At 18, Julia began her career as an engineering apprentice at Parsons Power Generation in Newcastle, later pursuing a metallurgy degree from Sheffield University. After completing a PhD in 1995, Julia transitioned to roles in the chemical and oil and gas industries, ultimately working as a pipeline integrity engineer before moving into academia in 2005.

Driven by a commitment to inclusivity in engineering, Julia challenged gender stereotypes in high school by becoming the first girl to take metalwork instead of cookery – a passion that continues to fuel Julia’s outreach work at the University of Strathclyde.

Dr. Avril Thomson is the Head of Skills Programmes at the Manufacturing Skills Academy, part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.  She has been involved in numerous projects in collaboration with industry and local authorities, focusing on widening access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds promoting greater diversity in engineering.  She piloted a tutoring programme in local schools that was a fore runner to Strathclyde Engineering Scholars.

Her work has emphasized the crucial role of mentoring and the promotion of engineering through STEM activities.

Gordon studied Optoelectronics and Laser Engineering and graduated with an MPhys and PhD degree in Physics from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, in 1997 and 2003.

He worked as Research Physicist in the area of optical fibre laser sensors from 2003-2005 before joining the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde in 2008.

His work supports widening access to engineering higher education through Strathclyde’s Engineering Academy in partnership with further education colleges; Physics for Engineering Upskilling; and Strathclyde’s Engineering Scholars programme. 

Kaska holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering and has several years of industry experience.

Having moved to the UK over 20 years ago, she has been deeply struck by the inequalities in the country, particularly in access to quality education and opportunities in life.  Kaska is passionate about the potential of engineering to help reduce these inequalities, as it offers opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds. 

She believes that with strong mathematical and problem-solving skills, coupled with dedication and hard work, anyone—regardless of their socioeconomic background, gender, or race — can build a thriving career in engineering.