Episodes
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Humans have only charted about 20% of the world’s oceans. But what if we could sustain longer periods underwater, giving us a chance to explore more of the unknown…
That’s what DEEP, an engineering company based in the UK, is working towards. In this episode, Director of Engineering, Rick Goddard, takes us through the company’s mission to make humans aquatic. Hear about DEEP’s cutting-edge technology, allowing us to spend extended periods underwater - a mission which could potentially reshape our understanding of the world's oceans and humanity itself.
Also hear from Izzy, Olamide and Fiona from Thalas, who’ve been working on the ‘Tap of Germs’ - an exciting prototype developed as part of Primary Engineer’s If You Were An Engineer competition.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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At just 17, Alice Goodwin had already earned her pilot’s licence, and now she’s soaring to new heights as an Avionics Design & Development Engineer at Virgin Atlantic.
In this episode, Alice shares her journey from piloting planes to designing cutting-edge aviation systems, all while serving as an Aviation Ambassador for the UK government, where she inspires the next generation to explore careers in aviation.
Plus, we hear from Breeshea Robinson and her team at Canterbury Christ Church University, who’ve been working on Charlie’s Handy Grey Water Pump as part of the 'If You Were An Engineer' competition.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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Episodes manquant?
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Networking opportunities, guidance and feedback - just some of the benefits of mentorship for engineers in the making.
In this episode, Paris Amy, a mechanical engineer at Cummins Turbo Technologies, explains why mentorship gives engineers a crucial leg-up, how you can go about finding your own mentor, plus she explains how mentorship changed the path of her own career, for the better.
We also highlight one of the standout teams from Primary Engineer's "If You Were An Engineer" competition - a sports shoe with interchangeable soles called the "switch-a-boot", created by the team at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Print City.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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Would you trust an automated aeroplane to take you to your next holiday destination? Or to deliver your latest internet order? While fully automated flights are still on the horizon - engineers, mechanics, and pilots are busy exploring what the future of aviation could look like.
In this episode, Boeing test pilot Ben Lewis shares his unique insights into the future of flight, including the impact of automation and the evolving roles of engineers and pilots.
Plus, hear from Ian Gent, Tim Ramsbottom and Sam Hargrave from the prototype team at GKN Aerospace, who have been working on the Clean Water Access Bot (CWAB) for the 'If You Were An Engineer' competition.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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With a significant skills gap, an ageing workforce, and insufficient numbers of students entering the field, it’s no secret that the UK is facing a huge shortage of engineers.
Renowned engineer and writer Chelvi Nava believes the industry is in crisis. In this episode she discusses the urgent actions needed to address this shortage and shares how she, through her project ‘Engineering Everyone’, is inspiring the next generation of engineers.
We also meet Dave Knapton who’s been leading the prototype team at Sunderland University working on the “Self Regulation Bracelet”, one of the winning entries of the If You Were An Engineer competition.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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LEGO bricks allow children and adults alike to bring their wildest imaginations to life. But the creative process begins long before the LEGO bricks reach their hands. Scores of designers spend months creating and designing awe-inspiring sets, like the LEGO Death Star, and we get to meet one of them.
In this episode, we chat to James May, a former LEGO designer known for his incredible contributions to the world of LEGO. Join us as we delve into James' creative process, his journey into the world of design, and the magic behind turning simple bricks into extraordinary creations.
We also hear from members of the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh about the “Glowbot," one of the winning entries in the If You Were an Engineer competition.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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With the advent of smartphones and the latest generation of consoles - video games are reaching more people than ever. And it’s an industry which continues to grow, thanks to the brilliant minds of engineers.
Chris Van der Kuyl co-founder and chairman of 4J Studios, tells us how his team helped bring one of the world’s biggest video games, Minecraft, to the masses. He explores the link between video game creation and engineering and tells us what to expect from the future of the gaming industry.
We also hear from Jeremiah Ohenhen who’s studying mechanical engineering at Ulster University in Belfast who’s been working on the “careful kettle” proto type for the If You Were An Engineer competition.
Thanks to Niamh from Westfield School for sharing her engineering idea with us.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/LeadersawardWebsite: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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It’s no secret that historically fewer women have taken up STEM subjects such as maths, physics and engineering - but former Miss England and Miss World Europe Jessica Gagen has made it her mission to inspire more young girls to pursue a career in science.
Hear how she juggles her own career as an aerospace engineer with her work as a pageant queen, why she’s keen to show young girls they can do it all, and how she’s hoping to become the first beauty queen to make it to space!
Emily’s super seed spreader - the Germinator - is our prototype of the week. We hear from Tim Woolman from the University of Southampton who’s been working on the idea for the If You Were An Engineer competition.
And thanks to young Tommy for sharing his engineering idea with us.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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Kites: A toy consisting of a light frame with thin material stretched over it, flown in the wind at the end of a long string. That’s what most of us think of when we hear the word ‘kite’ - but what if it could conjure up images of an egg that transforms into a massive flying dragon puppet.
Carl Robertshaw explains how he’s changed the way we not only think about kites, but how we use them in theatre, art, architecture and fashion. He shares some of the highlights from his career as a multi kite flying champion who now works on huge events like the Superbowl. Plus, we hear how some of his kites have even made it into space!
Dr Jonathan Browning and Dr Siofra Frost from the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Queen's University Belfast tell us about the prototype they’ve been working on for the If You Were An Engineer competition - a moving solar panel.
And thanks to young Cara for sharing her engineering idea with us.
Get in touch:
Email: [email protected]
X: https://x.com/Leadersaward
Website: www.leadersaward.com/podcasts
Your host is Ollie Guillou.
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As it continues to beam back incredible images of the universe, it’s clear the James Webb Telescope is revolutionising our understanding of the cosmos. But there’s still so much more to see, so it’s integral it keeps on running for years to come. That’s where Elysia Starr and her team come in. Elysia is the Fault Management Lead for the JWST. In this episode she tells us what’s involved in maintaining the Webb, she tells us about some of the most innovative tech that’s gone into the creation of the telescope, and she explains what excites her most about the project.
James Joseph from the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee tells us about the prototype his team has been working on for the If You Were An Engineer competition - Bianca’s sunlight machine.
Thanks to Zach and Megan from Sacred Heart Primary School in Bellshill in Scotland for sharing their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to any of our problems from the series send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward.
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content. -
Forensic collision investigator Ross Beesley is basically the Sherlock Holmes of car accidents – an expert in spotting unusual signs and figuring out how an accident happened. In this episode he tells us about the skills and techniques he uses to get to the bottom of a case, he explains some of the more unusual signs that can clue you into what’s happened, and he explains how he uses computer simulations in his work.
Patricia Ashman from Coventry University tells us about a proto-type she worked on for the If You Were An Engineer competition called the Wheelchair Swing.
Thanks to Shay and Mia from Sacred Heart Primary School in Bellshill in Scotland for sharing their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week, Ollie Folayan wants you to figure out a way of feeding Isaac’s fish twice a day, every day, while he’s away from home.
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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Whether it’s hunting for pirates by launching missions into space, or expressing herself through martial arts, Naziyah Mahmood’s passion knows no bounds. As an astrophysicist, aerospace engineer, equalities expert and so much more, Naziyah has a lot of advice to give. She shares the fascinating story of her life and career.
Spencer and Sam from Edge Hill university tell us about a design they’re working on for the If You Were An Engineer competition - Leonardo’s Anti-Waste Fridge.
Thanks to Chloe and Connor from Victoria Junior School in Cumbria for sharing their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Patricia Ashman: Can you create a device that will allow Patricia to collect waste from the river on her paddleboard, without having to constantly bend down?
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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Although his love of chemical engineering was initially inspired by the work of an evil genius, Ollie Folayan’s values have certainly changed since. Ollie is a chemical engineer and Head of Process at Optimus Plus in Aberdeen. Not only does he tell us just how impactful the work of a chemical engineer is, he also discusses his role as the founder of the Association for Black Engineers.
Patricia Ashman, associate head of future transport engineering at Coventry University, tells us about a prototype she worked on for the If You Were An Engineer competition called the self-stirring coffee mug.
Thanks to Ellie and Isabella from Victoria Junior School in Cumbria for sharing their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Keith Scobie-Youngs from The Cumbria Clock Company: How can we make a mechanical clock that doesn’t need lubrication, so it never wears out?
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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“By 2030, 85% of the jobs we will do are unknown today”. Alice Bunn, CEO of the Institution for Mechanical Engineers shares this fact, as she tells us about the importance of lifelong learning, and how IMechE aims to improve the world through engineering. Alice also talks about her unlikely and unplanned career in the space industry - which has been going for 20 years now!
Elsie’s super-charged wheelchair, the ‘Roller Rider’ is under the spotlight this week. Peter Marshall is leading Anglia Ruskin University’s prototype team that’ll be turning Elsie’s idea into reality. He tells us about the design and why he instantly fell in love with it.
Thanks to Elena and Erin from Ballymena Academy who shared their engineering idea with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Bruce from Howden Compressors: “Whilst we are drilling, we’ve had problems with the drills overheating and breaking. What can we do to stop this happening?”
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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A special episode of the podcast recorded at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2022, at RAF Fairford.
As aircraft soar overhead a busy Techno Zone and Inspire Stage, we hear from many of the exhibitors who pitched up for the event, including ejector seat manufacturers Martin Baker, the aerospace division of Rolls Royce, and a glider pilot whose hobby sounds both frightening and incredible in equal measure.
We also meet Justine Morton OBE, Director of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, who gives us a glimpse into the history of RIAT, and tells us about her fascinating career path.
Mark and George from the Civil Aviation Authority join the mix, before we chat to Haydn Jakes who was awarded an MBE for his achievements as an aircraft engineering apprentice.
In keeping with the rest of the series, we hear from some of the university teams tasked with turning the winning ideas from the ‘If You Were An Engineer’ competition into working prototypes. We’re joined by Andrew Firth from Edinburgh University, and Tim Woolman from the University of Southampton.
And, as always, we share the engineering ideas of children - this time with thanks to the Brownies.
If you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from George at the Civil Aviation Authority: “How can we reduce the noise footprint, both in the aircraft and outside of the aircraft, especially for the people on the ground?”
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
A Primary Engineer Production with the support of the RAFCT.
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We’ve all marvelled at the images of deep space and distant galaxies, but what did it take to get the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit? One man who can answer that question better than any other is Carl Starr, who up until recently was the Mission Operations Manager for the JWST. In this episode he explains what it was like building the team in the early days of the telescope’s design process. He tells us about the emotionally charged moment when the telescope first beamed back blobs of light. And he explains why he’s left the project now to work for Millennium Space Systems.
Alice’s Magic Cover is our prototype of the week. Simple but genius, this piece of kit is a reusable way of covering a child’s earrings up during PE lessons or while they sleep. We hear from Anne Nortcliffe from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Thanks to the children from Lisnasharragh primary school in Northern Ireland, who shared their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Andrew from National Grid: “How can we regenerate nature after construction work finishes?”
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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Not only is he an aerospace engineer for Rolls Royce, Andrew Smyth is also a bakineer - first of his kind! Bringing together his passions for both engineering and baking, Andrew coined the term, and is now on a mission to create cakes that are both delicious and fully functional. In this episode he explains how the two worlds are actually linked more closely than you’d realise, he tells us about the incredible creations that have come out of his Netflix series Baking Impossible, and he shares his experience baking a rotating cake for Prince William.
Francesca’s Unicorn Health Bot is the prototype star of this week. As the name suggests, it looks like a unicorn, but it also serves an important function in hospitals, monitoring the vital signals of young patients. We hear from Francesca, and from proto-type team member David Knapton from The University of Sunderland.
Thanks to the children from Homefield Prep and St Mary’s College in Derry, who shared their engineering ideas with us.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Carl Starr, from Millennium Space Systems: “How can we make bread in space?”
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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As an expert in astrodynamics and space mission design, Ciara Mcgrath has the exciting job of making sure spacecraft are sent into orbit in the most efficient and sustainable way. In this episode she tells us about the importance of satellites, from the work they do monitoring the global climate, to the impact they have on our daily lives - like how they make it easier to buy your groceries.
Sairah’s biogas unit is our prototype spotlight this week. It’s a piece of kit that turns waste food and organic materials into useful gas. We hear from the team at Glasgow Caledonian University, who are bringing the design to life.
Thanks to the children from Lisnasharragh primary school in Northern Ireland who shared their engineering ideas with us at the start of the show.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from bakineer Andrew Smyth: “On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing more frustrating than having my ice cream melt before I’ve eaten it. How can I keep it cool in the bowl, so I have plenty of time to enjoy it?”
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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As the founder of the Cumbria Clock Company, Keith Scobie-Youngs and his team have repaired and restored some of the most famous clocks in the country - including those at Salisbury Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. In this episode he tells us about a very exciting recent project, fixing Big Ben, the world-renowned clock from the Palace of Westminster in London.
Charlie’s voice-activated storage unit - the Auto-Kallax - is our prototype of the week. We hear from Charlie about her idea, and from Strathclyde University’s Tom and Fraser, who are bringing the design to life.
Thanks to the children from Heasandford Primary School who shared their engineering ideas with us at the top of the show.
And if you have an answer to our problem send your thoughts to [email protected] or comment on Twitter @Leadersaward. This week it comes from Cummins: When turbochargers are fitted to an engine, they get very hot, and sometimes melt other parts of the engine. How can you stop that from happening?
Your host is Ollie Guillou. Head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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It's time to celebrate! We're closing season 1 of the podcast in style, announcing the winners of the Primary Engineer MacRobert Medal. Meet the host of expert judges who had the incredibly difficult job of choosing our winners - so torn they ended up awarding multiple gold and silver medals. Also hear the excited reactions of the gold medallists who received the news of their win live on the podcast. And wait til the end for a special message from Primary Engineer founder Susan Scurlock MBE. If you’d like to get in touch, follow us on Twitter @Leadersaward, and head over to our website www.leadersaward.com/podcasts to access loads of bonus and behind the scenes content.
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