouraging the next generations to be engineers as a STEM Ambassador nationally and internationally and mentoring my students and/or other engineering students to tackle the difficulties in their learning journey at the university.
Find out more about Erin and keep up to date with her work on LinkedIn.