Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING THE DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES The Athena SWAN charter, established in 2005, recognises commitment to the advancement of gender equality in HE, encompassing representation, progression and success for all.

I am delighted to introduce this brochure presenting profiles of I am delighted to see the first edition of the Faculty of a selection of my colleagues working in the new Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Footsteps brochure which Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Leeds. showcases the diversity of our staff across all eight schools. The Of course, the success of any organisation relies on the people Footsteps initiative stemmed from Athena SWAN (which focuses who work within it and there can be no doubt that the many on gender) and has now grown to involve a broad range of successes of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, protected characteristics (e.g. gender, ethnicity, sexual in terms of education, research, impact and internationalisation, orientation, disability). are really down to the individuals and teams within our schools. Our Faculty strives to provide an inclusive working and learning With the selection of profiles that are included in this brochure, environment where everybody feels welcome and equally we have aimed to present a cross-section of the Faculty which supported to achieve their full potential. Our integrated equality has recently grown from five schools in the former Faculty of and inclusion strategy focuses on five priorities: (a) Staff Engineering to eight schools, now also including Chemistry, Recruitment: increase the overall diversity of staff across the Maths, and Physics and Astronomy. This growth in number and Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, including staff variety of academic Schools is also an opportunity to celebrate from broad under-represented groups; (b) Career Development: the even wider range of backgrounds and experiences that are provide equitable career support, development and progression represented within our Faculty. By reading the profiles of my for everyone, in all staff categories and at all career stages; (c) colleagues I have learned many things that I was unaware of, Student Diversity: attract, recruit and support diverse student but I have also seen a number of important recurring themes, cohorts in all schools and across all levels, including students such as the satisfaction gained from working with great from under-represented groups; (d) Inclusive Culture: ensure colleagues and students, the importance of role models, the we have an inclusive, supportive and balanced culture in all value of the right work-life balance and the variety that comes schools; (e) Engagement and Support: ensure wider with the job. engagement and support for effective actions that influence the Faculty and beyond. It is important as a Faculty that we provide the support that our staff need in order to succeed in achieving their professional We are grateful to our colleagues for sharing their stories goals, in a way that respects these themes as well as the many providing inspiration and motivation to others. Special thanks go individual differences that make us a richer community. I hope to Briony Thomas, Sandra Kitchingman and Susan Preston for that you will enjoy reading this brochure as much as I have, their passion and drive to shape the Faculty Footsteps initiative. whilst learning more about our inspirational staff! We are looking forward to future editions, celebrating the diversity of our staff, students, and alumni. Professor Nora de Leeuw Executive Dean Professor Vania Dimitrova Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Equality and Inclusion Lead Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

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In the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences we believe that our diverse community is fundamental to the achievement of MUTUAL excellence. We promote a culture of mutual respect where everybody feels welcome and are RESPECT equally supported to achieve their full potential.

Professor Nora De Leeuw Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The Schools of Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computing, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering have been awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award. The Schools of Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy have received an Athena SWAN Bronze award.

This is evidence of our strong commitment to supporting women in Engineering, Computing and the Physical Sciences, and our broader inclusion strategy, which uses gender as a catalyst to address broader challenges faced by students and staff from under-represented groups (including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability).

These prestigious Athena SWAN awards from Advance HE, the national body that promotes equality in the higher education Members of the Faculty Equality and Inclusion Committee. Left to right: Dr Terence Kee, sector, are given in recognition of our Ms Susan Preston, Dr Ornella Iuorio, Dr Joao Goncalves Faria Martins, Prof Nora De Leeuw, strong and continued commitment to Dr Emilio Garcia-Taengua, Prof Andrew Bayly, Prof Vania Dimitrova. gender equality and reflects the significant progress made over the past five years. Through a series of actions to attract and which demonstrate their commitment to grow female staff, we have significantly an equitable working environment. Leeds’ Our sustained outreach programme, increased the number and proportion of School of Physics and Astronomy was extensive use of role models, and carefully female research staff within the Faculty. recognised for progressing their equality planned web and marketing materials have Our diverse professional, support and and diversity agenda, which resulted in helped us to attract outstanding female technical staff are invaluable members of the award. students. At Faculty level: our community. We provide a wide range of support to reflect their needs across a Resources supporting the wide range of 21% of our full-time undergraduate students broad range of roles. equality and diversity-focused activities are female, and this has been consistently hosted within the School were also above than the national average. Juno Practitioner status was awarded to commended by the panel. Commitment to the School of Physics and Astronomy for the needs of staff and students were 25.8% of our full-time postgraduate taught their proactive approach to achieving shown by the School’s Juno students are female, with increase in equal gender opportunities and representatives, who collected, analysed applications in recent years. encouraging best practice among staff. and clearly acted upon data provided by them. Workload allocation and pay were 30.5% of our full-time postgraduate research Project Juno (Institute of Physics) also investigated by the team. students are female, and this has been recognises and rewards Physics consistently above than the national average. departments, institutes and organisations 3 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Alison Parker

1994-1998: BSc (Hons) University of Sydney 2007-2016: Lecturer in Pure Mathematics, University of Leeds 1998-2001: PhD Queen Mary, University of London During this time – Maternity Leave (6 months) 2014, Maternity/Parental Leave (total 5.5months) 2001-2003: Junior Research Fellow, Sommerville College Oxford 2016. Promoted while on Parental Leave. 2003-2005: Sesquicentennial Postdoctoral Fellow, 2014-2018: Held EPSRC standard grant University of Sydney 2016-present: Associate Professor in Pure Mathematics, 2006-2007: Lecturer in Pure Mathematics, University of Leicester University of Leeds

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BSc Research Lecturer Maternity Sydney Fellow Leeds Leave 1998 2001-05 2007 2016 2001 2006 2014 2016 PhD Lecturer Maternity Associate London Leicester Leave Professor

the intellectual satisfaction of understanding 80% again. The Head of School has been I did my BSc (Hons) a piece of Mathematics deeply and also extremely supportive of this policy and has being able to develop new theorems and worked hard to ensure that 80% really at the University of theory in Mathematics. means 80% (and not 100% of the work for Sydney graduating in 80% of the pay). WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO 1998. I then did my CONTINUE IN ACADEMIA? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM Partly opportunity, partly stubbornness, and YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD PhD, after I became a partly not knowing what else would provide AND BAD ONES? the same levels of intellectual satisfaction. I found 60% was not enough time to keep postdoctoral fellow, my research ticking over. It is also very hard WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO to sustain research while working part-time then a lecturer. YOU ENJOY THE MOST? and teaching a full first year module. Having I enjoy leading tutorials, I get to have an collaborators and postdocs definitely helps. I was promoted to Associate Professor in interaction with students and ensure that You also need to ensure that rest happens, Pure Mathematics whilst on Maternity students can understand the material. I also otherwise you get too tired to do good work. Leave in 2016. enjoy supervising PhD students and seeing their growth into independent researchers. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT Doing new research and exploring ideas with YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? collaborators is also very rewarding. I still find it difficult to maintain research Associate Professor in Pure Mathematics while teaching a full module. Also while WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR having children is rewarding in itself, they do CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE CAREER CHOICE? take a lot of time and energy – and that’s ok PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT My mother obtained her PhD while I was at – you need to adjust your expectations of YOUR CAREER? high school so the idea of being an what you can do and be very organised. My career progression has been fairly academic was there with my own role standard I think. I did a 4 year undergraduate model. I was also fortunate to be mentored WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO degree then a 3 year PhD then a couple of by senior women while in Oxford. When I YOUR YOUNGER SELF? postdocs before getting my first permanent started my undergraduate degree I thought I Don’t compare yourself to people who have job. I left Leicester because the opportunity would go into Physics as I am still fascinated more energy and time than you. arose in Leeds to join a bigger research by fundamental particles. At that time group in Algebra, with the promise of less Physics tended to have a “blokey” culture ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? administration to do. I successfully applied which put me off. Whereas, Maths seemed Resilience and perseverance are key qualities (jointly) for a standard EPSRC grant in 2013. more agnostic about gender at the time(!). needed to succeed. Also being able to say no I was able to delay the start of the postdoc and to be able to “switch off” from work. An this grant funded to coincide with my return HOW HAS HR POLICY academic career does not need all of your from maternity leave in 2014. I successfully SUPPORTED YOU? time and it’s healthy and beneficial for one’s applied for promotion to Associate Professor I have been lucky in being able to take wellbeing as well as one’s career to have in 2016 while I was on maternity leave with advantage of the flexible working policy in interests outside of work. Rest is important. my second child. terms of going part-time and not having to make a business case to change my annual You will get rejected a lot. Your self-worth can’t WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? hours. I came back full time after my first be tied up in your latest publication or I chose to be an academic as I loved period of maternity leave, but then went to theorem. You have to love your subject and reading and discovering new things. I love 80% and then 60% and then back up to do things for their own sake. 5 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Briony Thomas

2002: Bachelors in Textile Design, University of Leeds 2010: Promotion to Lecturer B Two years working in the textiles and fashion industry Maternity leave for 4 months 2003:  Maternity leave for 6 months 2012: University Student Education Fellowship 2004: Masters in Design, University of Leeds 2014: 12-month sabbatical at York Centre for Cross-disciplinary Teaching Fellow in Design Theory, University of Leeds Systems Analysis, University of York 2007: PhD in Design Science, University of Leeds 2015: 4-year secondment to School of Mechanical Engineering Lecturer in Design Theory Faculty of Engineering E&I Coordinator 2008: Director of Postgraduate Research Studies (2008-2013) Maternity leave for 4 months

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PhD, Design Science Sabbatical, University of Bachelors Masters Lectureship Lecturer B York 2002 2004 2007 2010 2013 2003 2004 2008 2010 2015 Maternity Teaching Maternity Maternity Secondment, leave Fellow leave leave iDRO, Mechanical Engineering

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE THIS children at a relatively young age made YOUR CURRENT JOB AT THE CAREER? me re-prioritise. It also made me realise UNIVERSITY? I never knew what I wanted to do as that I’m defined by more than my career My current position is as a full-time a career. I was creative at school, so success. Lecturer in Design Theory. For the past my teachers encouraged me to go to four years I’ve been on secondment in art college after A levels. My interest in HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE Engineering working with the Product structural and scientific aspects of design DEMANDS OF WORK AND Design team and researchers within developed during my art foundation year FAMILY LIFE? iDRO. This academic year I’m working and I decided to study at Leeds because It’s not been easy working full-time and 50:50 between the School of Mechanical the course offered a balance of creative also being a mother to three children. Engineering and the School of Design. practice and science/technology. This It’s a constant juggling act. My husband interest continued and I focused on is also an academic so we support each CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE geometry in design during my Masters, other and share the responsibilities of PROGRESSED WHILE AT LEEDS? which led to my PhD research. When I family life. We managed pre-school I joined the University in 2004. I had was offered the chance to teach while childcare with the support of extended just started a part-time PhD when I was studying my PhD, I jumped at the chance. family and used the University’s Bright offered a 0.4FTE teaching position. I never intended to become an academic, Beginnings nursery. We now make the Following several fixed-term contracts, but here I am! most of flexible working arrangements and I was appointed as a full-time lecturer working from home when possible. My when I had completed my studies. WHAT PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU recent study visit to MIT was supported by ENJOY THE MOST? the Engineering conference and training I’ve been fortunate during my career to I enjoy working in a subject where I can support scheme, which was invaluable in establish a network of colleagues both engage in both theory and practice. I’ll helping to cover some of the extra costs within and beyond the University. I was sketch and make models to visualise the incurred for childcare. offered a sabbatical position at York ideas I’m working on. I also find working Centre for Cross-disciplinary Systems with students very rewarding and one of WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE Analysis (University of York) in 2013 and I the most satisfying parts of the job. YOUR YOUNGER SELF? spent a fantastic 12 months working with To surround yourself with people who scientists and engineers from different WHAT IMPACT DO YOU FEEL share your values and inspire you to disciplines. STARTING A FAMILY HAS HAD ON become the best version of yourself. YOUR CAREER? In January 2015 I began a four-year I had my first child before my career WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM secondment in Mechanical Engineering had really started. I decided to use my YOUR EXPERIENCES? working with the design science group maternity leave and part-time working To look for the positive in every situation in iDRO. Over the past few years I hours to allow me to study and I began – challenges are opportunities. There are have collaborated with colleagues in my Masters when my daughter was often times where I’m asked to deliver robotics; taught students on the MDes two weeks old. As a single parent I was things outside my comfort zone. I’ve learnt Product Design programme; delivered a working two-days a week and studying to enjoy the challenge. I’ve also learnt to Newton Fund project with Tecnológico full-time. It was a very challenging time observe and reflect on what I’ve seen in de Monterrey (Mexico); and undertaken but I was determined to provide the best meetings, presentations, teaching and in an invited study visit at MIT. It’s been an possible future for my daughter and I was different management styles. It’s helped exciting time! fortunate to have my family supporting me to develop my professional skills and me. I met my husband at University and to understand the leadership styles that I we had a further two children. Having respect.

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Catherine Bale

2001:  Masters in Chemistry, University of Oxford 2013:  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research 2005:  PhD in Atmospheric Chemistry, University of Oxford Council Fellowship 2008:  Two years in public sector at Yorkshire Forward 2015: University Academic Fellow in Sustainable Energy Systems, University of Leeds 2010: Post-doctoral researcher, University of Leeds 2018: Maternity leave Promotion to Associate Professor

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Masters in Yorkshire EPSRC Maternity Chemisty Forward Fellowship leave 2001 2008 2013 2018 2005 2010 2015 2018 DPhil, Postdoctoral University Associate Atmospheric Researcher, Academic Fellow Professor Chemistry Leeds in Sustainable Energy Systems

I am now in a place where I enjoy my THINGS YOU DID WE WOULD BE I’m currently an research and teaching and can fully utilise SURPRISED TO KNOW? Associate Professor, my skills and knowledge. I did a loop-the-loop in an aeroplane. I once did a parachute jump and the and I work across ARE THERE ANY POLICIES OR parachute didn’t open properly, I sort of TYPES OF SUPPORT FROM THE clanged too quickly to the ground! two faculties, the UNIVERSITY THAT HAVE HELPED IN YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT? WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE School of Earth I was really pleased by the flexibility and NOT WORKING? support I was offered when I wanted to I spend time with friends and family, go on and Environment work across two faculties. Support and walks, play drums, and do some gardening advice have been available whenever I’ve and sewing. and the School needed it. of Chemical and HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE Have confidence in DEMANDS OF WORK AND Process Engineering. FAMILY LIFE? yourself and always I try to maintain a good balance between I’ve worked full time the two so that I don’t have to think about remember the good work when I go home. When things get throughout my time at busy, I’ll work hard to meet the deadline, things you’ve done but that will be for a limited period of time the University. and then I’ll go back to having weekends and the reason why with my family. you’re here. If there’s WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE YOUR CAREER? IN YOUR CAREER? something you want Doing something different every day and Juggling and prioritising is challenging the fact that I can still learn are what I enjoy sometimes. to do, then surround the most. I also get to talk to a range of interesting people from the government, WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM yourself with people industry, and business. YOUR EXPERIENCES? I learnt what kind of academic I want to who will support you WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE be and that I don’t have to change who I A CAREER IN ACADEMIA? am to get there. Sometimes I see senior in doing it. During my masters I enjoyed the research leaders and they are so different to me. project, especially developing new methods But I know that I don’t have to change and coming up with new research my personality to be as successful, and questions. I worked for two years in the that I can find my own way. When I was public sector working with industry and an undergraduate, I didn’t see any female I learned a lot, but there was something lecturers, so I never thought that I would missing. I missed research and the be an academic, but here I am. challenge of learning something new.

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Cath Noakes

2000: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds 2013: Fellow of Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estates 2002: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Civil Engineering, Management (FIHEEM) University of Leeds 2014: IMechE Construction and Building Services Division Prize 2006: Maternity leave for 6 months Professor of Environmental Engineering for Buildings Director of Research and Innovation, Civil Engineering 2007: Lecturer in Environmental Engineering, University of Leeds Athena Swan Lead, Faculty of Engineering (2014-2017) 2009: Chartered Engineer and Member of Institution of 2019: Co-Director of Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 2010: Reader in Infection Control Engineering Director PACE Institute (2010-2014)

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Chair in Co-Director of PhD, Environmental Leeds Institute Mechanical Maternity Engineering for for Fluid Engineering leave Reader Buildings Dynamics 2000 2006 2010 2014 2019 2002 2007 2010 2014 Postdoctoral Lecturer Director Director of Research of PACE Research Fellow Institute Athena Swan Lead

WHAT PURSUADED YOU TO from home, which helped me a lot in I am a Professor CONTINUE IN ACADEMIA? balancing work and home life. of Environmental I found that I could progress as there were opportunities at Leeds that appealed to WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM Engineering for me. Academia also offered flexibility and YOUR EXPERIENCES, THE GOOD variety. Most importantly, I enjoy what I AND BAD ONES? Buildings, and the am doing. I have learnt that there is not only one way for doing things. There isn’t a set of Director of Research WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO rules for being an academic and there is YOU ENJOY THE MOST? usually a way of making things happen – and Innovation I really enjoy the variety of my role, you just sometimes have to think about and the fact that I learn something different solutions. I’ve also learnt to follow in the School of new every day. My research involves what makes you happy and drives your working with people from many different curiosity – although I haven’t yet learnt to Civil Engineering. disciplines and I find that bringing say no! different perspectives and techniques My research and to a particular research challenge really ADVICE exciting. A short-term ambition is good. When teaching is about deciding on a role model aim to choose As I progressed I realised that I enjoy someone who is a few years ahead of indoor air quality - the leadership aspects of academia, you, in order to benefit the most from the and that has enabled me to take on relationship. how you design a school research leadership roles as well as Athena Swan. I particularly enjoy When you work in a team it is important building that makes supporting students and early career to recognise other people’s needs and researchers – it’s a great feeling when priorities – you gain so much more people healthy, happy they have their first success. together when you allow flexibility in and productive. relation to personal circumstances. WHO INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER CHOICE? CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE My parents. My mum is a computer I particularly enjoy PROGRESSED WHILE AT LEEDS? scientist, and my dad is an aircraft design I did my PhD in Mechanical Engineering engineer. I remember my mum teaching supporting students followed by a research contract. I me the basics of computer programming considered leaving academia, but then when I was a child. I grew up with and early career a postdoc opportunity arose in Civil engineering and technology being the Engineering. Although this was a change norm. researchers – it’s a in research field, I discovered something I was really passionate about. I successfully HOW HAS HR POLICY great feeling when applied for a Lectureship in 2007 and SUPPORTED YOU? since have progressed through the I had 6 months maternity leave when I they have their first University promotions. was a postdoc and I became a lecturer very quickly afterwards. The University success. has been flexible with hours and working

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Diane Cochrane

1989: Technician, School of Materials, University of Leeds 2007: Lead Technician, School of Chemical and Process 1996: Fellow of Royal Microscopical Society Engineering 1998: Women in Technology Prize 2008:  Contract change to 0.8 FTE Technician of the Year IOM3 Award 2012:  Contract change to 0.9 FTE 2000: City & Guilds, Licentiateship Materials Engineering 2003: Maternity leave and part-time on return to work (0.6 FTE) Incorporated Engineer EC

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Women in Technology Prize Lead Technician, Technician, School of Chemical School of Materials, Technician of Incorporated and Process Contract change Leeds the Year IOM3 Engineer EC Engineering 0.9FTE 1989 1998 2003 2007 2012 1996 2000 2003 2008 Fellow of Royal Licentiateship Maternity leave Contract change Microscopical Materials 0.8FTE Society Engineering Return to work 0.6FTE

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR researchers, especially in microstructural HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE BALANCE CAREER PROGRESSION? preparation and microscopy. I also BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND My interest in laboratory work started enjoy working on the Schools Open PERSONAL LIFE? when I was about 12. My father used days, outreach and work experience I see what works, and do that. I have a to take me into his work at Rockware programmes. good line manager, who has given me Glass on a Saturday morning. I used to room for flexibility. I believe that giving help out in the glass testing and analysis HOW DID THE WORK people flexibility is advantageous, because labs. In high school, I arranged my own ENVIRONMENT IN THE FACULTY it tends to make them more productive. work experience in the laboratories at HELP WITH YOUR CAREER Ferrybridge C power station. This was DEVELOPMENT? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO supposed to be for one week however, I have worked with some good line YOUR YOUNGER SELF? due to my interest, they let me stay for a managers, colleagues and Heads of To never let an opportunity pass you by, month. I enjoyed the testing, analysis and School with whose support I gained always believe in yourself, keep your problem-solving. two HNCs in Materials Engineering objectives realistic, and don’t undersell and Technical Photography. I won the yourself. After leaving sixth form, I got a job in Technician of the Year for The Institute of the laboratories at King’s Mills flour mill. Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM Over the next six years, I progressed to and the Women in Technology award for YOUR EXPERIENCES? Assistant Mill Chemist before everyone Bradford and Ilkley College. I became an Nothing is for life and change will happen, was made redundant due to a fire. I was Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and served and you have to learn how to embrace it. devastated but my father reassured me for three years on the IOM3 Technicians When we feel comfortable, we don’t like to that I would get something else, which Committee helping technicians gain change things. My being made redundant I did. I joined the University of Leeds professional qualifications and IEng was the start of a new and exciting career in May 1989. I was the first female registration. which, thirty years on, I still love. technician in the School of Materials. The A few years later I attended a Springboard first six years were a steep learning curve, WHAT WE WOULD BE SURPRISED course which I found very interesting. learning all about Materials Science and TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? Since then I have been involved in the technical photography from experienced Before joining the University my friend Athena Swan programme and attend technicians and attending college. (another Diane) and I raised £1800 the Women in Science, Engineering doing a sponsored tandem skydive for Thirty years on and I am now a Lead and Technology meetings. I have also the Castleford Ambulance Service. They Technician managing a team of six undertaken many University health and were fund raising to buy defibrillators technicians and 22 laboratories. safety, management and CPD courses. I for two of their five ambulances as their believe these have made me a rounded budget would only stretch to buying WHO INSPIRED YOUR CAREER? manager. My dad gave me direction and greatly three. We also organised and took part in a bed push with family and friends from influenced who I am today. I believe I HOW HAVE YOU FOUND Knottingley to Pontefract raising another inherited his ‘can do’ attitude. RETURNING TO WORK FROM £300. MATERNITY LEAVE? WHAT PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU The Faculty was very flexible and allowed I also have an interest in steam engines ENJOY THE MOST? me to return to work part time and and once drove a Jinti steam train on the That no two days are ever the same. I gradually increase my FTE. This helped Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. particularly enjoy the class interaction with greatly with my work life balance. undergraduate students and working with

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Eric Atwell

1981: Bachelor of Arts, Computing and Linguistics, 1994: Changed role to Director, JISC Language Computing University of Lancaster programme 1981: Research Associate in Computing and Linguistics, 1996: Changed role to Senior Lecturer – returned to teaching University of Lancaster (and research) 1984: Moved to Lecturer in Computer Studies, University of Leeds 2008: PhD in Computing and Linguistics, University of Leeds 1990-4: 4 children arrived 2013 Changed role to Associate Professor, University of Leeds 1990: Changed role to SERC Advanced Research Fellowship – 2016: Wife disabled by cancer and treatment non-teaching 2018: Promoted to Professor of Artificial Intelligence for 1991: Promoted to National Coordinator, JISC Knowledge Based Language, University of Leeds Systems programme 2019: Changed role to Director of Research Postgraduate Studies, University of Leeds

14 2019 job- director of research postgrad studies

FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Professor of BA, Computing Artificial and Linguistics, 4 children Senior Lecturer, Intelligence for Lancaster arrived Leeds Language, Leeds 1981 1990-94 1996 2018 1984 1991 2008 2019 Lecturer in National PhD in Director of Computer Coordinator, JISC Computing and Research Studies, Leeds Knowledge Linguistics, Postgraduate Based Systems Leeds Studies, programme, Leeds Leeds

I am a Professor of Artificial Intelligence for considered job offers elsewhere but the WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM Language and Director of Research switch would have been too complicated. YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD Postgraduate Studies for the School of While my children were young, I was able to AND BAD ONES? Computing. I have been a visiting scholar win several grants to fund sabbaticals or I have found that my autism, and caring for in Sudan, Manchester, Saudi Arabia, secondments from teaching while still my family, can involve good as well as bad Sheffield, Dublin and the Netherlands. employed by the University of Leeds, but experiences. with more flexible work times. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? Professor of Artificial Intelligence for ENJOY THE MOST? Promotion and progression requires social Language, lecturing to 300+ students in 4 I enjoy giving lectures in my research field, and networking skills which I find challenging. modules and supervising 20+ research attending conferences and research Juggling many competing commitments, in projects; and Director of Research meetings in new places, winning research work and outside, is challenging. Postgraduate Studies, overseeing 140+ grants and supervising research student PhD students in the School of Computing. projects. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR It is not enough to be good at research and PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER CHOICE? teaching for promotion and to be appreciated, CAREER? At school, my Latin and Maths teachers you need to devote time to publicity! Try to Slowly! At least it seemed so: I got a kindled my interest in Language Analysis stay focussed on one research topic: for Lectureship in 1984, promotion to SL-level and Artificial Intelligence. As an academic promotion you need to show you post in 1991, then my next promotion to Undergraduate, my Lecturers in Artificial are a world-leading expert in a specific niche, Professor in 2018. I changed roles several Intelligence and Linguistics inspired me rather than competent in a broad area. times over 36 years at Leeds University, and further, and a Professor invited me to be his experienced many new challenges, at work Research Associate on a 2-year WHAT SURPRISING THINGS and in my outside life. Computational Linguistics project. My wife WOULDN’T PEOPLE KNOW then got a job near Leeds, so I moved to a ABOUT YOU? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? Lectureship at Leeds, the nearest University. As an atheist, I believe there is no point to At school, I enjoyed Latin and Maths, but She was a Religious Studies teacher, and life. Except to enjoy it. Also, some people are saw no career prospects in these subjects. I this influenced me to research Artificial surprised to learn I have autism; I’ve learnt relished formal analysis of word and Intelligence for understanding religious texts, how to hide it. sentence structure and meaning, and an which proved a fruitful research area. A-level Maths teacher showed us an early ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? computer; so I decided to pursue my dream HOW HAS HR POLICY The advice I would give to my younger self is to be a Professor of Computational SUPPORTED YOU? relevant to others. If you really want Linguistics and Artificial Intelligence. When we had 4 children in the 1990s, promotion, then devote time to achieving paternity leave was not on offer; but HR this: study the promotion criteria, and devote WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO policy allowed an academic to apply for and time and effort to collecting evidence to meet CONTINUE IN ACADEMIA? win large grants to fund secondments from the promotion criteria. To do this, you have I liked my job! I found I enjoyed University teaching, with flexible working times. More to spend less time on other things, like teaching and research, and being autistic I recently, HR policy has adapted promotion teaching and research. Also, your research do not like change, so I stuck with this procedures to be more inclusive and must be focussed: don’t get involved in career. It is also hard to uproot a wife and accessible, which has enabled me to apply projects unless they help make you a world family with their schools and jobs in Leeds. I for promotion to Professor. leader in a specific research niche.

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Emilio Garcia- Taengua

2009: MEng Civil & Structural Engineering, Universitat 2013: PhD Construction Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Politècnica de València, Spain València, Spain 2011: MSc Applied Statistics, Universitat Politècnica de 2013: Marie Curie Research Fellow, Queen’s University Belfast València, Spain 2015: Lecturer, University of Leeds

16 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

MEng Civil & PhD Lecturer, Structural Construction University of Engineering Engineering Leeds 2009 2013 2015 2011 2013 2019 MSc Applied Marie Curie Associate Statistics Research Professor in Fellow Structures

CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE privilege. When I was an undergraduate I guess that’s not very different from what PROGRESSED WHILE AT LEEDS? back in Spain, at one point I had to start our graduates experience when they take I joined the University of Leeds as a working part-time, so I took the qualifying up a new job. The solution is always to lecturer in 2015. Since then, I have exam to start teaching English as a foreign focus on what you do, to enjoy it, and not progressed in many ways: I’ve had the language, and I loved it. So basically, a to be disheartened. opportunity to develop and lead the career in academia was the perfect way new MSc in Transport Infrastructure: for me to make a living doing what I loved WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO Design and Construction and I am – can one be luckier than that? I doubt it! YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Deputy Director of the Neville Centre Don’t take anything too personally. It’s of Excellence in Cement and Concrete WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST IN difficult because, when you love your Engineering. YOUR CAREER? job, it becomes personal. But the ability Interacting and working with my students, to switch off and the capacity to keep on One of the most (unexpectedly) exciting at all levels: teaching undergraduate working even when things get difficult things that have happened to me is being courses, supervising those doing their is a valuable skill. And again, it sounds Civil Engineering’s Champion of Equality research projects or dissertations and obvious but it can be extremely difficult and Inclusion. This has involved working postgraduate students… I say ‘working at times. Patience and perseverance are with staff and students from across the with them’ because it really goes both equally important. Faculty, serving as a panellist to assess ways and I try to form a team with them, Athena Swan applications from across even in the lecture theatre. Those days WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM the country and being invited to give when you’re driving back home with the YOUR EXPERIENCES? a talk at the first LGBT in STEM event feeling that you’ve made a difference to In my experience, there are two main in our University. I was also involved in some of your students’ lives, that you have challenges: our inclination for over- organising the first ever #BuildingEquality helped them discover or learn something thinking, and the fact that we’re always entry to the Leeds Pride in August new… There’s nothing better. connected and surrounded by a lot of 2018, which was also the first time information. The fact that we carry our that our Faculty took part in such an WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES work with us in our mobile or tablet, in event to promote LGBT+ visibility in the YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? our laptop, always and even out of hours, construction industry… It has all been It took me some time to stop thinking can become a huge distraction. You need extremely rewarding. as a postdoc and start thinking as an to give yourself e-mail-free time to think, academic. It probably sounds like an work and write. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS easy thing to do but it is a big change CAREER? and, at least in my case, it took longer WHAT WOULD WE BE SURPRISED I’ve always liked to study, to look for than I imagined. Learning to cope with TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? information and read from books or the frustration that comes after having I think one of the most surprising things papers, especially in relation to science grant proposals or papers rejected is a people usually don’t know about me is and engineering subjects. In addition to big deal. Or learning to clearly see the that I am passionate about literature, civil and structural engineering, I also did difference between what’s important to the extent that I did a BA in English an MSc in statistics and studied foreign and what’s urgent but not necessarily language and literature. My living room languages… Not that I needed any of that important. Or being able to multi-task and is full of books, and not only novels – to get better chances from a professional try to stay focused when you’re writing a I’ve got an entire bookcase packed with point of view, but simply because I liked to paper and e-mails keep coming. Another poetry books! But there’s not a single one pursue different interests and learn new big challenge is to be taken seriously about engineering (I keep those are in my things. Also, I’ve always been very fond despite your age: being (relatively) young office!). I can spend hours in a second- of teaching, and I think it’s an enormous sometimes feels like a disadvantage, and hand bookshop...

17 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Graham Murphy

1999-2003: MSci. (Hons) 1st class Mathematics with Physics, 2012: Diploma in Actuarial Techniques University of Glasgow 2014: Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries 2003-04: Certificate of Advanced Studies in Mathematics, 2015: Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Mathematics, University Cambridge University of Leeds 2004-08: Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Leeds 2017: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy 2009: Investment Management Certificate 2019: Deputy Director of Student Education (PGT and 2009-14: Investment Analyst, Mercer Limited International)

18 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Professional MSci Qualification Deputy Director of Mathematics Investment Diploma in Student Education with Physics Management Actuarial (PGT + Glasgow Certificate Techniques International) 2003 2009 2012 2019 2008 2009-14 2015 PhD in Investment Senior Teaching Mathematics, Analyst Fellow Leeds

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES to bring the professional experience I had Prior to Academia I YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? back to the teaching activities I had enjoyed worked in investment To varying degrees in my career so far, I so much. have been outside the typical background consulting for a for someone in my role. Whether this was While I enjoyed my Actuarial role and still starting in a graduate role in Investment work closely with the profession, returning number of years Consulting after spending 9 years in higher to academia has been a very positive education, or returning to the School change for me. I feel I have more control providing analytics of Mathematics with a background in to shape my career and contribute to the professional practice rather than research. development of the educational experience and advice to trustees While I have always felt supported by my of our students. managers, it has required that I develop my of pension schemes self-confidence that I am adding something to the organisations I have worked for, even in the UK. if at first glance I might not appear to fit the To varying degrees expected profile. in my career so far, I My current role is Senior Teaching Fellow WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR have been outside the and Deputy Director of Student Education CAREER IN INVESTMENT (PGT and International) for the School of MANAGEMENT AND THEN WHY typical background for Mathematics. DID YOU CHOOSE TO GO INTO ACADEMIA? someone in my role. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM I would say my career route started during YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD my PhD, though I have not taken what AND BAD ONES? would be considered a well-travelled path I feel that challenging experiences have from that point. One aspect I enjoyed most WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO taught me that good communication about my time as a PhD student was the YOUR YOUNGER SELF? between people is vital, especially in opportunity to become involved in teaching I would advise my younger self to be more difficult circumstances where not every Undergraduates. On deciding that I did confident in my own abilities and to be more aspect is under your own control. Often not want to pursue the next stages of an comfortable in not possessing exactly the a way forward can be found by getting academic career, I wanted to find a role same skill set to those around me. people together in the same room (or on which would also have a strong element of the same conference call). In a similar way, working to provide support to others. I felt ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? many of the good experiences I have were that the Consulting sector could offer this. While in any role there will be aspects which a direct result of people coming together Moreover, I wanted to use my Mathematical are not as enjoyable as others, finding and working effectively as a team where background and felt that Actuarial a role where you can enjoy a significant good communication and close team Consulting would combine the two. proportion of the work and have control over working was vital. your career development and direction is After a number of years working for an desirable. I certainly feel like I have found Investment Consultancy and qualifying as an the right role for me. Actuary, an opportunity arose to return to the School of Mathematics in a role focussed on teaching. This seemed like an opportunity

19 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Jordan Thomas

2009: Joined University as an Apprentice Technician 2014: Promotion to Technician in the School of 2012: Promotion to Technician in the School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering 2016:  Lead Technician in the School of Mechanical Engineering

20 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Apprentice Technician, Technician, School of Mechanical School of Mechanical Engineering Engineering 2009 2014 2012 2016 Technician, Lead Technician, School of Electronic and School of Mechanical Electrical Engineering Engineering

Technician. It was a better choice, WHAT HAS HELPED YOU ACHIEVE I’ve been a Lead considering my long-term development THIS BALANCE? Technician in the and career ambitions. I have always believed that work is only a part of my life, so I try to keep work and School of Mechanical WHAT PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO home life separate. I have a large family and YOU ENJOY THE MOST? spend most weekends with them. I have Engineering since The diversity in the job and the people also gained a lot of friends at work and we I interact with. I do different work all the spend time together outside of work – we 2016. I now manage time with post docs who are working on don’t discuss work then! varied research projects. Moreover, I am a team of three able to interact with people from different WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE backgrounds all the time. I also get the NOT WORKING? technicians and chance to work with the people who have Sports. I go with my wife or brother to watch trained me on a daily basis, which is great, cricket or rugby league. I used to play together we manage because it shows me how much I’ve football, but everyone I used to play with has progressed. now got married and had children, so things seven labs. are more family orientated now. WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE Learning all the health and safety YOUR YOUNGER SELF? PROGRESSED WHILE AT LEEDS? requirements, creating risk assessments Make sure you listen to everyone’s advice and making sure everything is safe for After leaving school I worked in a plastics and then make your own decision. Don’t be different categories of staff and students, company for five years. When I realised afraid to retrain or do anything challenging. including researchers, undergraduates and there was no chance for improvement, Try to take opportunities that arise. Money PhD students. I applied to an advert for an Apprentice isn’t everything, so you should look at the Technician in the School of Mechanical bigger picture and the long-term advantages Engineering in 2009. My application was WHAT IMPACT DO YOU FEEL of different opportunities. successful and I’ve been at the University STARTING A FAMILY HAS HAD ON ever since. YOUR CAREER? The University is where I met my wife. She Always be grateful After completing three placements as was a technician in Civil Engineering, so we a trainee, a technician position arose in have a similar work environment. We try to to the people who the School of Electronic and Electrical keep our work and home lives separate. We Engineering, where I worked for two only discuss work on our commute, and have helped you and years. I then moved back to the School of when we get out of the car we completely Mechanical Engineering to work with the forget about it. be keen to improve Institute of Functional Surfaces, on a project called Lifelong Joints. The University is very open about telling yourself. their staff what they’re entitled to, which is WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE really good. For instance, the paternity leave THIS CAREER? policy is generous and my wife and I are planning to benefit from it soon, as we’re The chance to develop. I left a well-paid job expecting our first child. and came here to re-train as an Apprentice

21 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Josephine Aldred

2012: Bachelor’s Degree French and Russian Civilisation 2017: Marketing Manager – Faculty of Engineering and Physical 2012: Account Manager – Digital Marketing Agency Sciences, Faculty of Environment 2014: Marketing Officer – Faculty of Engineering 2018: Maternity Leave 2016: Certificate in Professional Marketing – Chartered Institute 2019: Studying towards Diploma in Professional Marketing of Marketing

22 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Bachelor’s Marketing Manager Studying towards Degree French Marketing Officer Faculty of Engineering Diploma in and Russian Faculty of and Physical Sciences, Professional Civilisation Engineering Faculty of Environment Marketing 2012 2014 2017 2019 2012 2016 2018 Account Manager Certificate in Maternity Leave Digital Marketing Professional Agency Marketing, Chartered Institute of Marketing

clients, including insurers, car rental I have also had the pleasure of working I work for two companies and fashion brands. Although I with lots of interesting people at the enjoyed the challenge and learnt a lot, I University and learning about the Faculties, Engineering realised that I wanted to see more of the fascinating work and research being done and Physical Sciences, impact of my work and focus my efforts on here. an organisation whose values I believed in. and Environment as a When I spotted a job opening at the HOW HAS HR POLICY University of Leeds, I jumped at the SUPPORTED YOU? Marketing Manager for opportunity! The University of Leeds has been a great place to start my working life. Student Recruitment. Two years after graduating – and not long I have been given loads of encouragement after a nerve-racking interview(!) – I started and support to achieve my Chartered I recently came back as a Marketing Officer for the Faculty of Institute of Marketing qualifications. Engineering. At first I was responsible for from Maternity leave in the day-to-day tasks required to deliver our Returning to work after my son was born postgraduate recruitment strategy. The was an incredibly difficult transition but the 2018 and am studying University supported my desire to obtain a University has some great policies to professional marketing qualification and, ensure you can continue your career while toward a Diploma in as my experience and knowledge grew, I encouraging a good work life balance. was able to progress to the position of Working part-time with flexible hours has Professional Marketing. Marketing Manager for the newly formed made the adjustment to a new life of baby Faculty of Engineering and Physical groups and nursery pickups a little easier Sciences and the Faculty of Environment. to manage. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WHAT ARE THE MAIN I am the Marketing Manager (Student THIS CAREER? CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN Recruitment) for the Faculties of I only realised I wanted to work in YOUR CAREER? Environment, Engineering and Physical Marketing after finding a part-time job Confidence has always been a challenge Sciences. My responsibilities include while in my final year of University. I hadn’t for me. I’ve passed up on opportunities developing and delivering marketing plans finished my degree and thought I would and deferred to others because I’ve had to support the faculties student recruitment probably go into teaching after graduating. difficulties putting across my ideas and not targets. However, I soon realised that working in felt able to speak up. Marketing involved a lot of things I love CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE doing – writing, meeting new people, going WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT YOUR to events, and generally allowed me to be TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? CAREER? creative! You don’t need to have all the answers During the final year of my degree, I started straight away! Opportunities present a part-time job at a digital marketing agency WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO themselves when you least expect them so based in Leeds. I didn’t realise at the time, YOU ENJOY THE MOST? don’t feel so anxious when you think things but this was the start of my career in I love the variety of work involved in my job. aren’t going to “plan”. marketing. Last week I was filming academic research on Ilkley Moor in the morning and writing The agency’s focus was search engine web content in the afternoon! optimisation (SEO) services and I was involved in projects for a wide variety of 23 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Kevin Meloy

1976: Worked in the mining industry until closure in 2004 2004: Health & Safety Manager at Leeds City Council 1984:  Joined the trade union movement, becoming Chairman of 2007: Health & Safety Manager for the Faculty of Engineering, the Yorkshire area of the National Union of Mine Workers University of Leeds

24 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATINGATHENA DIVERSITY SWAN OF BROCHURE OUR STAFF

Health & Safety Manager, Joined mining Leeds City industry Council 1976 2004 1984 2007 Joined Faculty Health & National Union of Safety Manager, Mine Workers University of Leeds

Chairman of the Yorkshire Area

CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF WHAT PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU environment was high-pressure and DESCRIPTION ABOUT YOUR ENJOY THE MOST? geared to production needs. At the CAREER PROGRESSION? Interacting with people. When you find University, we experience pressure in In my current position I am a full time yourself encountering expertise in so different ways, but I find it easier to Health and Safety Manager. I started many areas, it is rewarding to be able to balance between my work and home work at 17, keen to make my way in learn as well as contribute to our activities. life. I am proud to work for an employer the working world rather than higher that helps carers, helps people in return education, which I took up later. I took a WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE to work after illness or injury, and is mechanical engineering apprenticeship THIS CAREER? considerate with compassionate leave. All in the mining industry – an education that As a young man I was angered by these are aspects of good personnel and cost in the region of £250k. I then worked the poor treatment of workers and health and safety management. in the mining industry for 25 years until indifference to the dangers they faced. I they announced closure in 2004. wanted to stand up for workers’ rights and WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE so became a trade union representative. YOUR YOUNGER SELF? I was involved in the trade union One of my most rewarding achievements Access higher education at the earliest movement, and eventually rose to become was to complete the equal value claim for opportunity. Think about what you’re the Chairman of the Yorkshire area of the 3500 mining industry women, settling at going to do before you do it and consider National Union of Mine Workers. I also over £40m compensation. others’ views. Appreciate advice from stood for parliament as a candidate for those with greater experience. the Bassetlaw constituency. When the last Health and safety seemed like a natural coal mine in north Yorkshire closed, I had progression for me, after witnessing WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM to make a decision whether to transfer several deaths and many serious injuries. YOUR EXPERIENCES? to another regional coal mine, pursue a I felt strongly that nobody should have to I have learnt to accept people for who career in the trade union movement, or face the trauma experienced by families they are, and understand that taking a career in health and safety. I saw an dealing with the aftermath of bereavement into consideration others’ opinions as opportunity to change career and chose to or disability. well as my own is important, even if it’s work for Leeds City Council for two years in opposition. I believe that everybody as a health and safety manager where I WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES should have a voice. An organisation became the responsible person for H&S YOU FACE IN YOUR CAREER? should listen to all its workers, plan management for LCC agencies. People don’t understand the necessity properly and communicate truthfully. for safety and how even a simple event, When an opportunity arose at the could escalate to a serious injury, and AWARDS University of Leeds in 2007, I recognised ruin their quality of life or wreck their We have won the Vice-Chancellor’s a new challenge, addressing vastly career. People need to understand that Award for H&S several times, as well different activities to what I was used to. safe working does not inhibit, but enables as numerous commendations. We hold It has been interesting to deal with an work. By simple planning, consideration the RoSPA Gold Award for H&S and environment that contains multiple high and resourcing, work proceeds efficiently RoSPA’s Education & Service Sector risk hazards associated with all types of and safely. This is the ethos of the Faculty Award (finishing second in the UK three research and manufacturing processes. of Engineering Safety Team. years running). We were also the first During my time here, I have developed higher education research and teaching strategic plans which have introduced IN WHAT WAY DOES YOUR WORK establishment to be accredited to the effective, workable procedures in AFFECT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? OHSAS 18001 H&S standard, which we consultation with colleagues and world In mining, I worked a three-shift pattern, have maintained for five years. leading academics. including weekends and call-outs; the

25 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Kimberley Holmes

2006-2010: Graduated with a BSc in Chemistry with 2012-13: Became a mother for a second time, took Maternity leave Pharmaceutical and Forensic Science, 2013: Teaching Lab Technician in the School of Chemistry at University of Bradford the University of Leeds, 18.75 hours 2009: Became a Mother, whilst studying for BSc. 2019: Increase in hours to 24 hours 2010-2012: Worked several part-time retail jobs

26 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Became a Part-time Mother, whilst Worked Teaching Lab studying part-time in Technician, for BSc retail Leeds 2009 2010-12 2013 2010 2012 2019 BSc, Maternity Increased Bradford leave, second hours child Teaching Lab Technician

There is always new learning to be done, health was particularly bad - again, this Kimberley is a Teaching which keeps the role stimulating. was invaluable. I see a counsellor regularly at the moment. They can also provide help Lab Technician in the HOW HAS HR POLICY with mindfulness training and other School of Chemistry. SUPPORTED YOU? courses to support staff with their mental HR policy around caring commitments has wellbeing. been so important for me - I know that She works part time to manage caring those policies have my back when one of My conditions are chronic, so I go through responsibilities and advocates the staff my kids is ill. periods of wellness and periods of illness. counselling and psychological support HR get involved in helping me make services. adjustments when I am ill, but well enough to be in work, such as “time outs” when I WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT I would love to tell need them. They have also been incredibly THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? supportive when my illnesses have My current role is Teaching Lab Technician other people with required time off work. in the School of Chemistry. In my role I have responsibilities that range from ordering and mental illness - you WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES handing out glassware and chemicals, are not alone, you YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? advising students on their practicals, The challenges I have faced in my career, sourcing, ordering and maintaining have nothing to be regarding my health, have taught me how equipment, helping to organise and plan resilient I am. I have learnt to try not to allow logistical aspects of the course and making ashamed of, and myself to be defined by me at my worst. I sure the lab is clean, tidy and safe. know that I am a capable person, and please reach out for though depression tells me I am not, a WHY DID YOU CHOOSE valued member of the team THIS CAREER? help and support. I love my job. When I saw the advert for my WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE role I was really interested in it. I saw the TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? connection between the retail roles I had If I could give my younger self any advice it I have also had a lot of support around my enjoyed, and the scientific training I had would be to give myself more credit for my mental illnesses. I live with PTSD and worked towards when I was studying. I strengths. work 24 hours a week, which fits in around recurrent depressive disorder. When I saw a clinical psychologist, the HR policies my family responsibilities. ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? around hospital appointments meant that I I would love to tell other people with mental didn’t have an added layer of stress of WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO illness - you are not alone, you have nothing fitting the appointments into my week. The YOU ENJOY THE MOST? to be ashamed of, and please reach out for staff counselling and psychological support One of the parts of my job I enjoy the most help and support. I found that discussing my service has been invaluable to me. The is dealing with the Undergraduates, I love illness when I was well as well as when I was access to something like that has been a being able to solve a problem for them and ill meant that the University was able to real bonus to the job, and I am so lucky get a great sense of satisfaction when I support me all along the way, and I am really that I have been able to access free know they are getting a great service. I also grateful for that really like tackling the maintenance of our counselling when I need it. My counsellor kit and instruments. was also able to come along to a case conference to support me when my mental

27 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Lekshmi Kailas

2000: M.Sc. (Physics), University of Kerala, India 2012-13: Visiting Scientist with Department of Atomic Energy 2001: B.Ed. (Physical Sciences) University of Kerala, India (Government of India), IGCAR Kalpakkam, India 2001-05: Ph.D. (Materials Physics) Université catholique de 2013-18: Instrument Scientist at Bernal Institute, University Louvain, Belgium of Limerick, Ireland 2005-12: Post-doctoral Research Associate, University 2019: Experimental officer in AFM, School of Physics and of Sheffield, UK Astronomy, University of Leeds, UK

28 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Visiting Scientist Ph.D. (Materials with Department MSc. (Physics), Physics) Université of Atomic Energy, Experimental University of catholique de Government officer in Kerala, India Louvain, Belgium of India AFM, Leeds 2000 2005 2012 2019 2001 2005 2013 B.Ed. (Physical Post-doctoral Instrument Sciences) Research Scientist, University of Associate, Ireland Kerala, India Sheffield

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE emotional support motivated me to follow I graduated in THIS CAREER? my dreams. Physics in 2000 and I have a fascination for science and scientific developments and this made WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM in Science Education me choose Physics as my field of study. YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD My education and years of research work AND BAD ONES? in 2001 from the prepared me for this career but ultimately, My experiences have taught me that I chose this path because I enjoy what you never know what you are capable of University of Kerala I do at work and I am thrilled to do it until you try. I have learnt that one failed for the long term. My job helps me to experiment does not mean that I should and then progressed satisfy my curiosity as a scientist, gain give up. Failure is also part of the learning new experiences and constantly improve process and sometimes it helps us to look to do a PhD at myself. at the problem from a different perspective and come up with an even better solution. Université catholique WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO I have also come to appreciate and value YOU ENJOY THE MOST? more the people in my life and I am de Louvain, Belgium. I like working with people as well as with grateful that they were/are there for me. instruments. The University environment helps me interact with the best minds from WHAT ARE THE MAIN I then worked as a researcher for the different disciplines: expert professors, CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN University of Sheffield, as scientist with gifted researchers and enthusiastic YOUR CAREER? Government of India and as staff scientist students. At work, I am surrounded After finishing my PhD, I had to decide with University of Limerick before landing by people who share my interest and between staying back to continue doing my current role as an Experimental Officer enthusiasm in different projects. I also post-doctoral studies or going back to in Atomic Force Microscopy in the School get to work with state-of-the-art scientific India. Being away from my family was a of Physics and Astronomy. instruments and new techniques. I am tough decision. Some of my friends went able to effectively utilise the skills and to work in industry after their post-doctoral WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT expertise I have acquired over the years. studies and I was also tempted to explore THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? I am constantly exposed to innovative that option. But in the end, I stayed on in I am an Experimental officer in Atomic scientific ideas and I am learning new academia as opportunities came my way. Force Microscopy (AFM) at the School of things every day. Physics and Astronomy. I am in charge WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE of the AFM Facility which houses some WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? of the most modern systems with a wide CAREER CHOICE? Don’t be afraid to explore new avenues. range of capabilities for investigations My maternal grandfather, who was a You might have been focussing intently at the nanoscale. I manage the AFM school headmaster, piqued my interest on one path that made you ignore other laboratories, provide support and training in science from a very early age. It was opportunities. You don’t have to follow the for researchers and students from different my aunt (a close family friend, who was footsteps of others. Believe in yourself and departments, and provide microscopy also my college professor) who guided me always think positive. services to external users. I am also towards research. My parents made sure involved in various research projects with that I received the best education possible colleagues from different departments in which has helped me to pursue my the University. current career. Their encouragement and

29 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Muhammed Basheer

1981:  Bachelors in Engineering, University of Kerala, India 1996:  Senior Lecturer, Queen’s University, Belfast 1982:  Worked in Structural Engineering for 18 months 1998:  Reader, Queen’s University, Belfast 1986:  Masters in Civil Engineering, University of Calicut, India 1999:  Professor, Queen’s University, Belfast 1991:  PhD, Queen’s University, Belfast 2014:  Chair in Structural Engineering, Universty of Leeds 1991: Postdoctoral researcher, Queen’s University, Belfast 2015: Head of School, Civil Engineering, University of Leeds 1993: Lecturer, Queen’s University, Belfast

30 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Chair in Structural Bachelors in Masters in Civil Engineering Engineering Engineering Lecturer Reader Leeds 1981 1986 1993 1998 2014 1982 1991 1996 1999 2015 Structural Doctorate Senior Professor Head of School, Engineer Lecturer Civil Engineering Postdoctoral Researcher

WHAT QUALITIES HAVE HELPED WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST IN I am Chair YOU IN ACHIEVING THE BALANCE YOUR CAREER? in Structural BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND Working with world class people in both FAMILY LIFE? academic and professional circles and Engineering and I live in the present time. When I do hence getting a sense of achievement. something, whether at work or with family, also the Head of I am fully engaged and dedicated in what AWARDS YOU’VE RECEIVED I am doing at that moment. It took me The most memorable was when I got the the School of Civil some time to develop this skill. Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship from HRH Prince Phillip in 2014. Engineering. The mistake people THINGS YOU WOULD WANT YOUR YOUNGER SELF TO DO WHO INFLUENCED YOUR usually make is that DIFFERENTLY? CAREER CHOICE? The one thing I would change is the time My introduction to civil engineering was they don’t allocate I would spend with my parents, brother through my dad. I was fascinated by the and sister. I think I was so focused on things he did. time for family, my studies and so this reduced the time spent with close family. When people grow WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE social life and work. up, time is demanded by many things, AN ACADEMIC CAREER? while at a younger age there is more time. I love teaching, I worked as a teaching Everyone needs assistant for six months in India before WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE working as a practising engineer for 18 time for all of these NOT WORKING? months, but I enjoyed teaching better. I go to social events arranged by a I also enjoy research and international in order to keep charitable organisation that I support. I activity. I had numerous opportunities to also spend some time with my family, we move into administration, but I preferred a health work life go out for dinner, watch a movie or try roles where teaching and research could and visit family friends. Often, I drive to go with administration. balance. Glasgow to visit my daughter.

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THE WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THE BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND YOUR EXPERIENCES, THE GOOD CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN FAMILY? AND THE BAD? YOUR CAREER? I always remind myself about the purpose From the good experiences, I realised that I didn’t push my ideas and personality of life and why I am doing the things I do. in any society there are numerous good towards other people. Instead, I gave The way I consider it is by asking myself; people in all walks of life and I should them the chance to get to know me and how can the abilities I have be used to try and find them and should stay close this is what has helped me achieve my support other people? And when it comes to them. From the bad experiences, goals. to family, I am always there for them, probably one dominates, which is that my otherwise the purpose is lost. ability to ignore or forgive bad attitudes towards me is sometimes seen as a weakness in me by these people.

31 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Nicole Hondow

2003: BSc (Honours) in Chemistry, University of 2012: AXA Independent Research Fellowship Western Australia 2015:  University Academic Fellow in Materials Characterisation, 2007:  PhD in Chemistry, University of Western Australia University of Leeds 2008: Postdoctoral Researcher in Electron Microscopy, 2020:  Associate Professor in Materials Characterisation, University of Leeds University of Leeds.

32 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

University Postdoctoral Academic Fellow Bachelors in Researcher, in Materials Chemisty Leeds Characterisation 2003 2008 2015 2007 2012 2020 PhD, AXA Associate Chemistry Independent Professor Research Fellowship

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU I started as a FACED IN YOUR CAREER? One of the main University Academic There have been a few challenges, things I’ve learnt is especially being away from family Fellow (UAF) in the and friends and starting fresh in a that it’s OK to say ‘no’ new country. Also, the transition from area of Materials postdoctoral researcher to academic to some of the things has been interesting; I am still learning Characterisation how to get a balance between lecturing, you are asked to do; supervising, acquiring research grants, in 2015, which is and all the other things that unexpectedly therefore you can a role that involves come with being an academic! prioritise the things HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THOSE both teaching and CHALLENGES? that are important to By deciding the areas that I need to focus research. on and improve in, learning to prioritise, you, in both work and and continuing to seek advice from mentors. at home. CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW YOU’VE PROGRESSED WHILE IN LEEDS? I joined the University as a postdoctoral AWARDS research assistant after completing my PhD I enjoy the I was the first person at the University to in Chemistry in Australia. I really enjoyed combination of be awarded an AXA research fellowship the work I was doing and the people I in 2012. Through this fellowship I had worked with, so I continued on a second research and teaching two years of independent research where project. Following this I was encouraged I could continue to use the amazing and supported in applying for independent and I love working equipment we have here at Leeds, to fellowships. build collaborations, and to develop my with researchers who career. I find both science are passionate about and engineering really their projects. interesting and enjoy HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE BALANCE having the opportunity BETWEEN YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE? to work with lots of I went on a fantastic course through the University that helped me achieve work- different people. life balance.

33 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Noemy Ellis Martin

1999:  Bachelors in Literature and Politics, University of 2013:  Maternity leave for 11 months and part-time (80%) on California San Diego (UCSD), USA return to work 2002: Assistant Director, Engineering Student Services (UCSD) 2015:  Maternity leave for 10 months an part-time (60%) on 2007: Masters in Education (Postsecondary Educational return to work Leadership: Student Services), San Diego State University 2018: Student Education Service Manager (Programme (SDSU), USA Support), EEMaPS 2008:  Student Education Service (SES) Manager, Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds

34 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATINGATHENA DIVERSITY SWAN OF BROCHURE OUR STAFF

Bachelors in Masters in Education Student Education Spanish (Postsecondary Service Manager Literature and Educational Maternity (Programme Political Science Leadership) leave Support), EEMaPS 1999 2007 2013 2018 2002 2008 2015 Engineering Student Education Maternity Student Services Service Manage, leave Leeds

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO colleagues, I was able to shift to working CURRENT JOB AT THE YOU ENJOY THE MOST? on a 60% FTE basis upon my return to UNIVERSITY? I enjoy the variety in my role, and the work in 2016. In my Monday/Tuesday/ I manage the programme support ability that I have to make changes that Thursday working pattern, I only ever function within the Student Education directly improve the student experience. have one day’s worth of work to catch Service (SES) for the thirteen schools Universities are always changing and up on, and this allows me to keep (including SWJT-Joint School) in the there are always things happening. What I up-to-date with what is happening across Faculties of Engineering, Environment, love the most is the fact that I am the School and Faculty. Although there Mathematics and Physical Sciences continuously learning and always was an adjustment period, I think it has (EEMaPS). I work in partnership with the improving myself. It’s not the kind of job gone brilliantly. SES Management Team and academic where you’ll become bored at some point, leaders to ensure the processes and because our roles are always evolving due WHAT POLICIES IN THE practices within the Faculties are to internal and external influences. I work UNIVERSITY HELPED YOU WITH managed effectively, delivered consistently in collaboration with a great team of staff THAT TRANSITION? and to agreed quality standards, all with across the University and Service, and HR Policies such as Keep-in-Touch Days the end goal to provide an excellent really appreciate the supportive work and utilising Flexible Working were very student experience. environment and diversity of the useful when coming back to work after a colleagues that I work with daily. It really maternity leave. They helped me make the WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE makes my job enjoyable. transition back to work gradually and allow THIS CAREER? me to have an excellent work-life balance After double-majoring in Political Science WHAT IMPACT DO YOU FEEL and Spanish Literature, I worked in STARTING A FAMILY HAS HAD ON corporate America, but I felt my job was YOUR CAREER? soulless and really missed the excitement As a working parent, I have found that there Try to learn from of being on a University campus. I is constantly a balance that needs to be experiences, good returned to work at my alma mater (UC sought between my professional and San Diego), starting from a front desk role, personal life. As such, I am lucky that this is and bad. It’s moving up eventually to an Assistant recognised and supported at Leeds Director role in the Engineering Student University, so I have found that my reduction important to be Services Office. I also decided to pursue in FTE to part-time has allowed me to find an MA in Postsecondary Educational the perfect balance that works for me (and positive, efficient, and Leadership (Student Services) to gain the my employer). theoretical knowledge of HE student enjoy life. Life is short! development. HOW DID RETURNING TO WORK FROM MATERNITY LEAVE GO? WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE I was managing two Engineering schools WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM IN YOUR CAREER? and the Assessment function before I took YOUR EXPERIENCES? As the University is a large institution, it is my second maternity leave in November Always be ambitious and strive to never important to develop excellent working 2015. At the time I knew that I wanted to stop learning, but remember that “Work to relationships with colleagues, in order to spend time with my children when they live, not live to work!” It’s all about work collaboratively to implement change. were young, and we don’t have family balance. You need a lot of negotiation skills and nearby. Due to the support received from patience, as change takes time. my line manager and academic

35 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Samantha Pugh

1997: BSc Colour and Polymer Chemistry, University of Leeds 2013: University Student Education Fellow Award 2001: PhD Colour Chemistry, University of Leeds 2014: Lecturer in STEM Education (School of Physics and 2001: Teaching Fellow, Applied Polymer Chemistry, Astronomy, University of Leeds) University of Leeds 2015: Switched back to Full Time 2004-06: Three periods of Maternity Leave 2017: National Teaching Fellow Award (ranging from 4-6 months) 2018: Associate Professor in STEM Education 2007: Switched to part time (60%) 2019: Director of Student Education (Physics and Astronomy) 2008: Faculty Learning and Teaching Enhancement Officer

36 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

Bsc Colour and Polymer Teaching Associate Chemistry, Fellow, Lecturer, Professor, Leeds Leeds Leeds Leeds 1997 2001 2014 2018 2001 2004-06 2015 2019 PhD Colour Three Periods of Switch from Director of Chemistry, maternity leave 0.6 FTE to Student University of with a switch to 1.0 FTE Education, Leeds 0.6 FTE on return Leeds in 2007

WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO continue. Coupled with the policy, is having I started my career in CONTINUE IN ACADEMIA? an understanding line manager too. During the field of Colour I like the freedom academia gives to explore the years when my children were young, I things that interest you most. Whilst there was fortunate that my line manager took the Chemistry. are many things that are set and part of the attitude that as long as the work was done, job, we also have lots of freedom to explore and done well, the means by which I achieved it were not so important. This was I became interested in Education so became and implement new ideas. I love having the so helpful. a Lecturer, then an Associate Professor in opportunity to collaborate with like-minded STEM education before progressing to the people from across the world. Being able to Director of Student Education role for the attend conferences to make connections is WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM School of Physics and Astronomy. definitely a perk of the job! YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD AND BAD ONES? WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT I’ve found the flexible ways of working Always be enthusiastic. Always support others THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? extremely valuable. I’d go as far as to say to be enthusiastic too! Don’t expect that everything will go right, or even go your way. Associate Professor in STEM Education and without this, I would have probably resigned, Learn from things that don’t go well and then Director of Student Education for Physics as this level of flexibility has been vital to move on. Always deliver on your promises. and Astronomy. enable me to also look after my three children. And don’t take yourself too seriously! CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO YOU PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT ENJOY THE MOST? WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHALLENGES YOUR CAREER? Working with students, particularly on project YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR CAREER? Fitting everything in. Being enthusiastic I’ve never had a clear career destination in work. Seeing them come out of themselves, coupled with a commitment to always deliver mind. I’ve always had a keen interest in shine and then hearing their success stories. on promises can lead to over-commitment! teaching students Science and in the Also being able to try out new ideas and get development of Education. I also enjoy involved with all kinds of activities at all levels developing new ideas to test and implement. of the University. I’ve always felt a warm WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO Throughout my career I have just looked for welcome in whatever I’ve been involved with. YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams, even opportunities that seemed interesting and when other people tell you they are would provide me with challenge. I am not WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR impossible. And travel more – I wish I had someone who likes to keep doing the same CAREER CHOICE? taken up the opportunity for international thing year in, year out, so leading new A world-renowned Professor of Chemical travel when I was younger and had no projects and initiatives has suited me. Education plus the STEM Education community in the UK has influenced my commitments! WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? career choice. Meeting like-minded people I enjoy working in Education. I love the at a conference in 2010 made me realise WHAT SURPRISING THINGS opportunity to meet new students who have that I could build a career doing what I loved! WOULDN’T PEOPLE KNOW so much potential, and be able to play a I hadn’t met people doing similar work up ABOUT YOU? I’ve got three teenagers and six cats! part in helping them to have a successful until that point. future. I like being able to undertake research and lead new projects. I didn’t HOW HAS HR POLICY ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? Choose your attitude. In any aspect of life, start out with this career destination in mind SUPPORTED YOU? we can choose to see the bad or the good – – I have always just gone with what Flexible working, including flexible hours has try to see the positives and you will be interested me at the time. made all the difference in the world to me. Without it, it would have been impossible to happier. 37 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Taisir Elgorashi

2004: BSc, University of Khartoum, Sudan 2015: Lectureship, University of Leeds 2005:  MSc, Swansea University 2015: Maternity leave for 5 months 2009: PhD in Optical Networking, University of Leeds 2017: Maternity leave for 4 months 2010: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Leeds 2012: Maternity leave for 6 months

38 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATINGATHENA DIVERSITY SWAN OF BROCHURE OUR STAFF

PhD, Optical Maternity Maternity Bachelors Networking leave leave 2004 2009 2012 2015 2005 2010 2015 2017 Masters Postdoctoral Lecturer Maternity Research leave Fellow

I graduated from University of Khartoum in 2004 and then progressed to do an MSc at Swansea University. Later, I received funding to do my PhD in Optical Networking at Leeds. I never had a clear plan, the opportunities just came along and they were too good to miss. I am currently a full-time lecturer in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

WHAT CHALLENGES YOU HAVE HOW HAVE YOU FOUND WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNT FACED WHEN COMING TO THE UK RETURNING FROM MATERNITY DURING YOUR JOURNEY? AND STARTING A FAMILY? LEAVE? I have learnt to think for myself and take Settling in the UK and having a career here I took a six-month maternity leave for my decisions independently after setting was not that difficult as everyone (family and first child, five months for my second my priorities. I have also learnt that university) was very supportive. However, child and four months for my third child. surrounding myself with the right people there were some sacrifices that had to be can be crucial to success. made. hen starting a family, for example, Coming back after maternity leave was not my husband and I were apart for a while really difficult as I stayed in touch during because his work isn’t based in the UK. But that period and the work environment was Enjoy the journey when you have your mind focused on your very supportive. goals you do not see them as challenges, itself as there is no they become part of the journey to success. HOW DID THE WORK ENVIRONMENT IN THE FACULTY guarantee to reach AND HR POLICIES HELP YOU ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? the destination. For every situation I benefited from the flexibility my job provides, i.e. I do not have set start and there is a right finish times. I am able to be flexible ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO YOUR with these which helps with childcare YOUNGER SELF? balance that can arrangements. I am also able to work Prioritise and focus on the important from home when needed. things. Be open to advice provided by keep everyone happy others. The difficult part is finding the balance, long term. So no sometimes I need to spend a few days apart from my children but once I get the need to sacrifice chance I try to compensate them. your career to have a happy family!

39 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Terence Kee

1985: BSc(Hons) Chemistry, University of Durham 2005: Associate Professor, University of Leeds 1989: PhD in Organometallic Chemistry, University of Durham 2009-12: Became a dad twice 1989: SERC-NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship, Massachusetts 2012: Schools Liaison Officer, School of Chemistry Institute of Technology, USA 2013: Postgraduate Progressions Officer, School of Chemistry 1990: Lecturer, University of Leeds 2016: E&I and Athena SWAN Chair, School of Chemistry, 0.1 FTE 1995: Senior Lecturer, University of Leeds 2019: School Academic Lead for Inclusive Practice, School of 2009: UG Admissions Tutor, School of Chemistry Chemistry, 0.2 FTE

40 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATINGATHENA DIVERSITY SWAN OF BROCHURE OUR STAFF

E&I and Athena BSc(Hons) SWAN chair role, Chemistry, Postdoctoral Associate Professor, 0.1 FTE and SALIP Durham Fellowship, USA University of Leeds role, 0.2 FTE 1985 1989 2005 2016-19 1989 1990 2009-12 PhD in Lecturer, Became a Organometallic University of dad twice Chemistry, Leeds Durham

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HOW HAS HR POLICY I have been an THIS CAREER? SUPPORTED YOU? Associate Professor I was always interested in Science as a kid, As all good support mechanisms should; mainly in things connected with space, as and when they are needed, effectively since 2005. My so naturally gravitated towards Science- and without judgement based subjects. In terms of career though, research domain is I never had any “career plan” to become WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM an academic until perhaps at the late YOUR EXPERIENCES THE GOOD Soft Matter Chemistry. PhD-early Postdoctoral stage. When I look AND BAD ONES? back on it now though, I can see that a For me they both say the same thing; career in academia suited me as I love the follow your passions Recently I have taken on additional roles freedom to pursue what interests me with as the Equality and Inclusion School Lead as little constraint as possible. Perhaps that WHAT ARE THE MAIN and Athena SWAN Chair for Chemistry in would have been possible to do in other CHALLENGES YOU’VE FACED IN 2016. I also work as a School Academic sectors, but Science and academia always YOUR CAREER? Lead for Inclusion Practice for the Faculty held a pull for me. Strangely now that I’m Hanging in there! of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 30 years on I find just as strong a pull now from areas that I would never have WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT considered earlier on; such as Philosophy, TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? Ethics and all forms of creative expression. Hang in there Terry. It’s the ride not the Currently I’m an Associate Professor in destination! Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO of Leeds. CONTINUE IN ACADEMIA? WHAT SURPRISING THINGS Simply put; it has been such a rich, WOULDN’T PEOPLE KNOW CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE emotional roller-coaster of a journey. ABOUT YOU? PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT That’s a good question. Here are three YOUR CAREER? WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO things about me that are pretty well This is a really interesting question as, from YOU ENJOY THE MOST? hidden. my perspective, the word “progression” is All aspects which place creativity and joy at (i) I have gypsy roots through my probably not the best fit in terms of how their centre maternal grandmother my career has been. In my 30 years here, (ii) I write poetry (badly!) I’ve been so fortunate to have been able WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR (iii) I am a passionate West Ham United to contribute to many different aspects CAREER CHOICE? fan (oh dear!) of Science, the University, and student So many people to name in such a short experience. There’s been no plan, just space. My parents for sure; many teachers ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? following my passions and being supremely down the years and Carl Sagan’s Cosmos I guess the only thing I would offer in the fortunate to be granted those opportunities. series stand out as helping me get into way of advice is to follow your heart and academia. Thereafter, every single student never be afraid to change. and colleague with whom I’ve interacted over the years has helped influence, and continues to influence, my choices.

41 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Thomas Ranner

2009: Masters of Mathematics, University of Warwick 2017: Lecturer, University of Leeds 2013: PhD in Mathematics, University of Warwick 2017: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship, University 2013: Move to School of Computing, University of Leeds, for of Leeds EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship 2019: 3 Months shared parental leave 2015: Postdoctoral Research fellow, University of Leeds

42 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

3 Months Masters of EPSRC Doctoral shared Mathematics, Prize Fellowship, Lecturer parental Warwick Leeds Leeds leave 2009 2013 2017 2019 2013 2015 2017 PhD in Postdoctoral Leverhulme Mathematics, Research Trust Early Warwick fellow, Leeds Career Fellowship, Leeds

CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU’VE HOW HAS HR POLICY I am a Lecturer in the PROGRESSED THROUGHOUT SUPPORTED YOU? School of Computing. YOUR CAREER? I was lucky to take 3 months shared On paper the progress through my career parental leave in my son’s first year. It has I recently took 3 seems quite straight forward. At the end of helped me create a wonderful bond with my PhD, my partner and I were looking to him and to better understand his needs. months of shared move closer to both our families and I was It’s a time that I look back on so fondly. lucky to find my first job at Leeds. It was an There are not many times in life that you parental leave during independent position which gave me lots of can take such an extended break from time to travel and explore my own ideas working to focus on other things. My time my son’s first year, (whilst renovating our first home). During off also allowed my wife to get back to work this time I met my post-doctoral supervisor too. I now work from home a lot which this has helped me to who is still a very useful collaborator. At the allows me to avoid wasting time end of my time as a post-doctoral commuting. create a wonderful researcher I really didn’t want another short term contract. I applied to several WHAT SURPRISING THINGS bond with him. permanent academic jobs with a deadline WOULDN’T PEOPLE KNOW to secure a job or move on. Luckily this ABOUT YOU? worked out! I live out in the countryside which gives a WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB AT great quality of life and long commute. THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS? I am a lecturer in the School of Computing I have the flexibility to ANY ADVICE YOU WANT TO GIVE? supported by a Leverhulme Trust Early Any new fathers should take as much time Career Fellowship. choose where and off work as possible and to not work at all during this time if possible. Leaving WHY DID YOU CHOOSE when I work. This childcare to women only is missing out on THIS CAREER? a fantastic opportunity! I really stumbled into this career without has also allowed me much prior planning. I really enjoy the many varied day to day activities I get to to spend more time do. I like the excitement of getting to know Any new fathers a research problem very deeply and trying supporting my wife. to work out how to get something working. should take as much But I also love finding the right way to time off work as share that knowledge for different WHICH PARTS OF YOUR JOB DO audiences either for publications, talks, YOU ENJOY THE MOST? possible and to not through teaching or outreach. One of the main reasons to stay in my current job is the flexibility to choose where work at all during this and when I work. This has also allowed me to spend more time supporting my wife in time if possible. her job. I now spend as much time as possible with my son too. He really does change every day so time spent with him is never wasted. 43 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Virginia Pensabene

2004:  Bachelors and MSc in Electrical and Electronic 2011: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biomedical Engineering, University of Pisa, Italy Engineering. Vanderbilt University, USA 2008: Exchange researcher at the Department of Life Science 2014:  Maternity leave for 2 months Medicine, Waseda University, Japan 2015:  Research Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering 2009:  PhD in Humanoid Technologies, University of Genova Vanderbilt University, USA and Italian Institute of Technology, Italy 2016:  University Academic Fellow, School of Electronic and Maternity leave for 6 months Electrical Engineering and School of Medicine and CEO for WIN Medical Company, Italy (2009-2011) Health, University of Leeds

44 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF

PhD, WIN Postdoctoral Research Bachelors Humanoid Medical Research Assistant & Masters Technologies Company Associate Professor 2004 2009 2009 2011 2015 2008 2009 2014 2015 Exchange Maternity Maternity University Researcher leave leave Academic Fellow, Leeds

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WHAT SURPRISING FACT PURSUE A CAREER IN ACADEMIA? Don’t look at what WOULDN’T PEOPLE KNOW After having my first child, I spent some you’ve achieved ABOUT YOU? time as a CEO for WinMedical, a company I like to keep my teenage times alive, I like that I found with my husband and some in a single day as to listen and sing along to loud rock music friends. At that time, I got the chance in the car. to experience the work environment in sometimes it makes industry, and I had to ask myself what do I WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM like more; industry or academia. I realised you frustrated. YOUR EXPERIENCES, GOOD that I was more interested in academia as AND BAD? I get the chance to solve problems, to be Instead, wait till the I have learnt that sometimes it is better to involved in education and to talk to people wait, get things correct and then speak. from different disciplines. And here I am. end of the week and I don’t have to always say something just for the sake of showing my presence. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST see the results! Another precious lesson that I have learnt ABOUT YOUR JOB? is that difficult things make us stronger. I really enjoy working as part of a team. I remember in University, I was one out There are things that I just can’t do by WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT OF of five girls in a class of more than 200 myself. I also like to receive continuous HR POLICY? students and one professor said: “You’re feedback from my team, students I have not utilised any of the family- girls, engineering is not for you and you included! That makes me and my group friendly policies of the University yet, but I should stay at home knitting.” However, grow and succeed! Academia also offers am aware of HR policies (flexible working, that did not stop me or either of us to quit, me the chance to come up with my own carers leave, etc.) to support us during instead we managed to get respect from research topics and find out more about specific periods when balancing family everyone. something that I am really interested in, and work needs can be challenging. and that’s what keeps me motivated. YOUR FUTURE PLANS? HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR HOME- I had my first two projects awarded in my HOW HAVE YOU FOUND LIFE AND WORK-LIFE AFFECT first year in Leeds. Now I am planning to RETURNING TO WORK FROM EACH OTHER? focus on how to develop as a Professor, MATERNITY LEAVE? Having two children is a huge to complete my five-year probation and I had my first child in Italy, and it was responsibility because everything needs to spin off a new company with my PhD alright because I had time to recover, to to be scheduled, especially when they are students here in Leeds. plan my new life-as-a-mum, and I also young. And even when they are busy at had the support from my family. When school during the day, I always need to I also look forward to exploring new I had my second child, I was working be reachable and informed. Sometimes I cultures and having international in the USA and it was quite challenging worried about how my frequent movement collaborations. because I only had eight weeks to recover. from one country to another affects them, I was told that I couldn’t take more time but I am happy to hear them speaking off, otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to different languages, to see them growing reserve my position as a postdoc. These without any prejudice or bias, and to cultural differences, together with the expose them to cultural differences. need to grow my career, made me and my husband think about moving to the UK.

45 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

HR Policies

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical We have a dedicated and approachable The University of Sciences has a dedicated Athena SWAN Faculty HR team and HR contacts in each and Equality and Inclusion committee. School and Faculty services, to ensure Leeds has a wide The Faculty currently holds an Athena that our staff members’ queries can range of inclusive SWAN Silver and Bronze award. The be answered efficiently and effectively. committee and related working groups are We ensure that we provide thorough policies to support continuously working on expanding and consistent information for all our staff, broadening the Faculty E&I holistic action including inductions for our new starters all staff including; plan to ensure all of our staff feel fully and ongoing support for our current supported and are aware of the Faculty staff. Please do not hesitate to search our flexible working, and University’s inclusive guidance and internal Faculty HR SharePoint or contact policy. The committee are constantly the Faculty HR team: carers leave, gathering feedback and data from staff [email protected] in order to create actions relevant to what generous maternity staff are requesting. For the latest information please refer to the University’s HR website leave/adoption leave To help with raising awareness across the http://hr.leeds.ac.uk Faculty on the policies and support that and shared parental is available for our staff, and how to easily access these, the Faculty HR team have leave. an easily accessible Faculty HR Sharepoint site for current staff. This is the first point of contact for information both specific to the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and University policy, and is a key place where staff can find important and regularly used policies, guidance and available support including the family friendly and flexible working policies.

46 FOOTSTEPS: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF OUR STAFF Example Equality and Inclusion Activities

• We have created two Wellbeing rooms, EPSRC NORTHERN POWER STAFF NETWORKS which can be used, for example, to INCLUSION MATTERS PROJECT express milk, take medication and rest for health related reasons. One is located in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering the other is located in EC Stoner.

• We have played a leading role in shaping the University’s guidance regarding support for those returning The University of Leeds is taking part in a from extended periods of leave related cross-consortium research project Inclusion to caring, e.g. maternity and shared Matters - Northern Power, this aims to shape parental leave. an active inclusive culture in the Engineering The University of Leeds currently has 5 and Physical Sciences community, staff networks, for BME, LGBT+, Muslim, • We play a leading role in organising the academic and beyond through a variety of Mental Health and Disability and Women. University’s annual LGBT STEM day, initiatives and project activities. The project They are organised by staff for staff, usually held in July. We hosted an LGBT invites early career researchers, established providing a space for staff to reach out STEM panel as part of the University’s career researchers and senior academic to colleagues outside of the University’s LGBT+ History Month. We are part of leaders in the Faculty of Engineering and support services such as Staff Counselling the Building Equality working group. and Safety, Wellbeing and Health. They Physical Sciences who feel they are under- This is an external LGBT+ Construction are recognised as being crucial to the represented in their discipline* to register Working Group, which aims to challenge for a range of opportunities including career promotion of the University’s wider equality and change the construction industry to development, mentoring and networking and inclusion agenda and through their be more LGBT+ inclusive. with colleagues / industry. activities, and can help to open the door to changing the culture of an institution or • We ensure that all those involved in *Examples of under-represented groups organisation. recruitment have undergone E&I and individuals that may benefit from training, and undertaken in person the project activities include: ethnicity, The LGBT+ Staff Network has a webpage unconscious bias training, if possible. neuro-diversity, mental health, physical of LGBT+ Role Models and Allies who work Our new starter survey shows that ability, sexual orientation, gender, caring at the University. Increasing the visibility of 99% of respondents said that the responsibility, first in their family to enter LGBT+ Role Models and Allies can help to interview process ran smoothly and was academia and many more. encourage, influence and develop others. carried out professionally, which would It is important that staff and students see suggest that our recruiters take a fair, See the eligibility page for more information: people like them at all levels within our professional approach. University. https://northernpowerinclusion.org/ • We interviewed women who had been Activities within this project include: https://equality.leeds.ac.uk/initiatives/ offered academic posts with us, to help - Shared Characteristics Mentoring lbgt-role-models/ us to determine how to attract more - Networking and Leadership Development female Academic staff. They said that - Collaboration with Industry Staff network link: having the opportunity to gain a sense - Reciprocal Mentoring https://equality.leeds.ac.uk/staff-networks/ of whether the School would be a good cultural fit for them was a major factor in Some of the benefits of being involved in the their decision-making about accepting programme include: career development, a position. As a result we now provide research advice, shadowing opportunities, academic interviewees with more exposure to decision makers/making, opportunities to meet students and increased confidence and impacting cultural less senior academic staff when they change within the University and beyond. visit for an interview. We follow this up with feedback via our `new starter’ and To register for the activities including to ‘recruitment’ surveys. become a mentor / mentee:

1) Visit https://northernpowerinclusion.org/ 2) Register (button at the top of the page) 3) Fill out the agreement and questionnaire

47 Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences University of Leeds Leeds, LS2 9JT

https://eps.leeds.ac.uk