Salma Alarefi is a Lecturer in Engineering Education at the University of Leeds, where she teaches and supports the development of future engineers. Her expertise focuses on renewable energy systems, and she delivers lectures, laboratory sessions, and supervises students' technical projects.

Salma developed an interest in engineering during school, where she felt most comfortable in maths and physics classes. As a person who stammers, she enjoyed problem-solving activities that allowed for minimal verbal interaction. The satisfaction she gained from solving problems boosted her confidence in choosing engineering as a career. Inspired by her maths teacher, who demonstrated how math applies to everyday life, Salma became passionate about STEM, seeing it as a way to make a meaningful impact while staying within her comfort zone.

Today, Salma balances teaching, tutoring, project supervision, and research in engineering education. She holds a PhD and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

As a finalist for the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024, Salma is a passionate advocate for young girls in engineering. Having faced challenges as a woman in the field, she now uses these experiences as motivation to push forward.

Today, we dive into her story, exploring the experiences and lessons that have driven her success and shaped her journey.

When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?

At school, as a person who stammers I always felt more comfortable during maths and physics classes. I enjoyed indulging in problem solving activities that I could do on my own with minimal verbal interaction with my peers. From a very early stage of my education the satisfaction I used to get from being able to solve problems made me more assertive about choosing to study engineering. I was always fascinated about how my maths teacher always advocated for how maths is applied to every aspect of our everyday life ( measurements of ingredients, alignment of furniture, time and time management and schedule of our life, etc ) that made me even more passionate about STEM as it meant I could still have the chance to make an impact on everyday life without having to do something that would throw me out of my comfort zone

What does an average day look like for you?

The nature of my job, in teaching and supporting the learning of future generations, allows me great flexibility to be involved with engineering through different lenses. Ranging from technical hand on through my lab teaching and supervision of student projects, tutoring students and helping them with job applications and mentoring students in placement, to doing research to gain more insights on the experience of engineering students, contributing to engineering education policies and pedagogy.

How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?

I hold a PhD and during my PhD studies I worked as a lab demonstrator to support the delivery of lab sessions which allowed me to certify as associate fellow of higher education academy.

Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?

Of course I did and continue to, it was very challenging at the start and I remember all the emotions and moments of loneliness that I experienced. The thing I do differently now is that I use these as an opportunity to encourage myself to push more. I do not accept to be victimised for being a minority anymore.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

Engineering is not just about field work. An engineering career, like engineering itself, is full of creative opportunities, is continuously evolving and dynamic but in a positive way. Society needs solutions and innovation that can address challenges that are specific to women and that can only be done by having more women on board. If you get on board, you have a great chance to make a lasting impact.

Do you have any funny or interesting stories from your career as an engineer?

The funniest memory was during my first lecture, when every student who walked into the lecture theatre and saw me got their phone out to check if they were in the correct lecture/venue. After they’d charge me, they would look at me and smile apologetically. I do not blame them as you do not see many women lectures in engineering, let alone a midline female lecture.

Curious about our #ShesAnEngineer series? Dive into our video series featuring women who are driving change and breaking down barriers in this male-dominated field. Discover their inspiring stories here: https://www.alexander-assoc.co.uk/women-in-engineering.

Natalie Parker is a Technical Specialist for the Operational Technology Group at Sellafield Ltd. Natalie’s passion for STEM, especially maths and science, led her to explore an apprenticeship in Control Systems, quickly advancing from apprentice to senior engineer. Today, she provides technical advice, supports projects, and manages a team of nine engineers, driving collaboration and innovation across facility teams.

As a finalist for the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year 2024, Natalie is a strong advocate for young girls in engineering, highlighting the field's vast opportunities. She co-leads Sellafield’s Women in Technology group, working to achieve gender balance, and created the "Get Wired…Get Coding" workshop to inspire primary school students to explore electrical circuits and programming.

Today, we explore her journey and how choosing the non-traditional university route has given her valuable hands-on experience and encourages more STEM students to consider careers in engineering.

When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?

I always had a passion for STEM subjects throughout school in particular maths and science. I went to study my A-levels at a time the tuition fees had rose from £3000 and year to £9000. At this moment I realised I didn’t know what I wanted to study at university so started to explore apprenticeships available in the local area and discovered Control Systems which appealed to me. This was the first step into my engineering career.

What does an average day look like for you?

My days are extremely varied. I can be undertaking technical teaching to degree apprentices and acting as their line manager, undertaking assurance activities and investigations, providing technical support to projects and front-line engineering teams, carrying out maintenance improvements within my department, leading on work experience, leading the Women in Technology group.

How did you get into this career?

I began my Control Systems apprenticeship in September 2011. I stumbled across this apprenticeship not really knowing much about control systems but the involvement of maths and problem solving really appealed to me. I then spent the next 7 years developing from an apprentice to a senior control systems engineer. I then spent some time in the project team before entering my current role as a Control Systems Technical Specialist.

What qualifications have you earned?

I obtained a 1^st class honour in Plant Engineering (Engineering Systems).

Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?

When I had my children who are now 4 and 5, I suffered a bit of negativity with regards to my career and the unconscious bias of individuals. However, I have used this to my advantage and motivation to upskill management and this has given me the tools to progress in my career.

What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?

The world of engineering is so vast, and the opportunities are endless. As an engineer you can work all over the world in many different industries. It’s an exciting and ever-changing field to work in.

Do you have any interesting stories from your career as an engineer?

During my 7 years as a front-line engineer, I was involved in a very complex system modification due to problems with the facility equipment. The result from the modification enabled the facility to finish reprocessing nuclear fuel and I was able to sit with the operations team and watch the final shear. Very proud moment!

I have also loved running work experience and welcoming some of the students back as our control systems degree apprentices.

Curious about our #ShesAnEngineer series? Dive into our video series featuring women who are driving change and breaking down barriers in this male-dominated field. Discover their inspiring stories here: https://www.alexander-assoc.co.uk/women-in-engineering.