12 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 THE

WVolume 17, omanNumber 13 – Autumn 2006 Engineerwww.wes.org.uk Conference preview p.5 Experience as mentor and mentee p.6 A famous ancestor p.7

Urgent action needed on women’ s

“We ’ r e only here for the under-representation be e r ” – members visit a brewery in Wandsworth, see p.3 mmediate action is needed to help men, and few rise to the top strata of committee of men and women acad- President’ s remedy the widespread and persist- leadership. emy members – to be responsible for Ient under-representation of women As a starting point, the report gender-equity issues, formulating and message in scientific and technical fields, says a urges the academies themselves to overseeing action plans and monitor- new report by the InterAcademy implement internal management ing progress. Also academies should et Council (IAC). The disproportionately practices that encourage and support seek concrete ways to add female Yagain, small number of women in the sci- women, and influence policymakers members and must include women there has ence and technology (S&T) enterprise, and other leaders to bring about members in leadership positions. been particularly in leadership positions, is broader change. As well as commit- WES Council member Jan Peters, much a major hindrance to strengthening ting to the full inclusion of women in who was involved in drafting the activity to science capacity worldwide. The IAC their organisations, they need to report, said:“National academies need raise the is an organisation created by ninety press for this in any research institutes to put gender firmly on their agenda, awareness science academies across the globe. they manage, and throughout the in their reports and on their walls and of women in engineering. The advisory report, Women for S&T community. to do more than have the odd token Claire Curtis-Thomas, MP (and Science, targets the IAC’s member- The report concludes that “good scheme. The panel also wants acade- engineer) has been hosting a ship, pointing out that women typi- management practice” is required to mies to exert their influence more number of events at Portcullis cally make up less than 5% of an help reach this goal, including com- widely and use science and technolo- House: ‘Women in Science, academy’s members. Many research mitment from the top leadership, gy to improve the lives of women Engineering and Design’ – institutions around the world have clear criteria for promotions and globally. highlighting the role of resisted fully opening their doors to awards, professional training and “As Gandhi said: ‘When a man is women designers; “Women in women in science and technology, or mentoring, and inclusion of women educated, an individual is educated, Space” – covering career eliminating barriers they often face in formal and informal organisational when a woman is educated, a family prospects in the space sector. after they do gain entry. As a result, networks. and a country are educated’.” I was first introduced to women drop out in the early stages In particular, academies need to More information is available online ‘Women in Space’ some years of their careers more frequently than designate a person – or a balanced at www.interacademycouncil.net. ago when I received a copy of the book ‘Valentina – First shed before being scuttled in 1937. Woman in Space’. Cosmonaut In 1970, the ship, little more than Valentina Tereshkova was the SS Great Britain is Museum of the Year a rusted hulk, was salvaged and first woman in space and had towed back across the Atlantic to a doctorate in engineering. runel’s historic steamship, the SS 1843. On 26 July 1845, the ship Bristol. These events were all BGreat Britain, has won the undertook its maiden voyage to Since then, the SS Great Britain attended by WES members. I Gulbenkian Prize for museums and New York, a journey completed in has been moored in dry dock in the went to some and found galleries. It beat competition from an astounding 14 days. . city while conservation work to them very worthwhile. So if London’s Hunterian Museum, the During her lifetime the ship was repair the damage was carried out. you get the opportunity to Yorkshire Sculpture Garden and This was completed last year. find out what your engineer- The Collection, a museum tracing A novel reconstruction method ing sector is doing for you, the history of Lincoln. involved constructing a glass sea let’s hear about it. Professor Robert Winston, chair- at the ship’s water line. This pro- I did manage to go to Lille man of the judging panel, said: vides the roof of a giant airtight to the INWES (International “The SS Great Britain combines a chamber surrounding the ship’s Network of Women in truly groundbreaking piece of con- lower hull. Beneath the glass Engineering and Science) servation, remarkable engineering plate moisture is removed from meeting to view first-hand the and fascinating social history plus the air using special dehumidifi- progress being made for a visually stunning ship above and cation equipment. In this dry ICWES 14 (International below the water line. used as a luxury liner, an emigrant environment, the hull will no longer Conference for Women in “Most importantly, the SS Great ship taking travellers to Australia, corrode. Engineering and Science). The Britain is accessible and highly and a troop carrier during the The glass sea is covered with a weather was awful, but the engaging for people of all ages.” Crimean War. thin layer of water, so the ship company was fantastic and The SS Great Britain was the In 1886 when being used to appears to be floating. Visitors can Lille is a beautiful city. I met world’s first propeller-driven ocean- transport coal, a fire on board near descend beneath the glass plate into women in science, engineer- going steamship and regarded as the Falkland Islands damaged it the dry dock, to see the ship’s vast, ing and technology from all Brunel’s finest work. It was launched beyond repair, and it was con- curved flanks and all-important pro- from Jefferies Dock in Bristol in demned to use as a floating wool- peller. (www.ssgreatbritain.org.uk) Continues on page 3 2 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006

The Women’ s Engineering Society t is encouraging to read in this and technical communities. It can be is a charity registered with the issue about the number of different done as the example of our members Charity Commission No. 1008913 projects young women engineering Julia Higgins and Julia King shows, and a company limited by guar - I antee registered in England No. students are getting involved in (see see opposite page, but not without 162096. articles on pages 4, 8 and 10). outstanding effort and commitment.

All correspondence regarding Very many congratulations go to The InterAcademy Council is urg- their valuable capabilities? Well, it membership and the work of Tanya Budd, who managed to scoop ing its own members to make a sig- might be worth spending some time the Women’s Engineering a top US award with her clever nificant effort to advance women in on further investigation of your Society (WES) should be addressed to: design of a life-saving net. Tanya, their own organisations. The report ancestors. The Secretary who is just about to start studying recently issued by the Council (see The article on page 7 shows how Women’s Engineering Society engineering at university, has already article on page 1) points out that the WES member Dianne Patterson dis- c/o IET won other awards for her invention, small number of women in leadership covered her close relationship with Michael Faraday House Six Hills Way which was developed under the aus- positions in science and engineering Michael Faraday. STEVENAGE SG1 2AY picious of the Young Engineer enterprises and academia is hindering Don’t miss the opportunity to reg- Tel: 01438 765506 scheme. Obviously Tanya is someone the development of science and tech- ister for this year’s conference. Read e-mail: [email protected] www.wes.org.uk to watch for the future. nical capacity worldwide. It is to be page 5 to discover all that is on offer However, despite many promising hoped that this report will spur a step this year – you’ll be sorry if you miss The Woman Engineer Editor : Pat Battams youngsters entering the engineering forward in the same way as the SET out. As attendees of previous confer- e-mail: [email protected] profession, there is still the problem Fair report did. ences will be aware, the main prob- Editorial Boar d: of the failure of women engineers Have you ever wondered whether lem is the choice of workshop or Ruth Carter, Jacky Crook, Eli and scientists to rise to significant you were related to someone famous activity. You want to go to them all, Fosbrooke, Petra Godwin, Dianne Patterson, Karen leadership positions in the science and had perhaps inherited some of which is unfortunately impossible. Quigley, Connie Shirley, Natalie Wiseman

The Woman Engineer is pub- lished by the Women’s Engineering Society. It is distrib- uted free of charge to members the Organisation for Economic of the Society and to selected Cooperation and Development. professional women engineers, Following the presentations, we scientists and women under- graduates at universities and col- split into small groups to discuss: leges. Sue Bird reports on The final report and budget for Subscriptions : the journal is recent developments ICWES13 was received from repre- (a) ICWES14 preparation ; available to non WES members sentatives from South Korea, who in the UK at a subscription price (b) WFEO/INWES/UNESCO of £20.00pa (inc postage). Please are being very pro-active in advis- partnerships and joint projects; send applications for subscrip- ince our last journal, there ing the French organisers of tions to WES. Cheques should be (c) outreach strategy to reverse made payable to: Women’s has been an INWES Board ICWES14. We were helped to the declining trend of women’s Engineering Society. Smeeting in Lille, France. It focus on achieving our aims by participation in science, engi- Overseas subscriptions : price was a very busy three days. Gail Mattson and Claudia Morrell neering and computer science. by surface mail is £25.00pa. Normal business lasted two days of USA, and we split into small Sterling cheques or bank drafts should be made payable to: and, on the third day, INWES invit- groups to discuss projects, com- So we had an extremely inter- Women’s Engineering Society. ed many important people from mittees and other subjects of esting and productive time. It was All letters and articles for inclu - Europe so that we could explain interest. good that Dawn could see what sion in The Woman Engineer should be sent to the Editor at what we are doing and encourage On the third day we had pre- we are doing and how it is rele- the same address. others to join us. Dawn Fitt came sentations from representatives of vant to WES. Also it was interest- The views expressed in this to this third day, and Pam Wain UNESCO, ICWES14, Centre for ing and great fun to meet distin- journal are not necessarily the views of the Society. was with us for the whole meet- Women and IT in Maryland, World guished guests from many differ- (c) Copyright: The Woman ing. Federation of Engineering ent parts of the engineering and Engineer 2006 The Board meeting was incredi- Organisations, Engineers without science world, and also the worlds Deadline for next issue: ble – all members from around Borders, the European Union, and of politics and administration. 15 October 2006 the world had managed to be Inside this issue... there, and there were also some New environment journal environmental science. The journal 2 INWES friends who helped us to make will offer a combination of 3 Members’ news decisions and gave us extra infor- THE INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS is research letters, commentaries, job 3 Circle News mation. Much of the work was launching Environmental Research and other advertisements, reviews and news items. 4 Young Engineer wins major the standard type of committee Letters (ERL), the first open-access US prize work that has to be carried out on journal that will cover the whole ERL will be completely free to 4 Equal pay heroes honoured these occasions, but we also of environmental science. read online and published authors in the journal will be required to 8 Sorting Havana’s water leaks heard from the Board members ERL will include contributions pay an article publication charge. 8 History of UK Women on what was being done in theiir from both specialist researchers Engineers areas – in fact this could have and the wider public, and will pro - The first issue will be available 9 Council Update filled the entire time, and made vide free access to wide-ranging in October 2006. 10 News fascinating listening. content on topics extending across (http://erl.iop.org) 10 New members 11 Your letters The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 11

Your letters should be YOUR sent to: WES Editor, c/o IET, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, STEVENAGE SG1 2AY or e-mail to [email protected]

Diary. fied as relating especially to women in Please don’t change engineering I joined WES over 25 years ago 1 - 3 Sept Engineering’s because of aims A and B which I felt Proud Past and Bright Dear Editor Dear Editor embraced e and f; objective C is, I Future, WES Annual Carolyn Dougherty’s thorough, syst- In his book, ‘The Essential Difference’, think, no longer relevant. I am Conference in Edinburgh matic and convincing arguments published in 2003, Professor Simon ashamed to say that I hadn’t realised (see p 5). against full membership for men has Baron-Cohen wrote how the stated aims of WES had my full support and agreement. It is ‘People with the female brain make the changed. No wonder members are S e p t WES Council meeting not necessary to add more arguments most wonderful counsellors, primary-school now suggesting that men should teachers, nurses, carers, therapists, social at the British Computer but I would like to comment on Pam workers, mediators, group facilitators or per - become full members. They would S o c i e t y, 5 Southampton St, Wain’s reply. sonnel staff. ...People with the male brain possibly be much better than most of London WC2. All members 1.’ This is a symbolic change....’ If make the most wonderful scientists, engi - us at enhancing our social status and a re welcome to attend. neers, mechanics, technicians, musicians, expounding the financial benefits of the change is only symbolic, why architects, electricians, plumbers, taxono - engineering. Male engineers might make it? I’m sure that ‘real men’ mists, catalogists, bankers, toolmakers, pro - Please send all diary wouldn’t worry about a title. grammers or even lawyers’ not fully understand the difficulties items to [email protected] . u k (However, it seems that it isn’t just This is the attitude that WES has that women still face at work and in or post to the addre s s symbolic in that full membership pre- fought against. We have made some seeking advancement, but they could above. Deadline for next sumeably would mean that a man progress but not much – 86% of engi- no doubt help the promotion of issue 15 October 2006. could become president?). neering students are still male. We young men in the Society. So why not knock the W off WES and unite with 2. ‘WES has the right to refuse need to examine our objectives and male engineers in promoting engi- members or expel them - so we can - our methods and see whether we are neering – and the environment? not be forced to change track by a still working for our stated aims and But that’s not what WES is about. I tidal wave of men’. I think this misses going about it in the best way. believe most members still see WES as the point. WES is an organisation of In 1991, we had three formal objec- a society for promoting women in role models for women and girls and tives, probably formulated much earli- engineering. Certainly the status of if that organisation is increasingly rep- er, which were, put simply: engineering needs raising and the resented by men, it will no longer be A to promote the education of environment needs protecting but we attractive - nor appropriate. And, a women in engineering can join different groups to do this. ‘tidal wave of men’ would most defi- B to make it known that women are Our function is to encourage girls and nitely change the organisation. Even if studying and practising engineering women into engineering. it is not radically and openly ‘forced C to relieve poverty amongst women How can we do it? We need to off track’, it will change. engineers. By 2001 our objectives had changed make an impact in education from an 3. Women-only events.... I appreci- – engineering, as such, acquired a early age by supporting suitable proj- ate the point made about the men greater significance and the promotion ects – demonstrations, competitions, that would join WES supporting our of women in engineering had fallen facilities, films and books – that excite aims, but ways of thinking are not from first to sixth objective. girls and convey the fun and satisfac- necessarily following the same lines Paraphrased, they are now: tion of engineering. These things exist and, while being supportive of WES a to make it known that engineering but need consolidating into a library aims, men could easily think that there is the prime creator of wealth in our of resources for members to use. would be no point in having women- society If I’m talking to a class about engi- only events (because they may be gen- b to enhance the influence of engi - neering, I don’t want to discuss the uinely interested in participating) – or neers in policy formation and decision different courses available. Instead I’d making any events that they would see as like to be able to draw on our c to enhance the social status of irrelevant. resources to show a problem appropri- engineers and status of engineering I do not in any way think ill of men d to publicise engineering and its ate to the age group and get it solved. and their support is, naturally, more application in the protection of the Perhaps paying someone to set up than welcome. I am only saying that, environment and the use of resources and manage a resource library would in my view, full membership of WES e to encourage employment practices be more profitable than giving prizes for men is an oxymoron. Associate that enable women engineers to to the brightest women student engi- membership shows support, full mem- advance equally with men; to provide neers, and running workshops for dif- bership shows....what? a support network for women of ferent age groups more useful than women engineers, Council meetings. Lotte Reimer f to promote the education of Networking is also an important women in furthering their careers PS. I recently took part in a seminar on WES objective. This is impossible g to collaborate with organisations the women’s movement in Wales with with sympathetic aims without an up-to-date membership ten women and one man. First to h to keep the Society going. list. Please, can we have it restored? speak? I leave it to you to guess! The first three objectives were quali- Ruth Raymond 10 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006

Keep us informed of your AN EARLY 19th century cast THERE IS GOOD and bad news for those caring for children iron bridge that has been for women in the govern- ✦ a new contributory credit for latest news by writing to: toughened up to cope with today’s ment’s White Paper proposals on those caring for severly disabled peo- The Woman Engineer, modern traffic demands has won the pensions. ple for 20 hours or more a week ✦ c/o IET, Michael Faraday West Midlands One of the govern- abolishing initial contribution Institution of ment’s aims has been conditions to basic state pension so House, Six Hills Way, Civil Engineers to make the pensions that caring for children or the severe- STEVENAGE SG1 2AY (ICE) Project system fairer for ly disabled will build entitlement to Award 2006. women, who lose basic pension without having to or via e-mail to Coalport Bridge out at present when make a minimum level of contribu- [email protected] is believed to be they leave work or tions. the oldest cast work part-time to On the debit side, however, iron bridge car- care for children and women are going to have to work rying vehicular elderly relatives. longer before receiving a pension. New Members traffic in the UK The White Paper pro- The state pension age is already today. It opened in 1818 and carries poses that: scheduled to rise from 60 to 65 the Broseley to Telford road over the ✦ the number of working years between 2010 and 2020. A rise from Kerrine Bryan , London River Severn. needed to qualify for the basic state 65 to 66 is proposed for men and Maureen Cooper , Doune Christina Jackson, chair of the pension should be reduced to 30 women from 2024-2026 and two Orlagh Costello , Scunthorpe judging panel, said: “The judges ✦ replacing Home Responsibilities further rises of one year from 2034- Vivien Lang , Coventry were particularly impressed by the Protection with a new weekly credit 2036 and 2044-2046. Joanne Larmour , London excellent teamwork, innovative tech- Helen Macefield , niques and expert workmanship in Sarah’s on the ball Birmingham restoring the Coalport Bridge. It was Katy Mowatt , Kirkcaldy carried out with great sensitivity and SWERVING SOCCER balls are being manner – possibly producing an ‘S’ was a worthy winner.” studied by a team of researchers in shaped trajectory. Katy Roelich , Menston the Department of Mechanical “As a soccer player I feel this Sylvia Tang , Bristol THE TELECOMS company Engineering at the University of research is invaluable in order for Emma Taylor , Baldock Openreach has launched Sheffield in collaboration with players to be able to optimise their Open2all, a initiative to identify and Fluent Europe Ltd. Using comput- kicking strategies. This knowledge address the barriers to women ational fluid dynamics (CFD), the could be used by manufacturers to Junior Member becoming telecoms engineers. The team has compared airflows around design future balls which will ulti- aim of Open2all is to encourage four balls, which have been used mately enhance the overall experi- Sarah Millest , Macclesfield more women to consider joining over the past 36 years, including the ence for players and spectators at Openreach in an engineering role. Adidas ball used in the 2006 World all levels of the game.” The company is putting into action Cup (see photo). Sarah decided to a plan to boost the number of female PhD student and pursue a career in engineers. This will focus on: Sheffield FC player engineering after Recruitment – tailored adverts and Sarah Barber used a undertaking a Year In better use of channels and networks 3D laser scanner to Industry scheme with to ensure that recruitment advertising obtain accurate sur- Zeneca Agrochemicals appeals to and reaches more women. face detail of each in Huddersfield. She Role definition – exploring the individual ball, including their stitch - studied for a degree in mechanical potential for more flexible working, es and seam patterns. These engineering at Cambridge and job sharing, child-friendly hours and demonstrated that the shape, sur- spent her third year in the USA on other work-life balance measures. face and asymmetry of the ball, as the Cambridge-MIT Institution Culture – altering the currently per- well as its initial orientation, have a exchange programme. This was ceived male-dominated environment profound effect on how the ball where she first became aware of to make the role more attractive to moves through the air. The side sports engineering when she took women. force varies according to the orien- part in a community project to pro- Alison Williams, Openreach engi- tation of the ball relative to its duce a device that helped disabled neer, Liverpool, said: “I love my job flight. So for a kick where the ball is kids play sport. but there is still a long way to go to slowly rotating, the side force could “Being a footballer myself, I convince women that this career fluctuate causing it to swerve. became passionate about the appli- choice is open to them. The work is Ultimately the nature of the swerve cation of engineering to sport,” said obviously technical, but full training is is affected by the initial orientation Sarah. “So I began a PhD in the provided in your first weeks on the of the ball before it is kicked. Sports Engineering Research Group job. The job is full of challenges – Sarah explains: “We believe that at Sheffield. An academic career is working in field service fully utilises our findings go a long way to exciting and rewarding, and I really your people and problem solving explain how some players kick the think that something needs to be skills and this is why I find it so ball with little or no spin, yet get it done about its dull and boring rewarding.” to swerve in a seemingly erratic image!” (see www.fluent.com) The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 3

President’s message Continued from page 1 Cambridge, she joined Rolls-Royce Members’ news Aerospace Group as Head of four corners Materials in 1994. In 1998 she was of the earth appointed Managing Director of and realised Rolls-Royce Fan Systems, then in that the 2000 she joined the newly enlarged issues we Julia King has accepted the post of Rolls-Royce Marine Business as face are Vice-Chancellor at Aston University. Director, Engineering and Technology. global. We Julia Higgins succeeds her as In 2002 Julia left Rolls-Royce to take are not alone – all too Principal of the Faculty of on a new challenge as Chief often I have felt isolated Engineering at Imperial College. Executive of the Institute of Physics. at both a micro and a Professor Julia King (shown on the Julia received a CBE in the 1999 macro level. right) has been Principal of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for Since my last message, Faculty of Engineering at Imperial in Yorkshire. Following this she held services to materials engineering. there has been some College since autumn research posts at the University of movement on widening 2004. Professor Julia Higgins (right) is Manchester, Institut Laue-Langevin, participation and gender Director of the Graduate School in Julia obtained a Grenoble, France and Institut Charles issues. Dr Jan Peters in her Engineering and Physical PhD in metal Sadron, Strasbourg, France. role as Study Director has Sciences at Imperial College and, fatigue and frac- In 1976 she became a lecturer in helped to shape the since 2003, has been chair of ture at New Hall, the Chemical Engineering InterAcademy Council the Engineering and Physical Cambridge in Department at Imperial College. In (IAC) report: ‘Women in Sciences Research Council. 1979. After 16 1985 she became a reader in poly- Science’. It is worthwhile years as an aca- She gained a DPhil in physical mer science and in 1989 was reading and we have pro- demic researcher chemistry from the University appointed professor of polymer sci- vided a link to the IAC and university of Oxford, UK in 1968. Whilst ence. From 1993-1997, she was also website from our website. lecturer at the studying for her DPhil she Dean of the City and Guilds College This is release on the University of worked as a physics teacher at and has, since 2001, been Vice- back of the OECD Nottingham and at Mexborough Grammar School President of the Royal Society. (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) workshop ‘Women In Scientific Careers: Unleashing The Potential’ – the report of Essex Cluster and which will be produced London Branch later. Also an UNESCO report on gender participa- n 14 June, the Essex Cluster tion is due later in the year. Oand London Branch enjoyed a These reports continue technical tour of Young’s Brewery in the work of Baroness Wandsworth. The Ram Brewery has Greenfield’s “SETFair” been operating since 1581 and has Report from which the been connected to the Young family UKRC (UK Resource Centre since 1831. The brewery will start for Women in SET) was moving from the site in September formed. In the UK, we are 2006 to Bedford. leaders in shaping the Members were taken on a tour by future with respect to gen- chief brewer Ken Don. He explained but from 1896 artesian water holes and.traditional varieties of hops from der participation, so let’s that modernised equipment was have been used supplemented with Kent. The yeast used is Young’s own try to ensure that we con- installed in 1981 but traditional water from Thames Water. strain. tinue to lead the way and methods and materials were still The brewing process is conducted Brewing is a biochemical process make use of the UKRC in used. over five days with racking in the so no two brews are the same the best way that we can. Originally water came from the mornings. Traditional varieties of though they still follow recipes from I would like to congratu- Wandle, which follows alongside, barley come from East Anglia the 1933 brewery book. Stainless late both Julia King CBE steel ‘coppers’ are now used but and Julia Higgins DBE on casks are still used for storage as this their new appointments. allows the flavours to balance. Fantastic achievements for Horses deliver to 25 pubs in a 3 two outstanding women. miles radius. However, horses, don- Another woman, who keys, the ram, and geese are all deserves an extra special going to be retired when the site is mention, because I am in redeveloped for commercial and resi- complete awe of her, is dential use. Connie Shirley. Connie Following the tour members had completed the Timex the very pleasant experience of sam- Women Only Novice pling the product (see above photo). Triathlon (swim 200m; bike Thanks to Su Tutcher for organis- 5.1km and run 2.5km). ing this trip. Well done Connie! Betty McCarthy 4 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006

ighteen year old Tanya Budd has been named as the winner of Ethe United States Coast Guard award for boating and water safety at the Intel sponsored International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tanya was invited to the event as she had been Young Engineer for Britain last year. She wins $5,000 in prize money for her ‘Hypo Hoist’ device, which enables sailors, who have fallen overboard and may be suffering from hypothermia to be safely retrieved from the water. Tanya, who has won a scholarship to read engineering at Brunel University, also won two Isambard Brunel Awards this year. She was an invited speaker at the Brunel celebra- tions in Bristol in July. The Hypo Hoist is being manufac- Tanya demonstrates her Hypo tured by the Isle of Wight company Hoist to be given a Government prize at SeaSafe. It was launched by Sea Safe this event. in June and was featured at the 47 different countries as well as all “I never dreamt when I entered Southampton Boat Show in July. the US states. Young Engineer for Britain last year Commenting on her US success, “I was absolutely stunned to have that it would lead to so much. Tanya said, “This was an awesome won this award. Apparently it is really “I’m so pleased that I decided to occasion with 1500 contestants from unusual for someone outside the US take up engineering as a career.”

women will be the first of six films to go into the TUC archive. The Equal pay heroes honoured next – due to be shot later this month – will be of the women omen behind the Ford The women who made the seat cleaners who successfully won sewing machinists strike covers in the Ford factory earned equal pay for work of equal value Wof 1968, which paved only 92 per cent of that paid to the through comparing their work with the way for the introduction of unskilled men who swept the groundsmen at the Royal Victoria equal pay legislation in the UK, floors, and just 80 per cent of what Hospital in Belfast in 1995. have been awarded the Wainwright the semi-skilled men took home. The Wainwright Trust was set up Trust’s Breakthrough Award. These The Trust is also providing fund- in 1987 to commemorate the life awards are presented annually to ing for a TUC initiative to record and work of equal opportunities the unsung heroes of the equal efforts by women to achieve equal - pioneer David Wainwright opportunities world. ity. The personal stories of the (www.wainwrighttrust.org.uk). The ex-sewing machinists from 1968 – Violet Dawson, Sheila Douglass, Vera Sime – and Bernie Passingham, the T&G convenor who helped them win their pay fight against the car manufacturer – are being honoured along with three of the women who conclud- ed the Ford equal pay struggle 16 years later – T&G senior shop stew- ard Dora Challingsworth, Geraldine Wiseman and Pam Brown. The Ford sewing machinists were among the first women to chal- lenge discriminatory pay systems. The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 9 COUNCILupdate

Dawn Fitt and Karen Quigley report on the latest Council deliberations

ouncil met on 24 June at the Natalie has decided not to stand for preparations for September’s confer- BCS (British Computer Society) re-election at the AGM. Natalie has ence in Edinburgh. Susan and the Cin Central London. Many served as a member of Council, chair conference team have arranged for thanks go to Council member Dr Jan of the Editorial Board and also for a the Annual Dinner to take place with- Peters for arranging this and, of in the Scottish Parliament build- course. to the BCS for allowing us ing – a very prestigious location to use their splendid facilities to for WES! The conference pro- meet. Finding meeting rooms in a A number of gramme looks really interesting location accessible to all Council “members had said so please go ahead and book members is not an easy task – espe- your place if you haven’t done so cially when we meet on Saturdays. they would leave already. The meeting was chaired by Council went on to discuss a Natalie Wiseman, who was attend- if men wer e number of proposed changes to ing her last Council meeting. After the WES Memoranda and many years of dedicated service, admitted as Articles of Association, as put forward by the Memorandum & members Articles team. Council thanked APPLICATIONS are now being “ Susan Andrews for diligently sought for the Young Woman time as Honorary Secretary. Council writing all the changes into a number Engineer of the Year Award 2006. was also informed that Fiona Neads of formal resolutions, which will be The award is open to women and Julie Winnard will be stepping voted on by all WES members at the under the age of 30 with an engi - down at the AGM. We would like to AGM. neering qualification such as an take this opportunity to thank all The main talking point was HNC, HND or a degree. Candi- three for their sterling work. Council whether to even table a resolution to dates must also be able to wishes them all well. change the membership structure to demonstrate practical experience, Council considered and accepted a allow men to become full members which is considered of equal number of proposals put forward by of WES. A number of members had value to academic achievement. the Legacies and Fundraising group. already contacted the Council with The winner of the Young Key decisions included: their opinions, including those who Woman Engineer of the Year ✦ deciding upon the Lady Finniston said they would leave if men were award will receive a cheque for Awards that will be made for this admitted as members. Council had to £1,000 and a engraved trophy at and subsequent academic years; weigh up the benefits against the a ceremony in London on 25 ✦ setting up a Sheila Waddell potential damage to the Society – January 2007. The runner-up will Bursary which will partially fund a there was no clear vote around the receive our own WES prize of student place at conference; table so it was decided to keep with £500. The Mary George Memorial the status quo. A summary of all the ✦ agreeing to spend some of the Prize will be presented to a candi - resolutions was sent out to all mem- accrued interest from the Marjorie date who has completed her aca - bers with the AGM notices. Bell legacy to fund the WES prize demic studies but has yet to Honorary Treasurer, Betty for the Young Woman Engineer of obtain sufficient experience to McCarthy, presented the WES the Year runner-up. qualify for the main award. Financial Statement and accounts. IET is launching a new award The above proposals do not impact WES must submit these to this year. Sponsored by the James upon WES reserves, so anyone who Companies House and the Charity Dyson Foundation, the Dyson has a specific idea or project, which is Commission. Young Woman Apprentice Award suitable for WES funding, is welcome Other Council discussions included: credits the importance of on-the- to make a proposal for consideration ✦ nominations for election to job training within the industry. by Council. Please note that Council Councill for the 2006/2007 year; The winner of this award will now has a procedure for considering ✦ the Annual Report (enclosed with receive £750. proposals, including submission on a this issue of the Woman Engineer); The closing date for applica - standardised form. Members should- ✦ initial plans for the ICWES14 con- tions is 15 September 2006. n’t be put off, the form is very easy ference which will be held in France For further information visit to complete. Julie Busby in the WES in 2008; www.youngwomanengineer.org. office can quickly send a template. ✦ progress made by the Business Susan Andrews gave an update on Plan team. 8 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006

versities.” “ Probably the worst part of the A lot of leaks in Havana Hayley discovered that the only trip in this area was that we were problematic gender issue was foot- away during the Football World our engineering students from During their visit the students ball. Cup. I hate to strengthen the Bristol University have recently met Havana’s local government, “I was the only female in the stereotype but I can’t seem to find Freturned from Havana after a including the Ministry of Water team. However, I never really felt football interesting. I may be able fact-finding trip to help to improve Resources and the Ministry of that I was in a ‘weak position’ due to hold my own in water project the Cuban capital’s water sup- to this – on the contrary the guys research, but I still can’t get to grips plies. Nearly 70 per cent of the were always very considerate. with the offside rule.” water pumped into Havana is lost through leakages, often resulting in areas of the city loos- Lesley Wray sought WES ing water supply for days. members’ help with her PhD on The students are members of Women Engineers in Britain. the Engineers Without Borders Lesley would like to thank society at Bristol, which has been those members who responded working on a project called, to her questionnaire. She ‘Optimisation and control of the The problem (above); The team explains about her thesis and urban Cuban water supplies’ (below) back row: Idel Montalvo Arango, her findings. since March 2005. Robert Cottrell, Hayley Sharp, Hugo the thesis. I was awarded a PhD in Following a substantial Baker, Jose Ernesto Gonzalez; front row: am a design engineer and occa- April and would like to thank amount of research in the UK, Ian Baggs, Alejandro Perez Malagon and Isionally get involved with careers those members who kindly com- the students went to investigate Karel Perez Alejo advice work. I am continually pleted the questionnaires, sent out the situation in more detail amazed at how few women con- at the beginning of the project. Science, Technology sider engineering as a suitable My thesis confirmed what most and the career. This prompted me to do women engineers know that, con - Environment, and some research, and in 1995 I reg - trary to popular belief, there have the Vice-Director of istered for a PhD with the Open been professional women engi- the water compa- University, History neers for many years. ny, Aguas de la Department. Their history parallels Habana. The stu- My thesis was on that of most career dents tested their Women Engineers in women of the twentieth system in the Britain. Initially the century, except for the District Metered period to be covered cloak of invisibility that Area (DMA) of was 1955-1975, and has surrounded them. CUJAE, which during my early However, I was able to serves nearly 5,000 research I sent ques- dispute feminist asser- people. tionnaires to 50 WES tions regarding the with their counterparts in Havana. “We looked in depth at the members whom I esti- degree of discrimination One of the team, Hayley Sharp, water network on the campus mated would have and harassment suf- explains: “We were mainly working (CUJAE uses up to five times the been working during fered by women engi- with four Cuban postgraduates and amount of water that it should this period. I was amazed by the neers at work. While training can (young) professors from the need), and are putting together a response. I had been warned that be a period of difficulty for some Polytechnic University of Havana or possible solution, which will be normally only 30% of question- women, once at work only a few CUJAE. We all spent a great deal of researched in greater depth next naire recipients reply, but I got a women suffered. In fact younger time together as they were keen to year. staggering 80% response. The women engineers now frequently talk with us and show us around “The ultimate plan is to set up an replies included many extras, such outdo their male colleagues when Havana city in our spare time. optimised solution for the CUJAE as newspaper cuttings, work histo- it comes to promotion and wages. “It was fascinating talking to the closed water network, and then ries and the chance to use the Throughout the time-span of Cuban team – I found them to be possibly extend this to the whole of material that Maria Watkins’ stu- the thesis women engineers were very politically aware and I feel that Havana city and ultimately to be dents had produced on the history shown working, achieving success I learned a lot from them. In partic- able to use the technology to bene- of WES. at various levels, and retiring. They ular, I felt privileged that they fit water networks in other coun- The writing up of my thesis took were recorded as marrying, having seemed happy to talk to us freely tries,” Hayley said. far longer than I had anticipated. children and coping with all the about the benefits and disadvan- “Since returning to England, Following a break in my studies stresses that every career woman tages of the Cuban socialist society. we’ve been meeting everyone due to family commitments, I suffers. An engineering career has “I found the lifestyle to be very who’s been involved with the proj- changed tutors. My new tutor been shown to be one that can be different. People were incredibly ect at the Bristol end, including two advised me to extend the time rewarding and fulfilling for women welcoming to us, and seemed to be of the southern water companies. scale to cover the period from at all levels. generally more laid back than we “We’re very keen to keep up the 1945 to 2000. Much more work remains to be are in the UK (particularly regarding project momentum, and need to Further research supported my done. Maybe someone else will timekeeping – we would joke enlist new, young enthusiastic stu- own opinion, that the reason so decide to take on the task of about whether we were meeting at dents at the beginning of next year few women choose to become unearthing more of the history of 9am ‘Cuban time’ or ‘UK time’ – to ensure the success of the Havana engineers has more to do with Britain’s women engineers. I hope but this is a result of a combination Water Project over the next few attitudes about the profession so, and wish them good luck in of the public transport system and years, and also to set up more aca- than anything else. After a second the task. that only a very small minority have demic and project links both with break, while I had treatment for For further information contact mobile phones).” CUJAE and with other foreign uni- breast cancer, I finally completed Lesley at [email protected]. The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 5

Tay Bridge (left); historic Glasgow (bottom left); Scottish Parliament (below centre); Falkirk Wheel (below right)

The problem will be deciding tacular view of the surrounding which to choose. countryside. In addition to the Falkirk Wheel The Forth Rail Bridge on the Sunday afternoon, there are technical visits to the Forth Road The 2.5 km. (1.5 mile) Forth Bridge on the Friday morning, and Railway Bridge, the world’s first to Selex Sensors and Airborne major steel bridge, with its gigantic Systems, a Science of Whisky visit girder spans of 521 m. (1710 ft.) ranks as one of the great feats of engineering. It was begun in 1883 Engineering’s Proud Past and Bright Futur e and formally completed on 4 March 1890 when HRH Edward Prince of his year’s annual conference in process for reverse engineering and to the Scottish Parliament Wales tapped into place a ‘golden’ Edinburgh on 1-3 September unique mechanical components. building on the Saturday. rivet. Toffers an exciting mix of tech- Engineering is an exciting, wide nical talks, workshops and industrial ranging, thought provoking, satisfy- Scottish Parliament Whisky tour visits. You will be assured a warm ing subject and this conference Scotland’s new Parliament sits at A mechanical model, built to repre- Scottish welcome and plenty of hopes to bring out all those quali- the foot of Edinburgh’s famous sent Tormore distillery found on local delicacies to keep you well fed ties and enthuse the delegates on Royal Mile in front of the spectacu- Speyside, shows you how all the and watered. Undoubted highlights the past successes and future possi- lar Holyrood Park and Salisbury processes fit together to produce will be a drinks reception and con- bilities of the engineering world. Crags. Constructed from a mixture the unique product known as ference dinner in the Scottish A packed programme of work- of steel, oak, and granite, the com- Scotch whisky. Parliament building plex building has been hailed as and a visit to the one of the most innovative designs Falkirk Wheel. in Britain today. The venue is the Drawing inspiration from the sur- University of rounding landscape, the flower Edinburgh’s Pollock paintings by Charles Rennie Halls. These are Mackintosh and the upturned boats right in the heart of on the seashore, Enric Miralles, one the city, within easy of the world’s premier architects, walking distance of developed a design that he said all Edinburgh’s was a building “growing out of the major heritage sites. land”. Accommodation is in single en-suite shops include: The model gives an insight into The Falkirk Wheel rooms and delegates can choose to ✦ How to become a Science & the distillation process: malting attend for one or two days or the Engineering Ambassador. The Falkirk Wheel is the centrepiece mashing, fermentation, pot stills, whole conference. The conference of the ‘Millennium Link’, the UK’s distillation, the maturing process, ✦ Neuro Linguistic Programming – dinner is on Saturday evening and largest canal restoration project. and storing information, insights and mental on Friday evening there will be a This remarkable boat lift is the only This is followed by a tasting of techniques that can enable you to ceilidh after dinner. structure of its kind in the world. It the finished product. improve how you think, behave Keynote papers will be given on is the height of eight double decker and feel – and assist others do the highlights of Scottish engineering buses and can carry eight or more The conference organizers are same. success and career development boats at a time with a single trip grateful for the major sponsorship ✦ The Lost Women– looking at the opportunities. taking about 15 minutes. Trips on of BAE Systems Naval Ships, untapped female engineering The conference programme has the Wheel give participants a spec- Scottish Resource Centre for workforce. Women in SET, FMC ✦ Routes to Professional Technologies and Scottish Registration. Engineering. ✦ Engineering Women in History. Register now to ensure ✦ Pelamis: Wave Power Generator that you don’t miss this – a novel offshore wave energy exciting event. Use the converter. booking form in the last ✦ Dismantling Barriers to Career issue of the Woman Progression. Engineer or on the web - ✦ REDR/MSF – engineering assis - site (www.wes.org.uk) been designed to give maximum tance to disaster recovery. opportunity for people to network ✦ Conflict Resolution – recognising and socialise with others working in various kinds of conflict and sug - Many thanks to our sponsors: science, engineering and technolo- gesting ways to deal with them gy (SET) from both within and out- satisfactorily. side WES. The speakers at the con- ✦ CAD/CAM initiative in schools. ference will cover technical topics ✦ Young Engineers – Knex chal - as diverse as ‘The living cell as an lenge. engineering system’ to a new 6 The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006

Penny Taylor’s MentorSET experiences include being both a mentor and a mentee. She would recom - mend both experiences to members and explains how these have helped her progress her career.

PENNY T AYLOR is a Chartered Engineer with considerable manage- ment experience gained in the auto- motive industry. She currently works for Johnson Controls UK Ltd, one of As a the world’s leading suppliers of auto- “ motive interior systems, electronics manager , and batteries. Most car seats that we how can you use every day will probably have been supplied by Johnson Controls. take your A Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Penny has staf f’s risen from her first job as a pro- gramme manager at the Rover professional Group through a number of career development roles to her current role development with Johnson Controls UK Ltd as seriously if Regional Manager for Leadership, Development and Training for the you don’ t UK and Sweden. She is responsible for all the staff training within the care about company and she enjoys the autono- my and everyday challenge of her your own present role. “ Penny has been a member of the Women’s Engineering Society since she left school and joined MentorSET as soon as it was formed as a men- Moving successfully tor, and subsequently as a mentee. She certainly does not feel that being a mentee is a sign of ‘weak- from one challenge ness’. In fact she feels that being part of MentorSET shows that peo- ple take their professional develop- to the next ment seriously. She says “As a man- ager, how can you take your staff’s professional development seriously if and flexibility that is actually one of they meet for dinner about every six you don’t care about your own?” the biggest strengths of MentorSET. months. Penny is currently very Penny was mentor to a woman It really can be tailored to suit the happy with her work-life balance who worked in a completely differ- needs of the individuals involved, and although she works long hours, ent industry to her own. This was allowing the mentee to gain the her working time is driven by her not a handicap since the work-life maximum benefit from the mentor- and not the company. balance and career direction issues ing relationship. Mentoring has helped Penny enor- that were causing a problem were A common myth of mentoring is mously, both as a mentor and as a not related to a particular industr y, that mentees will be starting out in mentee and she continues to be and Penny was able to help. They their careers and mentors will always committed to the scheme and met face-to-face in a hotel which be much higher up the career ladder wholeheartedly recommends was an hour’s drive for each of and more senior. MentorSET to others. Penny’s com- them. Well, to prove that this is not the pany is now considering introducing Penny emphasises that there is no case, Penny decided about 18 a mentoring scheme and her experi- fixed end point or goal with the months ago that she needed to be ence will be invaluable in the setting MentorSET mentoring scheme, so it mentored herself. She was feeling up of such a scheme. is very useful to fix some objectives that she could use help to give her Anyone wishing to find out more and goals at the outset of a new some direction for her career. Penny information about becoming a mem - mentoring relationship. Whilst hav- saw her mentor twice and used her ber of MentorSET should contact Jan ing no fixed parameters may be seen as a sounding board to help her West, the MentorSET Manager on by some as a slight disadvantage of organise her thoughts. She still sees [email protected] or on the scheme, it is this individuality her mentor, but now as a friend, and 01730 813443. The Woman Engineer – Autumn 2006 7

most of his money to a first cousin, Six degrees of separation who had now died, and left the remainder to the second cousins. – the Faraday connection Brian discovered that: “Jane was a strong-minded and persistent ix degrees of separation is the cousins, chiefly through the female woman and, after consulting a local theory that anyone on earth line. solicitor, an affidavit was prepared Scan be connected to any other Brian Patterson explains how this as the basis of a claim in Chancery. person through a chain of acquain - happened. Much family evidence was collated, tances with no more than five inter- “When I was around 10 years to show the links between the two mediaries. The theory was first pro- old, my mother told me that I was families and the case duly present- posed in 1929 by the Hungarian related to Michael Faraday (1791 - ed in London. It is perhaps surpris- writer Frigyes Karinthy in a short 1867) – a person whom I had never ing that the case even reached the story called Chains. heard of. The message was that he court but it did – and failed. This Whatever the validity of this the- was a great scientist and therefore I created much bitterness about ‘ras- ory, WES member Dianne Patterson would inherit his greatness. Later, cally underhand legal robbers’, Michael Faraday can do better than that when it my interest in engineering was which passed down the genera- comes to famous ancestors. She becoming apparent; there were tions. And so, much money and can trace her family links directly to always part-assemblies of Meccano disappointment was expended for been so complex, he’d not followed Michael Faraday via six steps, lying around of evermore compli- no return but, for the genealogist, more than the male line. So he was thanks to genealogical research by cated cranes – always cranes – as there came a huge bonus. The affi- unable to help our own research Dianne’s father, Brian. The work-in-progress. My grandmother davit included 22 exhibits, compris- but we did exchange many emails Pattersons are linked as first reinforced the message, telling me ing a full set of birth and marriage and genealogical records.” how significant it was that I was certificates necessary to established Dianne and Brian now realise related to this famous man and I the link family.” that it was their destiny to become ‘would certainly become a good All this proved invaluable in engineers following in the footsteps engineer’.” establishing the Patterson family’s of their famous ancestor. After starting his research Faraday connection. It also Brian discovered that his great destroyed the family myth that they Dianne is a systems engineer with grandmother, Jane Ormrod (nee had been cheated of their inheri- experience in all aspects of the design process from system specifi - Taylor) had anticipated a consid - tance. However, the family cation through to commissioning of erable legacy upon the death of undoubtedly enriched the legal pro- computer control systems. She is Faraday and felt that she had fession by pressing the claim. also an experienced IT trainer. She been cheated. This longstanding “At a stroke, the family myth has worked for a variety of industri - al companies as an engineer and dismay was passed down the was destroyed, the real facts trainer and was also an Open generations. He set out to dis- exposed and, lucky us, an University course tutor. She now cover whether this was true. irrefutable link forged between runs her own company iBRiK SW Jane Ormrod saw a notice in a myself and Faraday’s grandfather,” offering consultancy and training newspaper inviting Faraday’s sec- says Brian. services. She is a member of the WES Editorial Board and Yorkshire & ond cousins to apply for a share “A final twist in this story is that Humberside Cluster contact. In 2003 Dianne and Brian; the fami - of his estate. Although Faraday had we traced a living Michael Faraday. she was conference co-ordinator for ly tree (below) married Sarah Bernard, they had no He had spent many years tracing the WES conference held at the children. It seemed that he left his forebears but, because this had Earth Centre near Doncaster