Dr Meini Su
Reader in structural engineering at the University of Manchester
Expertise
Design, StructuralLocation
North WestMy highlights
Co-developing the continuous strength method for aluminium alloy structures
Co-developing graphene green concrete using recycled concrete aggregate to 100% replace natural aggregates
A day in your life
My day could include:
- teaching undergraduate courses
- supervising postgraduate students
- doing research projects
- meeting industrial partners
- reviewing technical papers and reports
- dealing with departmental administration works as head of research
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because it's where we can build and reshape a new world for the future generation.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
I was inspired and motivated by all the mega projects in China, such as the Three Gorges Dam.
Civil engineers can turn our designs and effort into real structures that we can see.
I feel so proud to tell my kids about my projects. I see them like my babies.
We asked Meini
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
I’m currently working on low-carbon cement and concrete using recycled/waste materials and industrial by-products.
The dual-functional intervention method I have developed will also extend the service life of worn infrastructures to avoid demolition.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
I have been actively participating in and championing equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) events at the university. For example, organising workshops on diversity in civil engineering and International Women’s Day.
I hope my story and experience can encourage more girls to select civil engineering as their major at the university and then join the construction industry as female engineers.
What role does digital technology play in your job?
We've now started to use machine learning and AI tools to do literature reviews and predict the structural performance of new materials.
What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed from studying to working in engineering?
There are many practical challenges that need to be carefully considered in real projects that aren't taught during study and very likely don't have model answers.
The knowledge needs to be built up through experience.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
A mother of two kids and a teacher of many students.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
That civil engineering isn’t suitable for women, or that they’re not welcomed.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Being chartered with the ICE helped me a lot with teaching and research.
I took the opportunity to critically review myself and improve my abilities on all important attributes.
In particular, I got much more familiar with the UK’s health and safety regulations after preparing for my professional review.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
The ICE sent a colleague to our university and provided a series of three workshops to guide us through the academic path. The University of Manchester is very supportive.
For example, I got a lot of useful suggestions and comments from senior colleagues when I prepared my report.
The industrial engineers in our Industrial Advisory Board also gave me a mock interview to help me better prepare for the questions in the professional review. All of these were super useful.
How has being an ICE member helped your career?
Through the ICE, I've gotten more chances to meet other engineers in the industry and improve the visibility of my research work.
Meini's career path
I joined the University of Manchester in November 2017.
Before that, I was an assistant professor in Shenzhen University, China.
I obtained my bachelor's degree from The University of Hong Kong in 2010 and my PhD degree from Imperial College London and The University of Hong Kong in 2014.
