25 Supporting early career engineers Diamond Scholar developing smart technology for diabetics Chris Beach, a past recipient of the IET’s Diamond Jubilee Scholarship, is now developing technology that could make a big difference to diabetics. Diabetes is no small issue – over four million people in the UK alone have the condition and many suffer from associated complications. These include damage to the small nerve endings – the kind you find in the eye, the kidneys, the heart and extremities such as feet. Without feeling in their feet, people can hurt them and not even realise it, leading to infection and even amputation. Approximately 23 diabetes-related amputations are carried out every day in the UK. Chris Beach is currently undertaking a PhD in electrical and electronic engineering, working on smart insoles for people with diabetes. “The insoles measure temperature and other changes in the foot,” he explains. “They then send data to a phone app, warning users if they need to rest, check their feet or go to the doctor.” The IET’s Diamond Jubilee Scholarship programme has played a part in supporting Chris to get where he is today. He was one of the first recipients of the scholarship, which offers £1,000 per year for up to four years to passionate students wanting to progress their science, technology, engineering and maths studies. After receiving funding for the duration of his degree, Chris decided to stay on in engineering and pursue his PhD. Supporting more problem solvers, innovators and experts Fundraising has enabled the IET to award an extra 250 Diamond Jubilee Scholarships since 2014 – that’s 250 more than we could have supported through our existing charitable reserves and 250 more people like Chris to help engineer a better world. In the run up to our 150th anniversary, we’ll be matching any new donations to our STEM education schemes, scholarships and bursaries. Donations can be made any time between 1 July 2018 and 31 December 2021 to be eligible for match funding. Help us support the people who can engineer a better future – donate today via our Virgin Money giving page: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ inspiringfutureengineers or contact us at: development@theiet.org “I thought my location would stop me from competing” When Nabeel moved to the USA, he wanted to participate in the IET Present Around The World (PATW) competition, but couldn’t find a heat close to where he lived. After a little investigation, he discovered we were running an online heat, which allows competitors to submit a video (rather than present at an event) in the first round of the competition. It’s especially for those who live too far away or have inadequate transport links to our local events. Nabeel had thought about entering PATW ever since his first experience competing in India. As a self-confessed “tech enthusiast”, he had enjoyed presenting on a topic he was passionate about. “Having grown up in one of the most underdeveloped and impoverished regions of India, I recognise how technologies such as artificial intelligence and BlockChain can improve people’s lives,” he says. “Speaking on a topic close to my heart helped me to present more naturally.” Though keen to experience PATW again, Nabeel had a few reservations about submitting a video: “I was concerned that the viewer might get bored and hit the stop button. If you are presenting in person, you have the advantage of seeing the audience’s reaction, so you can respond to it.” With encouragement from our event coordinator, however, he decided to give online entry a try – and it paid off. He won the online round and went on to compete in the Americas finals. “It felt good to present with some of the best minds in the region,” he says. “I came away from the competition feeling more confident and positive about myself.” Interested in entering an online heat? Find out more at theiet.org/mn-patw Nabeel Mehdi, Graduate Research Assistant at North Carolina State University Member News March 2019