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The IHE Summer Studentship Scheme gives engineering students the opportunity to spend 8 weeks working with clinicians on an interdisciplinary project. Students gain exposure to the clinical setting, interaction with clinical teams and invaluable hands-on experience.Ìý

In 2023, the IHE arranged 19 studentships, one of which was generously funded by the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering (MPBE) Athena SWAN committee for the second year running.ÌýÌý

The MPBE Athena SWAN committee is a group of 30 staff and students, representing a range of career stages, whose work focuses on improving gender equality within the department.ÌýÌý

We spoke to the student, Danae Morell Cheng, and Drs Charlotte Hagen and Reem Ahmad from the committee about the award and what it means to them.Ìý

Danae Morell Cheng – third-year MEng student in Biomedical/Medical EngineeringÌý

I found out about the IHE summer studentship programme through my personal tutor Lynsey Duffell. What immediately appealed to me about the studentship programme was the focus on prosthetics and biomechanics within some of the projects. As someone very interested in mechanical design and medical devices, this was an area that aligned with my career aspirations. Moreover, the opportunity of being immersed in a setting where I could work closely with clinicians and surgeons really appealed to me. Ìý Ìý

I am working on a screw project. In orthopaedics, screws are an important device used to join bones. Companies keep developing different variations of screw designs aimed to achieve optimal compression in the bone. The project I am working on is aimed at investigating and comparing the compression of a new design model to other traditional screws designs from various companies to test its efficiency. To do so, we purposefully designed and built an apparatus with sensors that measures compression force.ÌýÌýÌý

I am enjoying this experience at the RNOH, and it has been incredibly beneficial for my personal and professional growth.ÌýÌý

This opportunity has provided me with hands-on learning experiences beyond the confines of traditional class lectures. Working in the lab has developed my biomechanics and designing skills by learning to use the machinery there and has exposed me to a lot of professionals with whom I learn from every day.ÌýÌý

One particular highlight was the chance to observe an ankle operation in the theater of a patient case that we learned from on the first day. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to see the applications of biomedical engineering and the use of orthopaedic screws in real life.Ìý

Dr Charlotte HagenÌý

Currently, we have much fewer men than women in research and academic roles, particularly in the more senior ranks, and the MPBE Athena SWAN committee thinks about what can be done to change that. I have been the committee chair for almost three years but will move into a new role come September.Ìý

The placements provide hands-on experience and, I would think, can be a decisive factor in choosing engineering as a future career. They also strengthen a student’s CV and provide valuable contacts.ÌýÌýÌý

I cannot emphasise enough that we need more women in engineering. Sponsoring a place for a female student is a very good use of our funds, and I am excited that we have made this happen for a second year running.Ìý

Dr Reem AhmadÌý

I have been working with the MPBE Athena SWAN committee as the deputy chair for the past three years.Ìý

I think these placements give our students a unique experience where they can get a real idea of what a career in engineering will be like. I know from my own experience in a similar kind of placement that the insight gained from a placement is invaluable and helps build a network within the field.ÌýÌý

We had many discussions within the committee about how best to use our funds and with this placement it was a unanimous decision. We know that we need more women in engineering, and all agreed that this may help inspire a future engineer.Ìý

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