IMechE names Developing Engineer of the Year at the Young Member Awards

Nilla Karlsen-Davies, Partnerships and Business Engagement Manager for engineering, physics and chemistry in the Faculty of Science & Technology at Lancaster University, is the 2019 winner of the IMechE’s prestigious Developing Engineer of the Year Award.

The award recognises excellence in Young Members who have already completed engineering qualifications. Karlsen-Davies says she was shocked to have been recognised with this accolade.

“I was surprised, proud and honoured to have received recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in to get to where I am today. In many ways the award is a testament to the wide array of opportunities available with an engineering qualification; we can be innovators, creators, analysts, managers or future leaders. Engineers can provide benefits to society in many different ways, I hope that this award will inspire others to pursue engineering.

“In a way, this award validates the path I’ve chosen and the kind of work that I’m doing. It shows my employer that I’m taking an active approach to my continued development, being recognised by an external body for my technical skills, business acumen and transferable skills.

“I hope this award will help me realise my aspiration to be part of the next generation of leaders."

Karlsen-Davies has a message for those future engineers she may be helping to guide on their careers in the future,

“Follow your passion, find what makes you spark and make the most out of every opportunity. Don’t be afraid to fail or go down a different, unexpected path. Behind each failure or unknown door lies an opportunity to learn and grow, to do something better and to embark on a new chapter.”

Christian Young, who chairs the IMechE’s Young Members Board, agrees, and says Young Members should not be embarrassed about nominating themselves for an award, but also encouraged more experienced members to nominate the young engineers they see carrying out exceptional work in the field.

“I would encourage our Young Members not to think that way, but instead look at the interesting work they are doing and consider entering it because it may not be as boring to other people as it might be to them. I would also encourage other members to nominate people for the awards, and I try and encourage lots of managers to put their outstanding young engineers forward for consideration as well.”