Education and qualifications:
PhD Energy, Teesside University, UK
PgCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Teesside University, UK
MSc Civil and Structural Engineering, Teesside University, UK
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, Teesside University, UK

Job title:
Head of Innovation

Employer:
V-LAB

What inspired you to become an engineer?
From an early age, I was captivated by understanding how things work and spent hours tinkering with bicycles, experimenting with woodwork, and creating innovative solutions. My fascination led me to study physics and design technology in secondary school, which shaped my path toward engineering. Initially, I pursued civil engineering with aspirations to design futuristic cities, but during my studies, I discovered energy systems and digital engineering. This revelation steered me toward integrating advanced technologies to solve complex challenges. My curiosity and passion for innovation drove me to reimagine traditional approaches and create impactful solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.

Please describe your role within the workplace.
As Head of Innovation at V-LAB, I lead transformative projects that develop cutting-edge tools, systems, and products, specialising in areas such as Cyber-Physical Energy Systems (CPES), digital twins, energy simulation and optimisation, artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality (XR), and aerial surveying. I oversee the entire innovation pipeline, from ideation to deployment, ensuring our solutions align with technical, social, and environmental goals. My responsibilities include managing multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration, and aligning strategies with organisational objectives. I also contribute to securing funding, engaging with stakeholders, and forming external partnerships to maximise impact. This role enables me to push energy and digital engineering boundaries, driving positive change toward global sustainability and net-zero ambitions.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
The innovation process often lacks a definitive roadmap, requiring adaptability and resilience when established methods don’t yield the expected results. Challenges arise when unforeseen technical complexities or external factors lead to delays or necessitate redesigns, impacting project timelines and functionality. Navigating such obstacles requires critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions. Despite these hurdles, the challenges are also opportunities to innovate further, refine methodologies, and strengthen the project’s outcomes. This dynamic environment keeps me engaged, continuously learning, and motivated to deliver impactful solutions that push the boundaries of energy and digital engineering.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role?
The most fulfilling part of my role is the opportunity to explore and apply emerging technologies to solve real-world challenges. From testing cutting-edge systems in varied scenarios to witnessing the tangible impact of our innovations, each day brings new excitement. Being at the forefront of developing tools, systems, and products that enhance lives, improve safety, and promote sustainability is immensely rewarding. The collaborative environment allows me to work with talented teams and contribute to projects that push humanity closer to net-zero goals. This constant blend of creativity, impact, and progress inspires and gratifies my role.

What is the biggest career highlight or achievement you’re most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements is receiving the Innovator of the Year award at Energy UK’s Young Energy Professional Awards, recognising my leadership in energy and digital innovation. Playing a pivotal role in transformative projects like QresLoadSIM, integrating quantum-inspired computing to optimise electrical grids, and THERCOM, which achieved significant energy savings, exemplifies my dedication to impactful engineering. Completing a PhD and becoming a Chartered Engineer —all while in my 20s—underscore my commitment to advancing sustainable solutions. These milestones reflect my passion for innovation, collaboration, and tackling global energy challenges.

Why did you choose to become professionally registered?
Professional registration represents a hallmark of engineering excellence and demonstrates my ability to operate at the highest standards. It validates my technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to continuous professional development. Registration provides a framework for maintaining accountability and ethical practice while enabling me to contribute meaningfully to advancing engineering. As a Chartered Energy Engineer and a Member of the Energy Institute and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, I can influence projects and policies that align with global sustainability goals. Registration also offers access to a network of professionals and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of innovation in energy and digital engineering. 

I would recommend professional registration because…
Professional registration is a recognised standard of excellence, demonstrating your competence, credibility, and commitment to the engineering profession. It signals that you operate with integrity, adhere to ethical guidelines, and continuously develop your skills. Beyond personal growth, it enhances career opportunities, opening doors to leadership roles and global collaborations. Registration allows you to contribute meaningfully to advancing the profession, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation. It also provides access to valuable networks, resources, and mentoring opportunities, fostering an environment of collective learning and growth. Ultimately, registration affirms your role as a trusted, impactful professional in the field.

What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, even when the path feels uncertain. Roadblocks are not failures; they push you to adapt, discover new directions, and develop resilience. Stay curious and bold, taking calculated risks to venture into uncharted territories. Trust in your abilities and believe in the value of your ideas, even when others may not immediately see their potential. Surround yourself with inspiring mentors and peers who encourage growth and innovation. Seek continuous knowledge, remain open to learning, and don’t shy away from failure—it often leads to your greatest achievements. Ultimately, your persistence will shape a meaningful career.

Do you participate in mentoring, volunteering, or membership of other engineering groups?
I actively mentor aspiring engineers through the Energy Institute’s mentorship programme, EI Connect, guiding them in career progression and achieving professional registration. My transition from civil to energy engineering, combined with experience in both academia and industry, allows me to provide mentees with unique perspectives and practical advice. I also contribute to the profession by volunteering for industry panels, evaluating funding proposals, and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in engineering. Empowering the next generation of engineers is a responsibility I deeply value, as it fosters innovation, strengthens the profession, and ensures a sustainable and inclusive future for engineering.

Do you identify as disabled, or as a member of a minority or under-represented group? Would you like to comment on what impact or influence you feel this has had upon your career? 
As a member of a minority group, I’ve often faced challenges due to a lack of representation in engineering. This has motivated me to carve my own path, challenging conventional norms and embracing risks. These experiences have shaped my resilience, creativity, and drive to innovate. They’ve also inspired me to mentor underrepresented engineers, creating opportunities for others to thrive. Diversity enriches engineering by fostering unique perspectives and solutions, and I’m proud to contribute to building a more inclusive profession. My journey exemplifies the power of determination and the importance of breaking barriers to create meaningful change.