Introducing this year’s ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year regional winners from across the UK, recognised for inspiring our future civil engineers.
The ICE has recognised STEM ambassadors from across the UK who have made an impact on the next generation by promoting the benefits of a career in civil engineering.
ICE STEM ambassadors are ICE members who engage and inspire young people towards a career in civil engineering through school visits, careers talks, and hands-on activities.
ICE STEM Ambassador of the Year 2025 regional winners
Eleni Price, associate director at Croft Structural Engineers, has been named ICE London's STEM Ambassador of the Year.
Price, a Girlguide for London and South East England, has reached over 1,250 students with her hands-on approach to engineering. From nursery visits to secondary school placements, Price is breaking down barriers and showing students from all backgrounds that engineering is within their reach.
Price said she was "absolutely honoured" to be "helping young girls to explore STEM subjects without hesitation or boundaries".
Gemma Maynard, a maritime engineer from Plymouth, has been named ICE South West STEM Ambassador of the Year 2025.
Maynard has reached over 1,500 students and clocked up nearly 150 hours of volunteering since becoming an ICE STEM Ambassador in 2023.
As an experienced Girlguiding leader, she has used her skills and knowledge in youth work to make a significant impact in engaging young people in STEM.
Her STEM highlights include:
- Running a Lego workshop at Paignton Zoo to help students learn about floating offshore wind platforms; and
- Hosting school children at Plymouth’s Smeaton’s Tower, the iconic lighthouse built by famous engineer, John Smeaton.
Gemma, who works on ports and maritime projects for AECOM, said: “It is so important to raise awareness of all the things we do as engineers and all the different pathways into the construction industry.
“I truly believe there is a role for everyone somewhere in construction and the built environment, you just need to find it!”
Scotland’s winner, Georgina Andrew, became a civil engineer because she was involved in a STEM outreach programme when she was a secondary school student. She benefited “massively” from the mentoring and work experience this programme afforded.
As a STEM ambassador, she’s “giving back to the future generation of engineers” through career panels and fairs, bridge-building sessions, science experiments, podcasts and more.
Georgia said: “I always had an image in my head that civil engineering involved male-dominated construction sites, but I very quickly learnt early on in my career that it is so much more than that.
“Therefore, through volunteering as a STEM ambassador, I aim to banish stereotypes associated with civil engineering, promote the range of routes into the industry, especially apprenticeships and show what a diverse discipline it is to work in, especially as a female civil engineer.”
Highly commended
Jemma Quin was highly commended for her efforts as a STEM ambassador, including setting up engineering challenges for children.
She loved “seeing the eureka moment and their eyes light up when they figure it out”.
The judging panel felt that Jemma demonstrated her commitment to STEM and the ICE through unique examples of engagement and innovative ideas.
Inez Plugge Porter took home the East of England regional award for her continued engagement in STEM initiatives throughout their career.
The judges commended Plugge Porter for her efforts to obtain funding to set up an online work experience scheme. Her aim was to overcome barriers to traditional work experience and help reach a wider audience.
She was also celebrated for her creativity in teaching maths when she was a higher-level teaching assistant, using engaging games to make learning more enjoyable.
This is the second time that Jennie Harrison has received the North West STEM Ambassador Award in three years.
Her dedication and passion for STEM volunteering was demonstrated across a range of activities – from showing local schools around her office, to speaking to over 400 pupils in one morning about civil engineering and STEM.
In her previous role, Harrison focused on developing relationships with schools and getting senior leaders in the office engaged with STEM activities and events.
"I am very passionate about promoting STEM career to young people, so I am very pleased to be recognised," Harrison said.
"I would also encourage [others] to consider being a STEM ambassador, we all have our stories to share and inspire the engineers and scientists of the future."
For Rosie Hanlon, STEM events and activities – such as careers assemblies and bridge-building sessions – are vital to introduce young people to civil engineering.
“So many are not aware of what we as engineers do, so do not even get the opportunity to consider it as a career path,” she said.
“Sharing about what we do and how we got there can open up many more ideas and opportunities to young people than we often can think possible.”
Ruth Chapman's tireless outreach to schools, colleges, and universities has made her an inspiration for young people considering careers in engineering.
The judges celebrated her work with stakeholders, the local community and educational establishments as well as her support for Mackley’s wider STEM ambitions and social value programme.
The judges were particularly impressed with Samuel Clarke’s drive to empower young people to consider STEM careers through his employer's school engagement forum.
He also developed a bespoke series of engineering math classes for local secondary schools.
Samuela Osei was recognised for her dedication, tutoring school children to boost their confidence in maths and prepare for their SATs exams.
Before her 9-5 job, she travelled to Ark Tindal Primary Academy to provide support to the children.
Fifteen years ago, Stephanie Lewis was inspired to pursue civil engineering by a passionate STEM ambassador, showing real appreciation for the impact this role can have.
She's now the STEM lead at WSP Cardiff, overseeing 11 ambassadors and collaborating with the STEM Ambassador Hub Wales to support students across the country.
She's also hosted workshops on designing sustainable transport and infrastructure for students aged 13-18, and delivered a guest lecture at the University of South Wales on Active travel policy and design elements.
The judges celebrated her "innovative methods to provide high quality engagement", noting that Lewis stood out because of her efforts to set up a STEM ambassador cohort at WSP Wales.
Zara Hussain has supported numerous STEM events during 2024, reaching nearly 2000 young people.
The judges were particularly impressed by Hussain’s enthusiasm, passion and focus on being an inspiring role model to children from different ages and backgrounds.
They felt she went above and beyond to deliver workshops, presentations, careers fairs, assemblies and a Girlguiding civil engineering day.
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