Dame Ann, the perfect role model for next generation of engineers
Wed, 16 Nov 2016 14:25:00 GMT
Dame Ann Dowling received an Honorary Doctorate of the University for services to engineering
WHEN one of the UK’s most eminent engineers received an award from the University of Huddersfield, she told new graduates that even though they had completed their degrees, their education was not over.
“Over time, technology will change and life itself is a continual learning experience – so enjoy it,” said Dame Ann Dowling, who is President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cambridge.
She was speaking at one of the sequence of awards ceremonies taking place at the University of Huddersfield, during a week that saw almost 1,500 students receive their degrees. Dame Ann was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of the University of Huddersfield at a ceremony that saw students of the School of Computing and Engineering receive their awards.
When she spoke, Dame Ann stressed that success in engineering was based on team effort.
“I have been lucky to work with so many fantastic collaborators, students and postgraduates. Any recognition is earned by them rather than me,” she stated.
An oration for Dame Ann was delivered by the University of Huddersfield’s Dr Leigh Fleming, who is Subject Area Leader for Mechanical Engineering. She outlined Dame Ann’s career and areas of research in fields such as aircraft noise and low emission combustion for aero and industrial gas turbines. She has engaged closely with industry – for example when she ran the University of Cambridge’ Gas Turbine Partnership with Rolls-Royce. She is also a non-executive director of BP.
In 2002, Ann Dowling was appointed CBE for services to mechanical engineering and five years later she was made Dame, for services to science. Last year, HM The Queen appointed her to the Order of Merit. In addition to such official honours, there have also been recognitions such as her inclusion in the Woman’s Hour list of the 100 most powerful women in the United Kingdom.
Dr Fleming also stressed the importance of Dame Ann as a role model for women in engineering.
“The fact that Dame Ann Dowling is a female engineer is – or should be – completely incidental,” said Dr Fleming. “However, the fact remains that only nine per cent of the UK’s engineering workforce is female – the lowest proportion in Europe.
“Faced as we are with a shortage of qualified engineers – so important to our future prosperity – it is strange and self-defeating that such a large pool of potential talent should be neglected.
“One of the factors that will help to remedy the situation is the existence of role models to inspire young women to study and practice engineering – a career which is as personally fulfilling as it is vital to society,” continued Dr Fleming.
“And it is almost impossible to conceive a better role model than Dame Ann, whose accomplishments in engineering and in academia have been so remarkable.”
