Since November 2019, the Royal Academy of Engineering has led a national awareness day to raise public awareness of how engineers make a difference in the world and celebrate how engineers shape the future. The theme for National Engineering Day 2024 is 'engineering role models'.

Behind the most impactful innovations is the brilliant minds who tirelessly push boundaries and solve the toughest challenges. Yet, so often, these exceptional talents remain behind the scenes. Today, however, we’re thrilled to bring four of our superheroes from the shadows to share their incredible journeys with you.

Emer Campbell, Senior Engineer

Emer began her journey in engineering with a degree in Computer Science in 2002. Her career took an interesting turn as she moved from a traditional engineering role to teaching Software Systems and Computer Science. Teaching was immensely rewarding and allowed her to develop a broader skill set beyond technical work. Yet, over time, she found herself missing the technical challenges that engineering provided. As she pondered a possible return to engineering, a casual conversation with a colleague became the spark she needed. Her colleague pointed out an engineering role at ECIT (now known as Momentum One Zero). The unique approach at ECIT, combining technical work with broader educational and impact-driven initiatives, resonated with Emer’s diverse skill set and ambitions. Reflecting on that chance comment in her old staffroom, Emer says she couldn’t have anticipated how perfectly this role would align with her aspirations.

Emer’s most rewarding experience was with Capslock, a startup that helps career changers break into the cyber security field. Emer’s role at Capslock included not only designing and implementing technical systems but also helping to build a curriculum that resonated with students from non-traditional backgrounds. Capslock’s first cohort included a mature student whose first job in cyber security tripled their highest previous salary, a success that deeply moved Emer. This experience underscored her belief in the power of accessible education and the life-changing potential of technology. Capslock’s rapid growth and positive impact on students’ lives was a testament to the value of merging technical innovation with human-centred learning.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers: "Never let go of your curiosity. Engineering is a field that breaks boundaries every day, and the ability to question and a burning desire to find answers means that every day can be new and exciting."

Balder Villagomez-Bernabe, Senior Engineer

Balder’s journey into engineering was inspired by the fast-evolving landscape of AI and cyber security. He recognised that AI’s transformative potential brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as it increasingly integrates into critical infrastructure such as healthcare, telecommunications, and transportation. He felt a strong pull to transition from his background in physics to engineering, where he could use his expertise to address the cyber security challenges posed by AI. Balder’s career change was driven by a commitment to protect people and businesses across the UK from emerging cyber threats. For him, this transition was not just a career choice but a mission to secure the future in an increasingly AI-driven world.

During his PhD in Mexico, Balder received a grant to conduct research at Stanford University, where he led a project implementing a new physics process into a widely used code for particle transport. This project sparked an international collaboration involving teams from Mexico, the USA, and Canada, and required Balder to step up from software developer to software engineer. The experience allowed him to develop valuable management and programming skills that would later define his engineering career. His team was thrilled with the outcome of the project, which marked a major milestone in his PhD journey and cemented his path in engineering.

One of the defining moments of Balder’s career was leading the Monte Carlo simulations that supported a clinical license for using nanoparticles in cancer treatment. This groundbreaking work led to the establishment of the first clinical use of this technology by a European company, which has since expanded to the USA. Knowing that his contribution has helped provide people with a more effective cancer treatment is a deeply fulfilling accomplishment for Balder.

Advice for the Next Generation: “For engineers in cyber security, the journey will increasingly involve AI integration. The ability to adapt AI to protect against cyber threats is essential. Pursue your curiosity and be prepared to tackle new challenges—it’s an evolving field where the stakes are high, and the rewards are immense.”

Styliani (Stella) Tompazi, Senior Engineer

From a young age, Stella was captivated by problem-solving. Encouraged by supportive parents and teachers, she found herself drawn to the sciences, where she could explore solutions and uncover answers. Her natural curiosity led her to pursue an Integrated Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, a decision that cemented her interest in the engineering world. This early focus on finding and implementing solutions made engineering the perfect fit for Stella, aligning with her long-standing passion for tackling real-world challenges.

Earning her degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering was a significant milestone for Stella. Her studies were a rigorous journey, but one that opened her eyes to the vast opportunities available within engineering. After graduation, she continued her studies through a doctoral program at Queen’s University Belfast, where she delved into the applications of AI and its potential to address pressing societal issues. A little over a year ago, Stella joined CSIT, where she has since collaborated closely with industry partners, bridging academic theory with practical applications and gaining a wealth of experience in the field. Reflecting on her path, Stella is confident that this career choice aligns with her long-term goals and her passion for applying AI to solve real-world problems.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers: "Embracing challenges is fundamental to an engineering career. The more difficult the problem, the more rewarding the solution. Engineering is about resilience and the drive to keep learning and growing, no matter how tough the journey."

Dr Sandeep Gupta, Principal Engineer

Sandeep’s fascination with engineering began with his curiosity about how things work, particularly in electronics and communications. Early in his career, he had the privilege to work in areas like computer vision, digital image processing, machine learning, and electronics design automation. Reflecting on his journey, Sandeep feels immense gratitude for the diverse experiences and opportunities that have shaped his career. From his time in the industry to his academic research, he has always been driven by the desire to innovate and contribute to technological advancements.

With over 25 years in both industry and academia, Sandeep’s career is a testament to his dedication and versatility. Currently a Principal Engineer at CSIT, Queen's University Belfast, Sandeep has held key roles in multinational companies, including Samsung, Accenture, Siemens, and Cap Gemini. Between 1999 and 2016, he contributed to pioneering R&D products and solutions that influenced the industry. Later, he joined the University of Trento, where he worked on prestigious EU H2020 projects and earned his Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technology. Sandeep’s journey has been marked by continuous learning and a commitment to innovation, making him a key contributor to research and development.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers: Focus on excelling in your current role and don’t wait for the next one. A go-getter attitude is essential for steady growth. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable steps. Progress isn’t about giant leaps; it’s about persistence and taking one step at a time toward your aspirations."

These engineers, part of our talented teams at CSIT and Momentum One Zero, are not only shaping the future but also inspiring the next wave of creators and problem-solvers. A heartfelt thank you to our entire engineering team, who work tirelessly, often unseen, bringing groundbreaking ideas to life. Happy National Engineering Day!

We hope their stories spark something within you, perhaps even a desire to connect and collaborate in the pursuit of innovation.

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Please contact Helen Lappin at h.lappin@qub.ac.uk