National STEMNET award for Reading civil engineer
A Civil Engineer from Reading has won a national award for her work encouraging local students to explore a career in engineering.
Elizabeth Orchard, who is a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Thames Valley Branch Committee and works for Peter Brett Associates in Reading, received the award as the Most Dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Ambassador in the UK during a ceremony at the House of Lords this week.
Director of ICE South East England, John Laverty, said: “ICE South East England is delighted that Elizabeth’s work as a STEM Ambassador has been recognised and we congratulate her on receiving the award, which includes a trip to CERN – home of the Large Hadron Collider – courtesy of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
“She is dedicated to helping local students learn about engineering careers and is collaborating with two local colleges and Reading University to design a new curriculum for Reading University Technical College, which will specialise in computer science and engineering at its campus in Crescent Road that is due to open in September 2013.
“It is through the work of individuals such as Elizabeth, who are excellent role models for their profession, and the commitment of employers such as Peter Brett Associates, who make time available for their staff to do STEM work, that the next generation of civil engineers will be inspired.”
Elizabeth said: “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the “Most Dedicated Ambassador” award.
“I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador because I love my job and want to share that with young people; in turn, their excitement as they learn what I do for a living helps keep my passion for it alive. It’s not hard to be dedicated because it’s so much fun!
“So it’s really thanks to all the young people I’ve worked with for making it so enjoyable to give up my time, to my employers, Peter Brett Associates, for accommodating my visits to schools around my day job, and STEMNet for giving me the opportunities.”
ICE South East England has 11,000 members living and working in the region. More information can be found at www.ice.org.uk/see. You can follow ICE South East England on Twitter: @ICE_SEEngland