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Printer Friendly Print The future of engineering is female at the University of Surrey

The future of engineering is female at the University of Surrey

July 26, 2004

The University of Surrey was pleased to welcome 52 young scientists to the annual Headstart programme. The week-long, residential, annual programme enables lower-sixth form science students to have an introduction to all the different engineering disciplines as well as a taste of campus life. The 17 young women on the course also acted as mentors on their extra day to 26 Year 10 female students taking part in the Headstart's sister programme Dragonfly. Both schemes aim to encourage more young women to choose engineering in both higher education and as a lifelong career.

The Dragonfly scheme, launched this year at four universities throughout the UK, had a practical theme of using engineering to help people living in a fictional refugee camp. The young scientists used engineering principles to create shelters, supply electricity, and distribute and purify a water supply. Course leader, Dr Nicole Rockliff said "We wanted to show that engineering is not only about high-tech devices like satellites and 3G mobile phones but that even at a very basic level it contributes to human survival; this project has 'human factor' appeal and gives the girls a different perspective on engineering in real life."




With role models such as Dr Rockliff and Professor Maria Petrou in attendance, the young participants were clearly enthusiastic to break down stereotypes: 'Some girls think that engineers are greasy car mechanics or geeks with spots, but that just isn't true!' explained one.

Professor Petrou, one of only two women made Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering this year agrees, saying 'When I was young I wanted to be an astronaut, but I wish I knew then how exciting engineering is, I would have become an engineer straight away, instead of coming to it later on.'

The course looks like going from strength to strength according to Headstart director, David Ozholl. 'We are delighted UniS took part in the Dragonfly pilot scheme and look forward to seeing some of the girls back here in two years time to take part in the full Headstart programme'. Students can register at www.headstartcourses.org.uk from as early as Year 9 for Headstart and Dragonfly at the University of Surrey

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