I first heard about I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here! in a Twitter post from a previous contestant recommending that engineers should take part. It seemed like a great idea, so I signed up immediately.

I ran it by my manager in work, and he was very supportive, allowing me the time to take part in the chats, as long as my work didn’t suffer. In BD, we are often involved in events promoting STEM to young people.

I was delighted to be selected for the Health Zone.
The chats were far more frantic than I expected. I was impressed by the level of the questions from the students, both in the live chats and in the “Ask” section. I’m confident that there’s no shortage of great up-and-coming scientists and engineers to fill the many roles that continue to be created in STEM industries and institutions across Ireland.

I’d like to thank all of the students who took part, and their teachers for signing up their classes. You made this the enjoyable experience that it was, with great engagement, and technical questions that regularly challenged the engineers’ knowledge.

Thanks also to my fellow competitors, Andrea, Ellen, Laura, Sajjad and Ted. There was always a really nice atmosphere in the Health Zone chats, and I enjoyed getting a brief insight into your work.

I’d also like to thank the groups that fund this fantastic initiative, Science Foundation Ireland and the Wellcome Trust.

Finally, thanks to the organisers and moderators for putting together such a great event and keeping the chat sessions flowing.

I’ll be recommending I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here! to friends, colleagues and schools, and I hope it continues to grow and reach more potential future engineers and scientists.

I’m looking forward to the next step of the process, putting the prize to good use, developing kits for schools to help teach some of the basics of electronics hardware.

Engineers! If you’d like the chance to win funding for your own public engagement work, apply for the next I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here: iaeie.ddev.site/engineers-apply