To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day two PhD students working in Professor Camille Petit‘s laboratory at Imperial College London answered some questions about their research, and what they get up to outside of science.
Humera AnsariI studies the adsorption at high pressures to determine how we can capture and store CO2 sustainably to mitigate the effects of climate change. She also investigates the possibility of using adsorption processes to produce ‘blue’ hydrogen.
What excites you about your area of research?
The fact that my area of research can heavily impact our future and our planet’s sustainability
If you could give one tip to early careers researchers what would that be?
My biggest tip would be to always go for the thing that scares you the most – you’ll probably get the most out it!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m absolutely obsessed with tennis. I’m either constantly watching tennis or reading about tennis. I also like to paint and write poetry in my spare time.
If you could have a conversation with a younger version of yourself, what would you say?
Keep learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, your imposter syndrome might never go away but you will get better at ignoring it!
Humera Ansaril
Ashlyn Low‘s research focuses on the investigation of CO2 adsorbents (both commercial and emerging) for direct air capture, in particular, gathering the equilibrium, kinetic, and stability data needed to assess the adsorbents potential at scale.
What excites you about your area of research?
‘Direct air capture is a negative emission technology which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and is actively being investigated for climate mitigation. I’m excited to be working on a project that has the potential to improve our environment for future generations.’
If you could give one tip to early careers researchers what would that be?
‘Don’t underestimate the importance of networking! You never know who may be of help to you in the future!’
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and cycling. Basically anything outdoors.
Ashlyn Low
International Women in Engineering Day, brought to you by Women’s Engineering Society (WES) will celebrate its 9th year in 2022 and figures as of June 2021 show that 16.5% of engineers are women. INWED gives women engineers around the world a profile when they are still hugely under-represented in their professions. As the only platform of its kind, it plays a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up engineering careers.
