Advisory Board
Meet the Advisory Board
The Universe of Engineering Advisory Board comprises industry, education and government representatives. Their substantial experience and expertise helps to steer the range of programmes offered by the Universe of Engineering.
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
CEO and Founder of Primary Engineer Programmes
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer Programmes
She previously worked professionally as a graphic designer, moving on to become a teacher in a secondary school for eight years. I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I attended two primary schools, St. Maries Primary School in Bury until I was 8 and then Bury Convent Prep. I didn’t pass my 11+ exam and went on to attend St. Gabriel’s High School. Being one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! I left with the highest score for exam results the school had achieved at the time, great school! I wasn’t called a swot for nothing…
Charles Wardman
Tech Entrepreneur
Charles Wardman, Tech Entrepeuner or Founder at Yopla
I’ve always been fascinated with problems, the challenges they bring and the opportunities they present. But more so how people respond and engage with those challenges and opportunities. We moved around a lot growing up but my formative memories are of the beautiful and remote south west of Scotland where my family home was, and of Strathallan School in Perth where I finished my schooling as a boarder.
Time on the idyllic Galloway coastline was wonderful but as I got older I started looking for ways to make life more interesting. So, armed with a drill, a drum of cable and an engineering Grandad, I connected my bedroom to a nearby internet connection. Hiding 100m of cable so your parents don’t notice you’ve back doored the leased line certainly inspired creativity! All to get me online playing games with my friends over a hodge podge of dialup and 128k ISDN (128k used to be lightning fast).
My teens was a series of business lessons learned in the early internet. I packed Millenium Bug fixes on floppy disks for summer, setup an 0845 number, collocated servers with my Citroen ZX, built web pages and figured out how to make a hamster dance GIF. Along the way I realised that it was the people that made the adventure so much fun and working with great people to empower others became a passion.
That passion led me to work with some fantastic people while building some great businesses. Today I am the CEO of Yopla, a FinTech / Business Intelligence company and CEO of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce along with some other hats I’m proud to wear and teams I get to work with. It’s exciting to think of the amazing innovators and engineers that we can inspire today and how they’ll shape our future!
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
CEO and Founder of Primary Engineer Programmes
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer Programmes
She previously worked professionally as a graphic designer, moving on to become a teacher in a secondary school for eight years. I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I attended two primary schools, St. Maries Primary School in Bury until I was 8 and then Bury Convent Prep. I didn’t pass my 11+ exam and went on to attend St. Gabriel’s High School. Being one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! I left with the highest score for exam results the school had achieved at the time, great school! I wasn’t called a swot for nothing…
Charles Wardman
Senior Communications Consultant at Cadence Innovation Marketing
Charles Wardman, Chief Executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce
I’ve always been fascinated with problems, the challenges they bring and the opportunities they present. But more so how people respond and engage with those challenges and opportunities. We moved around a lot growing up but my formative memories are of the beautiful and remote south west of Scotland where my family home was, and of Strathallan School in Perth where I finished my schooling as a boarder.
Time on the idyllic Galloway coastline was wonderful but as I got older I started looking for ways to make life more interesting. So, armed with a drill, a drum of cable and an engineering Grandad, I connected my bedroom to a nearby internet connection. Hiding 100m of cable so your parents don’t notice you’ve back doored the leased line certainly inspired creativity! All to get me online playing games with my friends over a hodge podge of dialup and 128k ISDN (128k used to be lightning fast).
My teens was a series of business lessons learned in the early internet. I packed Millenium Bug fixes on floppy disks for summer, setup an 0845 number, collocated servers with my Citroen ZX, built web pages and figured out how to make a hamster dance GIF. Along the way I realised that it was the people that made the adventure so much fun and working with great people to empower others became a passion.
That passion led me to work with some fantastic people while building some great businesses. Today I am the CEO of Yopla, a FinTech / Business Intelligence company and CEO of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce along with some other hats I’m proud to wear and teams I get to work with. It’s exciting to think of the amazing innovators and engineers that we can inspire today and how they’ll shape our future!
Professor Helen James
OBE EurIng CEng FIMechE BSc (Hons) MA DBA
Professor Helen James, OBE EurIng CEng FIMechE BSc (Hons) MA DBA
Graham R Short
MBE, TD, M.A. (CANTAB) M.ED
Formerly Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, with East Ayrshire Council
Graham R Short, MBE, TD, M.A. (CANTAB) M.ED, Formerly Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, with East Ayrshire Council
Professor Helen James
OBE EurIng CEng FIMechE BSc (Hons) MA DBA
Professor Helen James, OBE EurIng CEng FIMechE BSc (Hons) MA DBA
Allan E Cook
CBE, DSc, B.Sc., C.Eng., FRA
Allan E Cook, CBE, DSc, B.Sc., C.Eng., FRA
“I was always going to be an engineer! My grandad was a blacksmith and my dad was a qualified electrician with his own business. Even now when I am asked who was the biggest influence on my career I always say it was my dad. He was a true craftsman and could turn his hand to anything – electrician, carpenter, plumber, bricklaying and metal work. Just don’t ask him to do any paper work! From a very early age – maybe 6 or 7 – I used to work with my grandad in his forge that he had in the back yard in Sunderland. Horse-shoes, pokers and small shovels were my speciality! I loved school, I was milk monitor and head boy in primary school and I was really sorry that I had to leave my school to start Technical Grammar school.”
Allan is chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA) and is Industry co-chair of the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP). Until August 2016 he was the lead Non-Executive Member of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). He was chairman of the UK Trade & Investment’s Advanced Engineering Sector Advisory Board until October 2013, and chairman of FINMECCANICA UK Ltd and chairman of Selex ES until the end of December 2014. He is past president of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and past president of the Society of British Aerospace and Defence Companies (SBAC). He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering where he is Vice President and serves as a trustee for the Academy. He also chairs the Academy’s employer-focused Diversity Leadership Group. Allan became a Fellow of the China 48 Group Club in December 2015. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2008, and received an honorary Doctorate in Science from Cranfield University in 2016.
Carol Anne Knight
Human Resources Director at Ferguson Marine
Carol Anne Knight, Human Resources Director at Ferguson Marine
Carol Anne says that she has been fortunate to have a great career having worked just finished a contract with Crown Estate Scotland has also worked for three FTSE 250 organisations. Babcock International Group where she was responsible for Clyde and Rosyth sites where she supports professional engineers, naval architects, detailed designers and craftsmen as well as a number of other professional support functions. Carol Anne has also worked for the Bank of Scotland and Diageo in a variety of Human Resource roles, both specialist and generalist. Carol Anne started her career within Diageo Public Relations and moved into HR from there.
Carol Anne describes her school years as interesting, as most teachers have a one size fits all approach to teaching which did not always suit her learning style. Carol Anne attended Stenhouse Primary school in Edinburgh, then went on to Tynecastle High School, also in Edinburgh and stayed on into fifth year, leaving with a handful of O Grades, including technical studies and physics. She joined one of the largest drinks companies in the world Diageo and was encouraged to attend day release and evening classes with Diageo as part of her training so an early version of “earn and learn”, as well as further studies as she progressed within the business and chosen field of HR.
Carol Anne attributes her career within HR to a couple of great managers and mentors who encouraged her in her pursuit of a Human Resources career and for that she will always be thankful.
Carol Anne laughs when she talks about her school reports saying that she was always described by her teachers as studious and a hard worker, albeit easily distracted, and says that some of her colleagues may say nothing has changed!
Carol Anne attributes her career within HR to a couple of great managers and mentors who encouraged her in her pursuit of a Human Resources career and for that she will always be thankful. Carol Anne laughs when she talks about her school reports saying that she was always described by her teachers as studious and a hard worker, albeit easily distracted, and says that some of her colleagues may say nothing has changed!
Graham R Short
MBE, TD, M.A. (CANTAB) M.ED
Formerly Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, with East Ayrshire Council
Graham R Short, MBE, TD, M.A. (CANTAB) M.ED, Formerly Executive Director of Educational and Social Services, with East Ayrshire Council
Allan E Cook
CBE, DSc, B.Sc., C.Eng., FRA
Allan E Cook, CBE, DSc, B.Sc., C.Eng., FRA
“I was always going to be an engineer! My grandad was a blacksmith and my dad was a qualified electrician with his own business. Even now when I am asked who was the biggest influence on my career I always say it was my dad. He was a true craftsman and could turn his hand to anything – electrician, carpenter, plumber, bricklaying and metal work. Just don’t ask him to do any paper work! From a very early age – maybe 6 or 7 – I used to work with my grandad in his forge that he had in the back yard in Sunderland. Horse-shoes, pokers and small shovels were my speciality! I loved school, I was milk monitor and head boy in primary school and I was really sorry that I had to leave my school to start Technical Grammar school.”
Allan is chairman of the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (SEMTA) and is Industry co-chair of the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP). Until August 2016 he was the lead Non-Executive Member of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). He was chairman of the UK Trade & Investment’s Advanced Engineering Sector Advisory Board until October 2013, and chairman of FINMECCANICA UK Ltd and chairman of Selex ES until the end of December 2014. He is past president of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and past president of the Society of British Aerospace and Defence Companies (SBAC). He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering where he is Vice President and serves as a trustee for the Academy. He also chairs the Academy’s employer-focused Diversity Leadership Group. Allan became a Fellow of the China 48 Group Club in December 2015. He was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list in 2008, and received an honorary Doctorate in Science from Cranfield University in 2016.
Paul Sheerin
Chief Executive at Scottish Engineering
Paul Sheerin, Chief Executive at Scottish Engineering
- Being hit on the back of the hand by a ruler in primary 3 for having terrible handwriting (to be fair it still is atrocious)
- Being given the tawse (belt) along with every other boy in my class for ‘exceptionally bad behaviour whilst taking part in Scottish Country Dancing lessons’.
From as early as I can remember I was clear on my career choice: I wanted to study medicine and become a GP. This seemed at odds at the reality of what I did for fun: building bikes, making torches out of bulbs batteries and wire, and electrocuting myself at the age of 8 while trying to work out how the light switch worked. Thankfully the general public were spared my medical intentions due to a chronic lack of studious application, and instead I went to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and armed with the worst degree Glasgow University surely have ever given away, I found that not only did I like electrical controls engineering, but I was actually ok at it too, especially the shiny new programming bit. Engineering has given me a thrilling career, taken me around the world to meet brilliant people, and I count myself lucky to have had that chance.
Louise Fraser
Head of Commercial at Babcock International
Louise Fraser, Head of Commercial at Babcock International
Prior to moving into the Defence Sector, Louise was in Oil and Gas employed by BP, Total and Oceaneering in the U.K and overseas.
Louise grew up in the Scottish Borders attending Glendenning Primary, Burgh Primary and Galashiels Academy. Was definitely more interested in english, modern studies, geography and debating than maths and science and never felt inspired by learning during her school years. However, since leaving school found great enjoyment in learning and studied for a BA Law & Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Oil and Gas law and an MBA.
I have always worked alongside engineers and inject a dose of commercial reality into the wonderful ideas that they come up with.
Carol Anne Knight
Human Resources Director at Ferguson Marine
Carol Anne Knight, Human Resources Director at Ferguson Marine
Carol Anne says that she has been fortunate to have a great career having worked for three FTSE 250 organisations previously and latterly having just left Babcock International Group where she was responsible for Clyde and Rosyth sites where she supports professional engineers, naval architects, detailed designers and craftsmen as well as a number of other professional support functions. Carol Anne has also worked for the Bank of Scotland and Diageo in a variety of Human Resource roles, both specialist and generalist. Carol Anne started her career within Diageo Public Relations and moved into HR from there.
Carol Anne describes her school years as interesting, as most teachers have a one size fits all approach to teaching which did not always suit her learning style. Carol Anne attended Stenhouse Primary school in Edinburgh, then went on to Tynecastle High School, also in Edinburgh and stayed on into fifth year, leaving with a handful of O Grades, including technical studies and physics. She joined one of the largest drinks companies in the world Diageo and was encouraged to attend day release and evening classes with Diageo as part of her training so an early version of “earn and learn”, as well as further study as she progressed within the business.
Carol Anne attributes her career within HR to a couple of great managers and mentors who encouraged her in her pursuit of a Human Resources career and for that she will always be thankful. Carol Anne laughs when she talks about her school reports saying that she was always described by her teachers as studious and a hard worker, albeit easily distracted, and says that some of her colleagues may say nothing has changed!
Paul Sheerin
Chief Executive at Scottish Engineering
Paul Sheerin, Chief Executive at Scottish Engineering
- Being hit on the back of the hand by a ruler in primary 3 for having terrible handwriting (to be fair it still is atrocious)
- Being given the tawse (belt) along with every other boy in my class for ‘exceptionally bad behaviour whilst taking part in Scottish Country Dancing lessons’.
From as early as I can remember I was clear on my career choice: I wanted to study medicine and become a GP. This seemed at odds at the reality of what I did for fun: building bikes, making torches out of bulbs batteries and wire, and electrocuting myself at the age of 8 while trying to work out how the light switch worked. Thankfully the general public were spared my medical intentions due to a chronic lack of studious application, and instead I went to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and armed with the worst degree Glasgow University surely have ever given away, I found that not only did I like electrical controls engineering, but I was actually ok at it too, especially the shiny new programming bit. Engineering has given me a thrilling career, taken me around the world to meet brilliant people, and I count myself lucky to have had that chance.
Lucy Jones
Vice-Principal Academic Development at Anglia Ruskin University
Lucy Jones, Vice Principal Academic Development at ARU Peterborough. Helping to bring higher education opportunities to Peterborough.
Tom Spencer
Senior Communications Consultant at Cadence Innovation Marketing
Tom Spencer, Senior Communications Consultant at Cadence Innovation Marketing
He’s also a champion of UK manufacturing, STEM learning and equality issues as they pertain to industry.
Tom was born and raised on the north coast of Essex where his school years were mostly dedicated to playing sports. He was not a strong STEM student and finds himself wondering how and why his adult interests in so many engineering related topics were not uncovered sooner!
Louise Fraser
Head of Commercial at Babcock International
Louise Fraser, Head of Commercial at Babcock International
Prior to moving into the Defence Sector, Louise was in Oil and Gas employed by BP, Total and Oceaneering in the U.K and overseas.
Louise grew up in the Scottish Borders attending Glendenning Primary, Burgh Primary and Galashiels Academy. Was definitely more interested in english, modern studies, geography and debating than maths and science and never felt inspired by learning during her school years. However, since leaving school found great enjoyment in learning and studied for a BA Law & Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Oil and Gas law and an MBA.
I have always worked alongside engineers and inject a dose of commercial reality into the wonderful ideas that they come up with.
Lucy Jones
Vice-Dean Science, Engineering and Computing at Kingston University
Lucy Jones, Vice-Dean Science, Engineering and Computing at Kingston University
Linda Hanna
Non-Executive and Strategic Adviser
Linda Hanna, Non-Executive and Strategic Adviser
I’ve always loved learning, right throughout primary and secondary school, University then College and also at work. I studied science at Uni, (even though my school felt I’d be better to study English or History!) but science is what interested me and I felt that could lead to something that could make a difference to others, which I hope my work has.
I like working with people and I’m curious about new things, why things work (or don’t) and how to find solutions to problems and make ideas happen. I believe my determination and sheer hard work too has helped me throughout my career to achieve some pretty remarkable things as well as the support of fantastic team mates and family. I’ve worked in R&D, food processing, economic development and now in education. Its been really varied and I feel lucky to have worked across different parts of Scotland, different industries and to be deeply involved in helping develop future industries and jobs for Scotland such as space, aerospace, advanced engineering, data, agritech and precision medicine
Tom Spencer
Senior Communications Consultant at Cadence Innovation Marketing
Tom Spencer, Senior Communications Consultant at Cadence Innovation Marketing
He’s also a champion of UK manufacturing, STEM learning and equality issues as they pertain to industry.
Tom was born and raised on the north coast of Essex where his school years were mostly dedicated to playing sports. He was not a strong STEM student and finds himself wondering how and why his adult interests in so many engineering related topics were not uncovered sooner!
Linda Hanna
Interim Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise
Linda Hanna, Interim Chief Executive, Scottish Enterprise
I’ve always loved learning, right throughout primary and secondary school, University then College and also at work. I studied science at Uni, (even though my school felt I’d be better to study English or History!) but science is what interested me and I felt that could lead to something that could make a difference to others, which I hope my work has.
I like working with people and I’m curious about new things, why things work (or don’t) and how to find solutions to problems and make ideas happen. I believe my determination and sheer hard work too has helped me throughout my career to achieve some pretty remarkable things as well as the support of fantastic team mates and family. I’ve worked in R&D, food processing, economic development and now in education. Its been really varied and I feel lucky to have worked across different parts of Scotland, different industries and to be deeply involved in helping develop future industries and jobs for Scotland such as space, aerospace, advanced engineering, data, agritech and precision medicine
Previous Members
Stuart Cameron
BSC MBA CENG FIMECHE
Chief Engineer
Stuart Cameron BSC MBA CENG FIMECHE, Chief Engineer
He is currently a member of the Employers Panel and has been chairing Professional Review interviews for the past 20 years. He started his engineering career as an apprentice draughtsman in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank and worked on the QE2. On gaining his HNC he went to the University of Strathclyde where he obtained a First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. He was awarded an MBA from the University of Glasgow in 1983.
He joined Babcock & Wilcox as a design engineer and has had various roles in boiler and nuclear plant. He has been with the company, now Doosan Babcock Energy, for 39 years and is currently Chief Engineer with specific responsibility for technical risk management and investigations throughout all parts of the Company including compliance with existing and new legislation regarding pressure equipment.
He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde for their MScon Power Plant Systems. He is chairman of the BSI Boiler Committee and the ISO Working group for procedures on international compliance of boiler and pressure vessel standards. He is also a member of ASME Committees on Power Boilers, International Material Specifications and Boiler & Pressure Vessel Accreditation.
Ginny Stead
Capability & Development Manager Energy & Marine Technology Babcock International Group
Ginny Stead, Capability & Development Manager Energy & Marine Technology Babcock International Group
Significantly in this figure there are 550 engineers and designers (naval architects, mechanical and structural disciplines) employed to meet the business demand in markets of defence (UK and commercial), energy, oil and gas, renewables, nuclear and marine and technology across six sites in the UK.
Additionally, Ginny manages the Babcock Marine & Technology (Rosyth) Graduate Development Programme as part of the business strategy to attract new and innovative engineering and business graduates for the growth and development of the business. Within her professional career Ginny has worked for various large defence and commercial organisations, key being BAE Systems, EADS and Boeing. These positions provided the opportunity for extensive durations of working in Europe, USA and Canada In 2013 Ginny was asked to become a board member on the Primary Engineering Advisory Board.
When I was at primary school, the diversity of my chosen career went from a butcher (It was the mince making machine that fascinated me) to a train driver (had to be steam engines), so indirectly and through a rather spurious route engineering attracted me without me knowing. Why would a machine that ground meat hold my imagination and of course the limited understanding at that time of the power of steam. At secondary school, I knew I wanted to be in engineering and went down the route of a formal apprenticeship that provided me with the springboard for many happy years of employment and challenge in engineering positions.
Stuart Cameron
BSC MBA CENG FIMECHE
Chief Engineer
Stuart Cameron BSC MBA CENG FIMECHE, Chief Engineer
He is currently a member of the Employers Panel and has been chairing Professional Review interviews for the past 20 years. He started his engineering career as an apprentice draughtsman in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank and worked on the QE2. On gaining his HNC he went to the University of Strathclyde where he obtained a First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering in 1970. He was awarded an MBA from the University of Glasgow in 1983.
He joined Babcock & Wilcox as a design engineer and has had various roles in boiler and nuclear plant. He has been with the company, now Doosan Babcock Energy, for 39 years and is currently Chief Engineer with specific responsibility for technical risk management and investigations throughout all parts of the Company including compliance with existing and new legislation regarding pressure equipment.
He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Strathclyde for their MScon Power Plant Systems. He is chairman of the BSI Boiler Committee and the ISO Working group for procedures on international compliance of boiler and pressure vessel standards. He is also a member of ASME Committees on Power Boilers, International Material Specifications and Boiler & Pressure Vessel Accreditation.
Ginny Stead
Capability & Development Manager Energy & Marine Technology Babcock International Group
Ginny Stead, Capability & Development Manager Energy & Marine Technology Babcock International Group
Significantly in this figure there are 550 engineers and designers (naval architects, mechanical and structural disciplines) employed to meet the business demand in markets of defence (UK and commercial), energy, oil and gas, renewables, nuclear and marine and technology across six sites in the UK.
Additionally, Ginny manages the Babcock Marine & Technology (Rosyth) Graduate Development Programme as part of the business strategy to attract new and innovative engineering and business graduates for the growth and development of the business. Within her professional career Ginny has worked for various large defence and commercial organisations, key being BAE Systems, EADS and Boeing. These positions provided the opportunity for extensive durations of working in Europe, USA and Canada In 2013 Ginny was asked to become a board member on the Primary Engineering Advisory Board.
When I was at primary school, the diversity of my chosen career went from a butcher (It was the mince making machine that fascinated me) to a train driver (had to be steam engines), so indirectly and through a rather spurious route engineering attracted me without me knowing. Why would a machine that ground meat hold my imagination and of course the limited understanding at that time of the power of steam. At secondary school, I knew I wanted to be in engineering and went down the route of a formal apprenticeship that provided me with the springboard for many happy years of employment and challenge in engineering positions.
Dr Peter T Hughes
OBE FRENG FRSE FIMMM FCMI FICME
Chairman of the Advisory Board, Primary Engineer
Peter T Hughs OBE FRENG FRSE FIMMM FCMI FICME, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Primary Engineer
He was Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, and a Member of Strathclyde University Court from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. Peter was born and raised in Lanarkshire and educated at Wishaw High School before studying at Coatbridge Technical College, the University of Strathclyde and Dundee University. He was chairman and Managing Director of Glencast Ltd, Leven, Fife who won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement in 1990.
Glencast was formed in 1983 following his leadership of a Management Buy Out. He eventually sold the company to NACO Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA in December 1994. Peter was awarded the OBE in the 1993 New Year Honours for his services to the UK Steel Industry and in 1995 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is currently the Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering and has been “The Voice of Engineering Manufacturing Scotland” since 1998. Peter became a member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland from 2001 till 2005 and in 2003 became a key participant for the Scottish Executive Pilot Programme which resulted in the introduction of “Make It In Scotland” Roadshow for all Scottish secondary schools.
Peter is passionate about the sector and has continued to enjoy a very busy career having represented various Scottish and UK bodies at National and International level. He regularly features in the media and takes a positive message on Engineering around the Country with his “Engineering Roadshow” which has addressed in excess of 60,000 students and pupils since 1999.
Prof David Nash
Vice Dean (Knowledge Exchange) - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor David Nash, Vice Dean (Knowledge Exchange) - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde
He worked in the area of pressure systems for 30 years. David is a fellow of the IMechE and ASME and chaired Scottish Region 2008-2010. Specialist in the application of finite element computer modelling to a wide range of bio-mechanics problems including knee, hip, KAFO, AAA stents and hand and wrist with multiple bone –ligament-muscle interaction. Also, experience of variety of structural materials including metals, shape memory alloys, ceramics, plastics and composite materials for use in a broad spectrum of applications.
Management role in leading knowledge exchange and technology transfer across the Faculty and University and also in developing wider industry engagements. David was really, really keen on Thunderbirds when they first came out in the mid 1960’s and got the full set of vehicles from Thunderbird 1-5 for Christmas one year. My favourite was Thunderbird 1 and I wanted to be Scott Tracey. Thunderbird 1 was a fast response rocket plane – it was hypersonic and had variable sweep wings – so that it could be a rocket and also fly with the manoeuvrability of a fighter plane.
That’s me with my pride and joy toys in 1965-6 in P2. I wish I had kept them in good order and in their original boxes, because they would have been worth a fortune now. But I didn’t! Still, I had great fun with them and it led in a small way to me being interested in engineering!!
Dr Peter T Hughes
OBE FRENG FRSE FIMMM FCMI FICME
Chairman of the Advisory Board, Primary Engineer
Peter T Hughs OBE FRENG FRSE FIMMM FCMI FICME, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Primary Engineer
He was Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering, and a Member of Strathclyde University Court from 2003 until his retirement in 2012. Peter was born and raised in Lanarkshire and educated at Wishaw High School before studying at Coatbridge Technical College, the University of Strathclyde and Dundee University. He was chairman and Managing Director of Glencast Ltd, Leven, Fife who won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement in 1990.
Glencast was formed in 1983 following his leadership of a Management Buy Out. He eventually sold the company to NACO Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA in December 1994. Peter was awarded the OBE in the 1993 New Year Honours for his services to the UK Steel Industry and in 1995 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is currently the Chief Executive of Scottish Engineering and has been “The Voice of Engineering Manufacturing Scotland” since 1998. Peter became a member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland from 2001 till 2005 and in 2003 became a key participant for the Scottish Executive Pilot Programme which resulted in the introduction of “Make It In Scotland” Roadshow for all Scottish secondary schools.
Peter is passionate about the sector and has continued to enjoy a very busy career having represented various Scottish and UK bodies at National and International level. He regularly features in the media and takes a positive message on Engineering around the Country with his “Engineering Roadshow” which has addressed in excess of 60,000 students and pupils since 1999.
Prof David Nash
Vice Dean (Knowledge Exchange) - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde
Professor David Nash, Vice Dean (Knowledge Exchange) - Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde
He worked in the area of pressure systems for 30 years. David is a fellow of the IMechE and ASME and chaired Scottish Region 2008-2010. Specialist in the application of finite element computer modelling to a wide range of bio-mechanics problems including knee, hip, KAFO, AAA stents and hand and wrist with multiple bone –ligament-muscle interaction. Also, experience of variety of structural materials including metals, shape memory alloys, ceramics, plastics and composite materials for use in a broad spectrum of applications.
Management role in leading knowledge exchange and technology transfer across the Faculty and University and also in developing wider industry engagements. David was really, really keen on Thunderbirds when they first came out in the mid 1960’s and got the full set of vehicles from Thunderbird 1-5 for Christmas one year. My favourite was Thunderbird 1 and I wanted to be Scott Tracey. Thunderbird 1 was a fast response rocket plane – it was hypersonic and had variable sweep wings – so that it could be a rocket and also fly with the manoeuvrability of a fighter plane.
That’s me with my pride and joy toys in 1965-6 in P2. I wish I had kept them in good order and in their original boxes, because they would have been worth a fortune now. But I didn’t! Still, I had great fun with them and it led in a small way to me being interested in engineering!!
Mark V Crabtree
OBE M.A. (CANTAB) M.SC.
Founder and Managing Director of AMS Neve Limited
Mark V Crabtree, OBE, M.A. (CANTAB) M.SC. Founder and Managing Director of AMS Neve Limited
After graduating in Engineering and Digital Electronics, Mark worked in aerospace electronics for a few years before founding his own company in 1976 – applying aerospace technology to the enhancement of music. This was at the very start of the microprocessor and digital revolution. His company, AMS Neve, designs and manufactures professional sound recording and mixing equipment to the world’s top studios and artists – exporting over 80% of its output and winning three Queen’s Awards for Export.
The business has also won an Emmy™ and a Grammy® for advancing the art and science of sound production, and Mark has personally won two Scientific and Technical Academy Awards (Oscars®) – these for the pioneering work on hard disk recording and digital film mixing – both developed entirely in Burnley, Lancashire, and changing the way music, TV and Film sound is produced. Mark was appointed OBE for Services to Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Industries in the New Year’s Honours 2014.
In recent years he has devoted much time and resource to developing and promoting Burnley as a thriving centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering. As part of this activity, he was inspired to launch and fund the “Making it in Burnley” programme using the Primary Engineer courses – made available to all Burnley Primary Schools with the result that 2,500 children were able to experience the joys of making electric cars within a year of conception of the programme.
Prof John Perkins
Former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills
Professor John Perkins, Former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills
The University of Manchester (2004-9); Principal, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London (2001-4) and ICI Australia Professor of Process Systems Engineering, University of Sydney (1985-88), as well as a period at the beginning of his academic career at the University of Cambridge (1973-7).
He has served as President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (2000-1) and as Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2007-10). Professor Perkins is currently an Honorary Professor at Manchester University, Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and a member of the European Commission Board of Governors.
Mark V Crabtree
OBE M.A. (CANTAB) M.SC.
Founder and Managing Director of AMS Neve Limited
Mark V Crabtree, OBE, M.A. (CANTAB) M.SC. Founder and Managing Director of AMS Neve Limited
After graduating in Engineering and Digital Electronics, Mark worked in aerospace electronics for a few years before founding his own company in 1976 – applying aerospace technology to the enhancement of music. This was at the very start of the microprocessor and digital revolution. His company, AMS Neve, designs and manufactures professional sound recording and mixing equipment to the world’s top studios and artists – exporting over 80% of its output and winning three Queen’s Awards for Export.
The business has also won an Emmy™ and a Grammy® for advancing the art and science of sound production, and Mark has personally won two Scientific and Technical Academy Awards (Oscars®) – these for the pioneering work on hard disk recording and digital film mixing – both developed entirely in Burnley, Lancashire, and changing the way music, TV and Film sound is produced. Mark was appointed OBE for Services to Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Industries in the New Year’s Honours 2014.
In recent years he has devoted much time and resource to developing and promoting Burnley as a thriving centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering. As part of this activity, he was inspired to launch and fund the “Making it in Burnley” programme using the Primary Engineer courses – made available to all Burnley Primary Schools with the result that 2,500 children were able to experience the joys of making electric cars within a year of conception of the programme.
Prof John Perkins
Former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills
Professor John Perkins, Former Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills
The University of Manchester (2004-9); Principal, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College London (2001-4) and ICI Australia Professor of Process Systems Engineering, University of Sydney (1985-88), as well as a period at the beginning of his academic career at the University of Cambridge (1973-7).
He has served as President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (2000-1) and as Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2007-10). Professor Perkins is currently an Honorary Professor at Manchester University, Visiting Professor at Imperial College London and a member of the European Commission Board of Governors.
Prof Fred Maillardet
BSC PHD CENG FIMECHE FIMA MISPO FRSA
Mechanical Engineer
Professor Fred Maillardet, BSC PHD CENG FIMECHE FIMA MISPO FRSA, Mechanical Engineer
Fred Maillardet is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. His first degree was in Mechanical engineering and his PhD in the analysis of muscle action during walking and the design of artificial limbs. Following experience as a Design Engineer in industry working on the design of large structures in the marine and nuclear fields, he entered Higher Education to teach Engineering Design. He became Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and then Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Brighton, retiring from this post in 2003.
He served on the Engineering Professors’ Council for many years, becoming President for 2003-05. Fred chaired the IMechE Education and Training Committee and the subsequent Formation Task Force and Qualifications Development Board for 15 years and was actively involved in the Accreditation of engineering degree courses for more than 30 years. He currently chairs the IMechE Education Advisory Group. Fred was joint grant holder on a major Economic and Social Research Council Teaching and Learning Research Project from 2001 to 2005 studying how and what learning took place among engineers during their first three years of postgraduate employment. This study revealed significant shortcomings in the development and support of many graduates.
Fred established the Brighton and District Remap panel in 1976. This national organisation exists to design and build bespoke aids to help the physically disabled achieve greater independence. Fred currently chairs the Brighton panel and is a Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the national organisation. His other passion in retirement is helping to restore Oldland Windmill, an 18th century post mill in Sussex, where he is Chairman of the charitable trust.
Prof Fred Maillardet
BSC PHD CENG FIMECHE FIMA MISPO FRSA
Mechanical Engineer
Professor Fred Maillardet, BSC PHD CENG FIMECHE FIMA MISPO FRSA, Mechanical Engineer
Fred Maillardet is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer. His first degree was in Mechanical engineering and his PhD in the analysis of muscle action during walking and the design of artificial limbs. Following experience as a Design Engineer in industry working on the design of large structures in the marine and nuclear fields, he entered Higher Education to teach Engineering Design. He became Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and then Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Brighton, retiring from this post in 2003.
He served on the Engineering Professors’ Council for many years, becoming President for 2003-05. Fred chaired the IMechE Education and Training Committee and the subsequent Formation Task Force and Qualifications Development Board for 15 years and was actively involved in the Accreditation of engineering degree courses for more than 30 years. He currently chairs the IMechE Education Advisory Group. Fred was joint grant holder on a major Economic and Social Research Council Teaching and Learning Research Project from 2001 to 2005 studying how and what learning took place among engineers during their first three years of postgraduate employment. This study revealed significant shortcomings in the development and support of many graduates.
Fred established the Brighton and District Remap panel in 1976. This national organisation exists to design and build bespoke aids to help the physically disabled achieve greater independence. Fred currently chairs the Brighton panel and is a Trustee and Vice-Chairman of the national organisation. His other passion in retirement is helping to restore Oldland Windmill, an 18th century post mill in Sussex, where he is Chairman of the charitable trust.