Mandy Burt Award 2019
Sally Sudworth, Head Judge of the Karen Burt Memorial Award (left), presents Mandy Lester (right) with this year's accolade.
The Women's Engineering Society (WES) has announced that the 21st winner of its prestigious Karen Burt Award is Mandy Lester, senior process and chemical engineer at Bristol-based consultants Atkins Global.
Sally Sudworth, Chair of the Judges for the Karen Burt Award 2019 said: “The judges were impressed with Mandy’s commitment to engineering, addressing sustainability in the key area of water supply and the valuable support and mentoring in the development of others.”
Lester's nomination came from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and was made in honour of her numerous water treatment projects, which include work for seven UK-based water companies which supply around two-thirds of the country's population. At present, she is working on the design for the UK's first open water supply reservoir to be build in the last 30 years.
Mandy Lester said upon winning the award: “I am beyond thrilled to receive the Karen Burt award, which is an unexpected but deeply gratifying endorsement, having transitioned into engineering with a scientific degree. I’m proud to be part of a profession that has the power to effect real, positive solutions to the dual challenges of climate change and growing populations."
"Engineers aren’t born, they’re made – in my case with the support of the IChemE along with the many individuals who’ve inspired me to pursue this hugely enriching career and achieve the gold standard of competence; Chartered Chemical Engineer status," she added. "We need engineers, and those engineers to be from diverse walks of life, now more than ever so I look forward to working more with IChemE and WES to encourage more women to choose a career in engineering.”
Helen Fennell, part of the nomination selection committee at IChemE and former recipient of the Award, said: “Mandy studied Physics prior to her career in engineering and is an excellent example of how STEM skills are transferable. Her dedication and passion makes her a fantastic engineer and a worthy recipient of the Karen Burt Award. I hope this inspires anyone considering the career to take a closer look at what you can achieve.”
Launched on 3 November 1998 by WES, the Karen Burt Memorial Award is made annually to a newly Chartered woman in engineering, applied science or IT. The award is a recognition of the candidate's excellence and future potential in her field and is named after the late Dr Karen Burt, a leading project engineer for scientific satellites and campaigner for the recruitment and retention of women in science and engineering before her career was abruptly ended by a devastating stroke in 1997.
Dawn Childs, President of the Women’s Engineering Society commented on the awards: “It is so important to acknowledge and recognise success or endeavour, especially when it is for services to engineering or furthering diversity in engineering. Dr Karen Burt was a tireless campaigner for increasing the number of women in engineering and it is so fitting that the award that was set up in her memory recognises a woman engineer who is newly chartered through one of the Professional Engineering Institutions. These young engineers who have already achieved a significant professional milestone truly are the role models that will inspire the next generation of engineers!”
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