Where did you study and what qualifications did you gain?

University of Strathclyde. Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering

What attracted you to the industry?

I enjoyed maths and wished to pursue a course at university which was high on maths content. The variety of paths and opportunities available with an engineering degree are many.

What do you specialise in now?

I specialise in business development for Star Data Analytics focusing on our Energy Management System specifically developed for refrigeration plant. I am looking for opportunities to install the system on both commercial and industrial refrigeration plant to ensure they operate at optimum efficiency at all times. I enjoy the engineering and sales balance of my current role.

How has being in different roles at Star Refrigeration been of benefit to you and the job you do for customers?

I have benefited from spending time in contracting, consultancy and design. It helps to understand everyone’s different roles in a project and appreciate their individual challenges and objectives. A view of the whole picture is especially helpful in a sales environment. What do you enjoy most about your job, and what are the biggest challenges you face? I enjoy learning and the endless opportunities there are available to increase my knowledge, whether it is knowledge gained on the job, from seminars, from colleagues or from attending courses. I am very fortunate to work with a fantastic team of award-winning engineers. They are not only extremely knowledgeable in all things refrigeration but also a great help. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet with new people. At the moment my biggest challenge is to grow my area of the business.

Where do you see your career developing?

I hope to take on more responsibility in my current sales role and contribute to the growth and success of the company. I hope to take part in wider industry events and help to improve knowledge in our industry.

What industry events have you participated in?

I am involved in Women in Engineering events at a local school and have spoken at a conference on the subject of analysing data.

What excites/interests you about the industry and your part in it now?

It is a pleasure to be involved with so many enthusiastic people who genuinely care for their customers and the environment. They are serious about taking responsibility in the part they can play in providing a greener, cleaner and more energy efficient world for future generations. I like working for an innovative company that strives to be the thought leaders in all things refrigeration. I am excited about the future potential of the product I am working with and hope I can bring it to the levels of success that it deserves.

What are the challenges facing the refrigeration industry?

The refrigerant issue is definitely at the fore front of the challenge. The need to reassess refrigerant choices based on the F- Gas regulations that limit the production and use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) requires that engineers review plant designs and adhere to regulations that did not previously apply. Also, ensuring end-users are aware of the EcoDesign Directive Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards for refrigeration systems and how it affects the

Any general career highlights?

The highlight would have to be Star giving me the opportunity to return to the industry after a long career break. It is fantastic to be back. I worked at Star for seven years as a sales engineer promoting the full range of Star products and services before joining STS.

What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry?

The air conditioning and refrigeration industry faces its challenges responsibly and develops solutions to the many regulatory requirements placed on it. There are many people in this industry who devote their energies to making a difference to the environmental issues and are advocates in persuading customers to go the extra mile to reduce their CO2 production. Their dedication will make a difference to the earth’s environment. I am proud to be part of an industry that takes these responsibilities seriously. I have felt welcomed and appreciated as a woman in this industry and would not hesitate to recommend the industry to other female engineers.