Happy International Women in Engineering Day!
Held annually on 23 June, International Women in Engineering Day raises the profile of women in engineering – a traditionally male-dominated sector – and encourages more people, especially young women, to consider a career in engineering.
23 June 2025
To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating just some of the inspirational women in our alumni community making an impact in the field.
Engineering education at Newcastle University has a world-class reputation, dating back to 1871. Today, our Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) is one of the largest science and engineering faculties in the UK with over 8,000 students and 1,200 staff.
Below, you can meet a handful of Newcastle University graduates who are leading the way for women in engineering and making a difference in their organisation, in the community, and for the world.
Aishwarya Bapat (MSc Environmental Engineering, 2019)
Aishwarya began her career as a Structural Engineer in her homeland of India before coming to the UK to gain a Master’s from Newcastle University, in which she researched air pollution and the effects of green fuel on indoor air quality in prehistoric structures. Her experience at Newcastle also led Aishwarya to deliver a workshop organised by United Nations Environmental Programme about air pollution situation in Iran to fellow Iranian academic candidates.
Aishwarya’s experience as a researcher revealed to her the transformative power of writing to bridge the gap between the natural world and the public, making big issues like the climate crisis more accessible. She has recently launched her own blog, EcoTantram, with the aim of educating green warriors and nature novices about the climate and sustainable conservation solutions.
When asked her advice to other women considering a career in engineering, Aishwarya told us:
“Never shy away from asking questions and for help from the mentors around you – it’s how you evolve! The sky is the limit, and there are endless opportunities ahead. Keep your vision broader and explore all the things available around you.”
Ann Cairns (MSc Medical Statistics, 1979; Honorary Doctor of Civil Law, 2018)
Upon her graduation from Newcastle University in 1979, Ann began a career as a research scientist for British Gas and became the first woman to ever work offshore on the oil rigs.
In the late 1980s, Ann pivoted her career into investment banking, holding senior operational roles at Citibank and becoming President of International Markets at Mastercard. While at Mastercard, Ann was an original sponsor of the company’s Girls4Tech program, which has encouraged millions of girls worldwide to pursue science studies.
Alongside her career in finance, Ann was also the Global Chair of the 30% Club, a lobby group which campaigns for more women in top jobs, until 2023, and the Lead Director for Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Now retired from her executive career, today Ann enjoys guest lecturing at London Business School and Imperial College London and supports scholarships for students at her alma maters of Newcastle and Sheffield Universities.
Lightness Kings (MEng Mechanical Engineering, 2022)
Class of 2022 graduate Lightness was a Street Scientist during her time at Newcastle University, bringing STEM education to the streets of Newcastle to inspire future generations of science students. Upon her graduation, she embarked on a career with Merit, the UK’s leading offsite construction and manufacturing specialist, where she is currently VDC Model Engineering Team Lead.
Alongside her role with Merit, Lightness has remained connected with campus and our current cohort of students. She is an alumni volunteer for the Belonging in Engineering Network (BEN) at Newcastle University, which was established to support Black and other Global Majority students in our School of Engineering. BEN provides events and activities on topics including career guidance, study skills, industry networking and managing racism and microaggressions, as well as social events, supported by a dedicated committee of alumni, staff and students.
When asked why she first got involved with BEN, Lightness told us:
“I was on board from the very beginning because it's something that I believe should have been there to begin with. It would have made life so much easier if we had that there when I was a student, because there were so many things that happened where I didn’t know who to reach out to. I needed to talk to somebody who knew exactly where I was coming from.”
Rachel Skeoch (BA Geography, 2013; MA International Politics, 2014)
Geography and International Politics graduate Rachel has taken an unusual route into the world of engineering, embarking on a marketing career upon the completion of her studies at Newcastle University.
With over a decade of experience in the marketing industry, from startups to global FTSE 250 firms, Rachel specialises in helping engineering and manufacturing businesses grow through her agency Truenorth Marketing.
Additionally, as Board Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, she works to raise the profile and global competitiveness of UK industry and is a passionate advocate for women in engineering and manufacturing. Established in 2006 as the region's leading industry body, the Forum connects manufacturers and engineers, providing support to drive sustainable growth, innovation, best practice and collaboration.
In 2024, Rachel featured on the Bentley Motors and Northern Power Women Future Lists.
