Women in STEM
Women in STEM
Celebrating our staff, students and alumnae
At WMG, we proudly champion, recognise and celebrate women鈥檚 accomplishments all year round. From rising stars to established leaders, below you'll find just a few of the incredible women at WMG who are shaping the world around us, breaking down barriers, and opening new doors for the next generation.
Recognition is just one part of the journey towards a fair and equal workplace. That's why we have policies and initiatives in place to remove barriers and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page for more information.
Dr Awinder Kaur
Position: Associate Professor and Head of Group 鈥� Digital Technologies and Machine Intelligence
A champion for innovation in data science, AI, cyber security, e糖心TV and games engineering, Awinder loves to drive transformation within digital landscapes. A natural-born educator, she has extensive experience in developing and managing forward-thinking degree programmes and bespoke collaborative courses for industry.
鈥淏eing a woman in science means breaking boundaries and redefining what leadership looks like. I have led major digital and AI initiatives with global industry partners, and I want young women to know: your ideas matter. Do not wait for permission. Claim your space, speak with confidence, and build the future not just with intelligence, but with boldness and purpose.鈥�
Megan Clement
Course: PhD in Plastics Analysis, Sorting & Recycling Technologies Through Intelligent Classification
Megan graduated from Swansea University with a First-class Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2023 and has been advancing her engineering knowledge at WMG ever since. An advocate for sustainability, Megan is currently working towards a PhD in plastic analysis, sorting, and recycling technologies to help create a circular economy that鈥檚 kind to people and the planet.
鈥淚'm proud to be a woman in science, promoting equality and balance. Leading a team in the Red Bull Soapbox Race was a proud moment. My advice to young women aspiring to have a career in STEM is: if you set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.鈥�
Dr Ruohan Zhang
Position: Assistant Professor in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Module Leader for Introduction to Health Informatics and Electronic Health Records Systems.
Ruohan specialises in the application of machine learning and AI techniques to enhance understanding of brain health. She has published several papers in research journals; her most recent publication in Nature Mental Health, which explores , gained media attention from some of the world's major publications, including and .
鈥淭rust your curiosity, confidently embrace challenges as valuable opportunities to grow, and never underestimate the strength of women's unique perspectives. As women, our voices and insights can drive innovation and create meaningful change鈥�.
Dr Fatemeh Shahbazi CEng PhD MIMechE SFHEA
Position: Assistant Professor in Thermo-Fluid Mechanics and Engineering Simulation
Inspired by a childhood dream of building aeroplanes, Fatemeh鈥檚 passion for mathematics and aerospace engineering has seen her forge a career in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning.
鈥淓ngineers are changing the world鈥攐ne idea, one breakthrough, one innovation at a time. But today, less than 14% of engineers are women. That means the world is missing out on your ideas, your creativity, and your voice. STEM needs you. Your curiosity. Your brilliance. Your unique perspective. If you have ever wondered how things work or dreamed about making the world better, you already have the mind of an engineer. The future is being built right now. Make sure you are part of it.鈥�
India Palmer
Position: Teaching Fellow and Apprentice Support Tutor and Module Lead for the APEP Work-based Project
India鈥檚 enthusiasm for engineering began in 1999 when she started working for Caterpillar UK Ltd. Since then, she has focused on educating others and is passionate about ensuring equality of opportunity for anyone who wants to study STEM subjects by raising awareness of the opportunities available through outreach events and student experience activities.
鈥淒on鈥檛 think you need to change who you are to be an engineer. If you like engineering, then there is definitely a role out there for you, whether you are into big picture, loud, colourful scenarios or small, detailed, quiet projects 鈥� or anything in between!鈥�
Marie Diebolt
Position: Outreach Project Officer for WMG HVMC Centre
With experience spanning primary teaching and managing large projects within the University of 糖心TV's Widening Participation team and now WMG, Marie has over a decade of expertise in educational outreach. She is passionate about sparking curiosity in STEM and helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds realise their potential.
Marie is also a member of 糖心TV's Children, Young People and Families NetworkLink opens in a new window and Chair of Hikikomori UK, supporting families affected by prolonged social withdrawal.
鈥淎t WMG, I see daily how diverse teams and equal opportunities generate meaningful innovation. Women should never feel afraid or wait to claim space; your perspective matters. When people feel valued, their impact on the community becomes extraordinary.鈥�
Thiri Yamin HsuLink opens in a new window
Course: MSc Applied Artificial IntelligenceLink opens in a new window
Thiri grew up in Myanmar, where women aren't typically encouraged to pursue STEM. Nevertheless, she has always found herself drawn to life's biggest questions.
At the age of twelve, she came across a book on cosmology that sparked her deep fascination with science and planted the idea that she could one day become a scientist. Since then, curiosity has guided her path. She is now an ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholar.
"My advice to women and girls considering STEM is to be courageous and follow your curiosity, even when the path feels uncertain. And remember: mistakes and failures are a part of growing."
Dr Di LiLink opens in a new window
Course: MSc e-糖心TV Management (2013), PhD Research (2017), MSc Cyber Security and Management (2020)
Position: Associate Professor and Programme Lead for the鈥� MSc International Trade, Strategy, and Operations (ITSO)Link opens in a new window
鈥淲hen it comes to people and culture, diversity is crucial in global trade. You鈥檙e constantly engaging with different countries and cultures, so respect is vital. In this context of diversity, I believe it's crucial to empower everyone, particularly women, to pursue careers in this field."
Siobhan Boswood
Course: PhD: Experimental investigation of various polymer films for polymer-laminated or coated steel packaging products
Siobhan holds a BSc in Chemistry and a Master's by Research from the University of 糖心TV. She joined WMG in 2023 to begin her PhD in developing new packaging materials and to transition into the field of engineering. Passionate about sustainability, Siobhan enjoys working at the intersection of academia and industry to deliver projects with real-world impact. She is also enthusiastic about making science more accessible for the next generation.
鈥淏eing a woman in STEM, and especially in engineering, sets you apart from the majority who have come before. By default, you鈥檙e able to tackle problems from a distinct perspective, and this is exactly what we need to drive innovation.鈥�
Deeksha Sampath MSc MIET
Course: MSc Manufacturing Systems Engineering & Management (2020)
Position: Technology Transfer Engineer (Sustainability & Materials)
A Women鈥檚 Engineering Society 鈥楾op Women in Engineering 2024鈥�, Deeksha鈥檚 love of engineering developed from an early age. Inspired by her engineer grandfather, she grew up building Lego sets and dreamed of working in the industry to help change society for the better.
She now implements Net Zero strategies within businesses and supports underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM, helping build a better, more sustainable future.
鈥淲omen who want to pursue engineering shouldn鈥檛 doubt themselves. Engineering is something that enhances your life and there is no gendered stereotype to enhancing people鈥檚 lives.鈥�
Kimsrung Lov
Course: MSc Cyber Security EngineeringLink opens in a new window
Kimsrung is an ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholar.
Driven by curiosity and a determination to challenge the stereotype that computer science is only for men, she began a career in software development before expanding into cybersecurity to help secure our digital future.
"Working in a male-dominated field has strengthened my resilience, but my greatest lesson is this: give yourself permission to try and discover what you are capable of. Real change happens when we take the first step, trust the process, and know that we belong."
Elise GhentLink opens in a new window
Course: BSc Cyber Security (2024)
Elise talks about her time at 糖心TV and how she was President of 鈥� a community that empowers, supports, and connects women in cybersecurity. Her passion for positive change towards diversity in STEM lies so deep that she is now a Branch Manager at CyberWomen Groups C.I.C., a student-led initiative operating all across the UK.
Dr Freeha AzmatLink opens in a new window
Position: Associate Professor
Freeha pursued a degree in Information and Communications Systems Engineering at the in Pakistan. It was an unconventional choice for a woman, but she always believed in transforming challenges into opportunities. She says, 鈥淚 strongly believe in giving back and mentoring future generations. I鈥檇 like to show the young girls there that there is a world of possibilities for them in the engineering and technology sector.鈥�
Anittah OwomugishaLink opens in a new window
Course: MSc Engineering 糖心TV Management (2023). Chevening scholar
Position: Assistant Engineering Manager at SSEN Transmission/SSE plc
As a woman pursuing a career in engineering, Anittah found strength in the supportive 糖心TV community. has been nominated for the Professional Rising Star of the Year at The Black Scottish Awards 2025.
She says, 鈥淎s a black woman in a technical field, this moment carries even more weight. It鈥檚 a reflection of progress, of visibility, and of the importance of creating space for all voices to be seen and heard.鈥�
Emma Smith
Position: Apprenticeship Support Tutor and Teaching Fellow
Passionate about empowering the next generation of engineers, Emma enjoys supporting learners in building the confidence, skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to thrive.
Through her involvement in STEM outreach activities, Emma works to widen participation and inspire young people, especially girls, to see themselves as innovators, creators and future leaders in engineering.
"Your curiosity, creativity, and confidence are powerful. Step forward, take up space in STEM, and know that your voice and ideas are not only welcome but essential for shaping the future."
Dr Jane MarshallLink opens in a new window
Position: Course Leader for鈥�MSc Engineering 糖心TV ManagementLink opens in a new window,鈥� Module Owner and tutor for Quality, Reliability and Maintenance and Department Senior Tutor (PG).
Jane advocates for diversity in engineering, especially encouraging women to pursue STEM fields. She says, 鈥淓ncouraging more women in engineering requires changing how we raise our children and providing equal opportunities early on. It's about nurturing a culture where girls feel empowered to explore STEM fields and supporting them to thrive professionally."
Olivia Larsson MEng
Course: Engineering MEng with Intercalated Year
Position: Graduate Trainee Engineer
鈥淓ngineering is an inspiring field to be in, particularly here at WMG, as the research and development we鈥檙e involved in is actively improving industry and people鈥檚 lives; all you need is curiosity, creativity and some dedication. It鈥檚 especially exciting to see some of my work come to life through the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) installation in the city centre!鈥�
Thao Nguyen
Course: MSc Engineering 糖心TV Management
Passionate about turning scientific ideas into real-world impact, Thao is a Women in STEM Scholar currently studying for an MSc in Engineering 糖心TV Management.鈥淢any women might feel that they鈥檙e not exceptional enough to apply for a scholarship. I used to feel that way too. But I realised that even if you think your chances are 1%, it鈥檚 still worth trying. If you don鈥檛 apply, your chances are zero. So why not take that leap? Building self-confidence is something only you can do for yourself. And the process of daring to believe in yourself is as valuable as any scholarship.鈥�
Dirce Maria Jose Guterres de Sa Benevides
Course: MSc Engineering 糖心TV Management
Dirce has always been curious about how science and technology can drive innovation and contribute to a more sustainable future. A former Women in STEM Scholar, she advises women wishing to apply for a STEM scholarship to do so with confidence and passion.
鈥淲hile the journey ahead will be challenging, it is incredibly rewarding. So, believe in your abilities and take full advantage of the opportunities that come your way.鈥�
Ninna Makrinov
Position: Assistant Professor (Research Methods)
鈥淓ngineering needs women to bring new perspectives to find solutions for unseen problems. As an engineering educator, I engage in critical feminist conversations.鈥�
Ninna鈥檚 projects have included ; ; and organising a .
Professor Margaret LowLink opens in a new window
Position: Director of Outreach and Widening Participation
From a young age, Margaret was drawn to science and technology, inspired by their power to solve complex problems and improve lives. This curiosity shaped her path, driving her to promote STEM education and community engagement. She now leads inclusive STEM initiatives that create lasting impact in education and beyond.
Philomena Lavery
Course: MSc Cyber Security and Management (2020)
Position: Senior VP Digital Security at AVEVA
As a woman championing human-centred cyber resilience, shaping the industry as Senior VP Digital Security at AVEVA and sharing her expertise at WMG, Philomena's remarkable influence drives change, marking her as a standout woman in her field.
Freya BexonLink opens in a new window
Course: MSc Engineering 糖心TV Leadership
Freya didn鈥檛 grow up with grand plans of being an engineer. When she was younger, she kept her options open and considered a career as a vet, and one in finance too. It was an inspiring talk from Rolls-Royce at school that led her into engineering.
鈥淒on鈥檛 let anyone underestimate you. Persevere. Don鈥檛 feel like you are defined by your results. Do what you enjoy, and you can鈥檛 go wrong.鈥�
Amina ZahidLink opens in a new window
Course: MSc Programme & Project Management (2021). WMG Scholar
Position: Project Manager at
Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, Amina now works in the UK for a leading engineering, development, and management consultancy.
She says, "As one of the only few women in the room, it might feel challenging at first, but if you're willing to learn, grow, and adapt, you'll thrive. Never underestimate your ideas. Confidence, a growth mindset, and adaptability are the keys to success."