ICE Routes to Fellowship networking lunch

Dr Beth Barnes

Dr Beth Barnes is the regional director for the North East, Yorkshire & Humber, joining the ICE in January 2025. She has previous experience as an assistant professor at Durham University teaching civil engineering from fundamental first year mechanics to design of steel and concrete to Eurocodes to surveying. Her research background is in exploring the poor representation of pedestrian behaviours in agent-based simulations of disaster and hazard events on differing scales from a pavement (micro) to city environment (macro), which links to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable and Resilient Cities).  Prior to this she worked in industry in both consultancy and contracting roles in the transport and water sectors. 

She is an advocate for diversity and has continuously championed outreach initiatives, including setting up and leading a Women’s Engineering Society at Durham University and facilitating departmental outreach connections with over 6000 local young people annually.

Michelle Johnson MEng CEng FICE

Michelle is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Municipal Water Director at WSP.  She holds a key leadership role within the organisation, responsible for the delivery of approximately 150+ projects at any one time.  Projects vary in complexity and size, up to £100M in value, on both water and wastewater treatment and network projects.  She leads teams on a number of frameworks for Water Industry Clients and Contractors.  Over her career she led multi-disciplinary design teams as both Project Director or Project Manager for water treatment, wastewater treatment and water distribution projects.

Michelle graduated with a Masters degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds and has progressed from Assistant Consultant Engineer on a training programme into her current role as Technical Director for WSP.  She is passionate about driving change, making improvements and sharing best practice within organisations.  She sits on the Global Leadership Committee for WSP for water services.

Michelle is also an enthusiastic advocate for collaboration and is recognised as a positive role model in the Water Industry.  She has worked extensively with local schools on initiatives such as the National Women in Engineering Day and promoted apprenticeship training schemes to encourage diversity within the sector.