20 Engineering achievements Aerospace engineer becomes our Young Woman Engineer of the Year Sophie Harker, from BAE Systems, was named our 2018 Young Woman Engineer of the Year (YWE) in December, having won over the judging panel with her early career achievements and her passion for encouraging young people into STEM careers. A YWE focused on flight As an Aerodynamics and Performance Engineer for BAE Systems’ Concepts & Technology team, Sophie assesses the properties of future concept military aircraft. She has also been investigating utilising technologies designed for space access into the commercial and defence aviation markets, including for hypersonic flight. Sophie’s interest in hypersonic flight grew while on a BAE Systems’ graduate scheme placement with partner company Reaction Engines. The Oxford-based company is developing an aerospace engine that combines jet and rocket technologies to enable hypersonic flight and make space travel cheaper and more accessible. Inspired by an astronaut Sophie says it was meeting her role model, astronaut Dr Helen Sharman, that led her to the career path that she’s on today. In an interview with the UK’s Telegraph newspaper last January, Sophie explained that she had asked Helen about pursuing a career as an astronaut, to which Helen replied, “become an engineer”. “Growing up, I thought engineers were the people who came to fix the satellite dish,” Sophie said. “Her advice changed my life.” Aware of the power of role models, Sophie is now a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassador herself, helping to inform young people’s career choices. She runs aerodynamics themed workshops for schoolchildren, and is currently setting up a nonprofit organisation which enables schools to video call engineers and scientists from the classroom. “I want to make sure that no child misses out on the opportunity of a career in STEM due to their geographical location,” Sophie explains. Bright futures for award winners Sophie was joined on stage at the YWE Award ceremony at IET London: Savoy Place by two more exceptional young women engineers. Lorna Bennet, a Mechanical Engineer at the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, received the WES Prize for her potential as a STEM ambassador, and Shajida Akthar, a Software Engineer at Accenture, took the Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices. Over the next year, all three winners will work closely with us to represent the profession, change perceptions and inspire young people to consider careers in engineering and technology. Are you a talented woman engineer, working in the UK, with a passion for encouraging more young people into the profession? Find out more about applying for this year’s awards at: theiet.org/mn-ywe Member News March 2019 I’m looking forward to the year ahead and hope to inspire as many people as possible,” Sophie says. On winning, she adds: “It feels very surreal – I didn’t think I would win! The shortlist was phenomenal and I was completely overwhelmed when I heard my name as the winner – it’s a really proud moment for me.” 2018 Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award winner Sophie Harker #IETywe 2018’s YWE Awards brought some incredible engineers and technologists into the spotlight — who even attracted the attention of UK Government. UK Prime Minister @10DowningStreet “Engineering touches every part of our lives. As some of the most promising young women in the UK, you are inspirational role models for girls across the country.” – PM @theresa_may congratulating the winners of @TheIET Young Woman Engineer of the Year awards