Electrical engineering

Electrical engineers maintain the electrical systems that power modern society. “The impacts of electrical engineers are visible in every aspect of our modern lives, from access to electric power, modern medicine and the internet, to shuttling us to the farthest reaches of the universe,” says Dr Anamika Dubey. Growing up in India, Anamika experienced frequent power cuts, which inspired her to become an electrical engineer so she could improve power distribution systems.

Electronics engineering

Electronics engineers create the electronic devices that are so essential for everyday life. “Electronics engineers are needed in a wide range of areas,” says Dr Radu Sporea. “You could find yourself working in robotics, nanotechnology or sustainable energy generation, or contributing to efficient transportation, smart cities or personalised medicine.” Radu has invented a method to print flexible electronic circuits, with applications from wearable healthcare devices that can monitor a patient’s blood flow to ‘next generation paper’ that can be used to create digital augmented books.

Civil engineering

Civil engineers build physical structures, like bridges, roads and buildings. “Natural hazards engineering is a major interest of mine,” says Dr Alice Alipour, who is protecting tall buildings from hurricanes by designing facades that change shape to adapt to the wind. “By studying the impacts of natural hazards on the built environment, we can modify the design of buildings and structures to improve the resilience of communities exposed to these hazards.”

Software and computer engineering

Software and computer engineers write the code and computer programs that are essential for so many aspects of everyday life and society. This means career opportunities are limitless! “I have worked on software development for health, manufacturing, local government, education and games,” says Professor John Grundy, who ensures that apps are accessible for people with different needs. “You can get involved in lots of different disciplines, meet a wide variety of people and build software solutions that make a big difference in people’s lives.”

Biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineering involves applying engineering methods and technologies to solve healthcare challenges. “Developing smart biomedical microsystems starts with creativity and imagination,” says Professor Benoit Gosselin. “My background in electrical engineering gives me the tools and scientific understanding to convert ideas into real working devices. I love solving complex challenges with innovative solutions that can truly make a difference.” Benoit and his team are using AI to create smart prostheses and solutions for chronic pain.

Aerospace engineering

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing and testing all aspects of an aircraft (aeronautical engineers) or spacecraft (astronautical engineers). “I was fascinated with how things worked when I was young,” says Dr Alessadnro Pontillo. “I was always inspecting toys’ circuits and gears and reusing electronics in other projects that got more complicated and advanced as I learnt more. Although my projects failed most of the time, I learnt a lot through this process, and it was a great training for my imagination!” Now, Alessandro is testing the performance of aircraft wings in a new wind tunnel.

Materials engineering

Materials engineers develop and test new materials, which have an endless range of applications. “Everything in life is made of a material,” says PhD student Dina Fouad, who is studying the materials used to make bone replacements. “Understanding materials is key to understanding the world. It is integrated in design, manufacturing, research, innovation, development – everything. Working in materials science and engineering means there’s the possibility of being the inventor of the next big thing!”

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineers combine knowledge and techniques from across science and engineering to address environmental challenges. “Climate change mitigation and adaptation, pollution control and waste management, and sustainable resource management all demand technical expertise and innovative thinking,” says Professor Barbara Zeeb, who is using plants to clean contaminated lands. “Environmental engineering is an exciting area to pursue as you will get to make a real difference in the world. What could be more satisfying than restoring a contaminated site to one that is safe and aesthetically improved?”

Chemical engineering

Chemical engineers manipulate chemical systems. “As a chemical engineer, a lot of time is spent on preparing the automated systems which run each set of experiments,” says Professor Alexei Lapkin, who is using AI to design new chemical products. “The raw materials have to be prepared, and all the sub-systems checked. Whilst the experiment is running, we may need to check that it is progressing smoothly. If it isn’t, we have to figure out why. Apart from running the experiments, there is the analysis of results.”

Bioengineering

Bioengineering involves manipulating biological systems. “Biological engineers are engineering life,” explains Professor Jeffrey Catchmark, who is engineering plant polymers to create sustainable alternatives to plastics. “In some cases, this means genetically engineering a microbe or plant and, in others, can mean engineering a food production process, a sustainable wastewater system, or a robotic limb that connects to a person’s brain. I believe biological engineers may have more impact on the technology that shapes humanity and our environment than any other discipline.”

Nanotechnology engineering

Nanotechnology engineers manipulate individual atoms and molecules to create new materials with useful nanoscale properties. “The field of nanotechnology is immense, with many diverse applications across scientific fields with broad societal impacts,” says Professor Jean-Pierre Leburton. “It is at the forefront of modern technology, and the field will undoubtedly continue to expand in its applications in the future.” Jean-Pierre is studying how nanopores can detect DNA and generate electricity.

Quantum engineering

Quantum engineering involves applying the theories of quantum mechanics to create new quantum technologies, such as quantum computers. “Quantum engineering blends physics, electronics and computer science to unlock the mysteries of the quantum world, where things behave in ways we don’t yet fully understand but offer incredible potential,” says PhD student Suyash Pati Tripathi, who is studying how the transistors in smartphones can be used as quantum dots. “Not only is quantum engineering intellectually stimulating, but it’s a field where curiosity and creativity are essential. As a quantum engineer, you’ll be part of a select group shaping the future of technology and innovation. As well as helping to solve global challenges, you will redefine what’s possible.”

Industrial engineering

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that focuses on optimising complex systems or processes. “While engineers make things, industrial engineers make things better,” says Dr Noreen Kamal, who is creating a registry to improve the quality of care for rural stroke victims. “We’re big picture thinkers, viewing everything as an interconnected system.”

Control engineering

Control engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of crucial components in larger engineering systems. “Control engineering is everywhere around us,” says Professor Iven Mareels. “For example, our mobile phones use just enough power to make a call, but as little as possible to avoid draining the battery.” Iven is developing control systems for agricultural water distribution systems.

Blast engineering

“I would be lying if I said I don’t enjoy blowing things up!” says Professor Genevive Langon, a professor of blast and impact engineering, who studies the impacts of explosions with the aim of saving lives in warzones. “I enjoy the challenge of unpicking what happens during an explosive event, and how to use this information to prevent damage and injury in the real world.”

Humanitarian engineering

Dr Davis Chacon-Hurtado uses a human rights-based approach to engineering to improve sanitation and public transport in Peru. “This approach enhances the ability of engineers to enact socially and environmentally responsive technological solutions that advance human dignity,” he explains.

Diversity, equality and inclusivity in engineering

“I think that sometimes students can become intimidated by engineering,” says Markita Riley, Outreach and Student Programs Manager for the Society of Women Engineers. “I want them to know that it’s not as complex as they might originally think. I want students to know there are plenty of engineers out there who are just like them and they can carve out their own pathway to success in any industry.”

Engineering your future

As these engineers have shown, the possibilities in engineering are vast. Whatever your interests, you are sure to find an engineering career that can incorporate them. So, what could you achieve as an engineer?

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