In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, UK Power Networks has spotlighted six remarkable women engineers who serve as trailblazers in the energy sector, advocating for the empowerment of women in STEM careers. The company, responsible for overseeing the electricity infrastructure across London, the South East, and East of England, highlighted professionals whose work ensures the continuous delivery of power to millions. These women—Samantha Burchell, Emma Christensen, Hilal Ozdemir, Georgia Edwards, Nene Yamasaki, and Claire Sheridan—are not only excelling in their respective roles but also actively encouraging and inspiring a new generation of female engineers.

Samantha Burchell, based in Crawley and Brighton, has risen through the ranks from back-office roles to managing field operations for the electricity network. Notably recognised among the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering, she led a critical response when a significant sinkhole appeared in Godstone, Surrey, causing major disruption. The sinkhole, resulting from a burst water main and compounded by the area’s sandy geology and former quarry use, necessitated the evacuation of approximately 30 buildings and was declared a major emergency by local authorities. Burchell’s leadership highlights the demanding and dynamic challenges faced in maintaining the network’s resilience. She emphasises the rewards of perseverance and dedication in engineering, urging women to embrace the opportunities the profession offers.

Emma Christensen, hailing from Suffolk, made history as the first female 132,000-volt control engineer at UK Power Networks and now holds the unique position as the UK’s only female emergency planning manager in the sector. Her role involves vigilant monitoring of weather conditions and potential risks that could impact the vast power grid. Balancing her high-stakes work and motherhood, she advocates for authenticity and flexibility, acknowledging the personal adjustments needed for success in demanding STEM careers.

Nene Yamasaki, who immigrated to the UK from Japan at 15, leads UK Power Networks’ AI and digital projects. A Cambridge-educated chemical engineer, she developed an innovative app that has identified over 200 damaged cables, saving the company more than £10 million and significantly reducing power outage durations. Her leadership of a predominantly female team reflects a progressive shift within the traditionally male-dominated utilities sector. A company director praises her unique perspective and fearless communication style, which have driven tangible improvements in network operations.

Georgia Edwards, originally from New Zealand, contributes to the UK’s green energy transition by expanding the market for energy flexibility. Her efforts have helped integrate flexibility solutions into Net Zero strategies for local councils and community groups, securing contracts amounting to 44MW—powering the equivalent of 142,000 homes for an hour. Her manager underscores the importance of creativity, collaboration, and determination in addressing the complexities of the energy transition, qualities Edwards exemplifies.

Hilal Ozdemir is actively involved in fostering diversity within engineering through her management of collaborations with universities and advocacy for women in STEM via initiatives like We Power. Her research and engagement with academic institutions help create more inclusive environments, encouraging future female engineers to enter and thrive in the field.

Claire Sheridan, an electrical engineer from Derry, oversees major infrastructure projects in London with a portfolio surpassing £600 million. Starting as the sole woman in her team a decade ago, she now works alongside an increasing number of female engineers. Sheridan stresses that women’s success in engineering should be recognised for merit and the valuable perspectives they bring, not merely as a diversity exercise.

Dr Laura Norton, head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, highlights the importance of creating inclusive cultures within engineering to unlock the full potential of all professionals. She stresses that diversity drives the creativity and innovation essential for technical progress and societal benefit.

UK Power Networks, managing over 189,000 km of combined overhead and underground networks, illustrates through these women’s achievements the evolving face of engineering—one committed not just to technical excellence but also to fostering inclusivity and sustainability in a sector at the heart of societal infrastructure.

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Source: Noah Wire Services