Northern Regions Early Careers Conference 2024

Sam Gregson

Sam Gregson is an experienced computational designer specialising in the convergence of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) and technology. With over a decade of structural engineering expertise, Sam brings a unique blend of technical and industry knowledge, coupled with advanced computational design skills.

Currently serving as the building structures digital lead at Mott MacDonald, Sam focuses on leveraging digital technology to enhance efficiency and deliver value across the practice globally. This role involves developing innovative tools, integrating existing technologies to improve workflows, and educating and upskilling engineers within the organisation.

Kirils Holstovs

Kirils is a civil and structural engineer performing bridge inspections and assessments as a part of AECOM’s Bridges team in Newcastle upon Tyne, which helps ensure safe and sustainable operation of the UK's railway and highway networks. 

He is the 2021 New Civil Engineer Outstanding Contribution to Carbon Net Zero award winner and Graduate of the Year finalist. Kirils is a co-initiator of the COP26 Joint Statement of International Youth Organisations presented to senior policymakers at COP26 and endorsed by WFEO. 

Previous roles include head of business environment eolicy at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation – where he was responsible for developing positions on infrastructure, devolution and digital transformation. 

Kirils is the climate change lead of the ICE NE Regional Committee, taking pride in generating, supporting and leading industry climate and sustainability initiatives. 

Victoria Francis

Victoria is the education lead for ICE Yorkshire and Humber and principal bridge engineer in the Arcadis Structures Team. Alongside delivering a wide range of projects for clients such as the Humber Bridge Board, the Canal & River Trust, National Highways and Network Rail, Victoria is passionate about improving efficiency in Civil Engineering through digital innovation and works as a Product Owner for a range of Arcadis digital solutions.

Victoria has been a STEM ambassador from her first month working as a graduate engineer. She loves inspiring the next generation of civil engineers through engaging workshops and presentations, and she really wants to see more ICE members getting involved with STEM. 

Lauren Luck

Lauren is a Chartered Engineer with 10+ years’ experience in the construction industry.

Lauren has multi-discipline design and construction experience having worked on highways, light and heavy rail, infrastructure and nuclear projects across the UK. She achieved professional chartered status with the ICE in 2020 and is a past chair of ICE Manchester Branch.

She has a keen interest in the promotion of civil engineering with a specific interest in increasing accessibility and visibility to young women and the promotion of ethical behaviour through her involvement with the ICE Ethics Committee. This is supported by her commitment as a STEM Ambassador and her representation on the WISE Young Professional Board between 2017-2020.

Lauren’s ICE profile can be accessed here: https://www.ice.org.uk/what-is-civil-engineering/who-are-civil-engineers/lauren-luck

Alyaa Alhamaidaah

Alyaa Alhamaidah is an assistant bridge engineer at Arcadis Highway Structures, where she collaborates with a team of engineers to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions across the region. Alyaa holds a PhD in civil engineering/structural engineering from the University of Salford, UK, specialising in the structural behaviour of prestressed concrete box girder bridges. Her academic research has strengthened her expertise in bridge design and analysis.

Alyaa is passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers, which drives her involvement in STEM outreach programs. As a dedicated STEM ambassador, she actively supports students considering engineering careers and was recently shortlisted for the ICE NW Award in the STEM volunteering category.

Before joining Arcadis, Alyaa worked overseas as a civil and structural engineering lecturer, imparting her knowledge to future engineers. She also worked as a structural engineer at Basrah Oil Company (BOC), where she gained practical experience in structural design, collaborating with contractors to develop feasible and innovative designs.

Throughout her 14-year career, Alyaa has supervised numerous final-year student projects, sharing her expertise in civil structures during both design and construction stages. Her core skills include Linear and Nonlinear FEA Analysis, Structural Design of Bridges, and compliance with Eurocodes, British Standards, ACI, and AASHTO LRFD codes.

In addition to her technical work, Alyaa is the STEM lead for Arcadis Manchester and is actively involved in the ICE NW Early Careers Committee as the education coordinator.