Alexandra Knight, founder of STEMAZING, talks about breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of engineers.
In the ever-evolving field of engineering, where creativity and problem-solving drive progress, personal stories often reveal the true impact of the profession.
From a self-proclaimed 'recovering wallflower' to a passionate advocate for STEM, Alexandra Knight’s journey demonstrates how engineering can transform lives.
A simple comment from her physics teacher set her on a path to inspire and empower thousands of young minds across the UK.
Today, Alexandra has led over 100,000 STEM experiments for children in underprivileged areas and is working to transform the careers of women in STEM.
The ICE recently spoke with Alexandra Knight, founder of STEMAZING, about her journey and the challenges and rewards of promoting diversity in STEM.
From shy beginnings to engineering
Alexandra's path to engineering wasn't always clear.
Growing up with a sister who has multiple disabilities, Alexandra felt drawn to a career where she could make a difference.
Despite the lack of guidance towards engineering in her school, she decided to do her A-levels in maths, physics, and chemistry.
She felt this would "build a strong foundation for a stable, vocational career where I could make a difference."
This simple statement became a guiding light in her career choices.
"I remember a stand-in physics teacher making a comment that 'engineering opens doors' and that really stuck in my head," Alexandra says.
Engineering to STEM empowerment
Alexandra’s journey through mechanical and medical engineering led to a career at a medical engineering start-up.
However, her true calling emerged when she founded STEMAZING.
"After more than 15 years in my engineering career, I started STEMAZING as a conduit to channel my passion for inspiration and inclusion to try to make STEM more diverse," Alexandra explains.
Her vision was clear: to support diverse, accessible, and relatable role models, challenging outdated perceptions of who belongs in STEM careers.
Alexandra led a transformative project designing a wheelchair for children with disabilities, addressing needs from the NHS and a charity.
This innovative design included features like standing capability, equipment storage and carrying an oxygen cylinder.
Alexandra’s work involved collaborating closely with children and families to create effective, real-world solutions.
Overcoming challenges with engineering skills
Launching STEMAZING came with its share of challenges, but Alexandra’s engineering background helped her through it.
"My academic training helped me problem-solve and find the most effective solutions.
"Engineering skills are so transferable and help me innovate and problem-solve in all aspects of work and life!"
Tackle the lack of diversity in STEM
By showcasing everyday role models, especially women, and reaching schools, Alexandra aims to foster a more inclusive future in the industry.
"STEMAZING was created to tackle the lack of diversity in STEM, especially in the engineering field.
"I wanted to create and encourage everyday models to influence the young minds.
"We must address unconscious bias and promote inclusion, inspiring a diverse future by reaching students early in their education”.
Celebrating milestones and unexpected impact
STEMAZING's impact has been significant.
Alexandra beams with pride as she mentions a key milestone: "When we reached 100,000 STEMAZING Kids experiments being completed by young children in low socioeconomic areas - that was a huge milestone for us that I am super proud of."
But the impact extends beyond the children.
"It was initially surprising to me how much the women in STEM that took part in STEMAZING benefitted themselves," Alexandra notes.
Participants reported improved confidence, renewed passion for STEM, and the courage to take on bigger challenges in their careers.
"This was a lightbulb moment that the empowerment, training and support we give the role models is just as important as the inspiration outreach work we do if we want long term impact," she says,
The power of collaboration
STEMAZING's success is built on strong partnerships.
"Collaboration is key," Alexandra says. "Working together with organisations and individuals that are aligned with our values and mission is critical to our success."
From large corporations like Heathrow Airport and Capgemini to institutions like IMechE and universities, these collaborations have been crucial in advancing STEMAZING’s goals.
Personal growth and leadership
Leading STEMAZING has been a transformative experience for Alexandra.
"I've been on a long personal growth journey from being that super shy person who avoided the limelight at all costs to now being a confident, courageous, active role model," she shares.
This personal growth has directly shaped STEMAZING’s programmes.
Advice for aspiring STEM professionals
For those unsure about how to turn their STEM passion into a career, Alexandra offers this advice:
"You don't have to have it all mapped out. Just start, be curious and courageous, find people you can learn from, and you will discover more about what you love, and doors will open for you."
The future of STEMAZING
Looking ahead, Alexandra wants to keep growing STEMamazing, empowering more role models, and inspiring even more young people in underserved areas.
“We welcome everyone who wants to level-up their skills and confidence as a STEM role model,” she says.
Alexandra’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to make a meaningful impact.
By embracing curiosity, courage, and collaboration, you can open doors to a future where everyone feels they belong in STEM.
To be part of this movement, visit www.stemazing.co.uk.
Become an ICE STEM Ambassador
ICE STEM ambassadors play a vital role in inspiring young people to study engineering.
Ambassadors can inspire students by showing them the exciting possibilities in civil engineering through hands-on activities and discussions. .
Learn how to become an ICE STEM ambassador
Join ICE CityZen
ICE CityZen is an engaging initiative designed to inspire young minds to pursue civil engineering.
The ICE CityZen competitions include the CityZen Award for 16-18-year-olds, where students engage in a four-round digital game and pitch projects to improve their local environment.
The ICE CityZen Pollution Control Challenge, aimed at 14-16-year-olds, is a shorter online game focused on solving environmental issues through civil engineering.
For more information, visit the ICE CityZen competitions page.
