“By promoting diversity and inclusion, we are building a stronger, more dynamic academic community where everyone can thrive.” – Dr Freeha Azmat, Associate Professor

Meet Dr Freeha Azmat, Associate Professor in the Electrical & Digital Systems Group and Course Director for MSc in Digital & Technological Solutions Degree Apprenticeship at WMG, The University of Warwick. Freeha explains more about her career so far and the importance of highlighting women in engineering.

Freeha has a long list of recognition and awards throughout her career including;

· WMG STAR Award for “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion”

· WMG STAR Award for “Contribution to Undergraduate Education”

· Finalist of an Asian Woman of Achievement Award (Digital and Tech category)

· Received a Lord Bhattacharyya Award to address the engineering skills gap as part of Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme (LBEEP)

· Best Student Award, University of Leicester

· Best Theocratical Project Award, University of Leicester

Having always been passionate about academia driven by her love for teaching and research, Dr Freeha Azmat worked as a part-time lecturer whilst studying for her PhD at The University of Warwick.

“In 2016, after completing my doctorate, as Warwick Chancellor’s International scholar, I transitioned into a permanent academic role. This move allowed me to fully immerse myself in academic life, expanding my research and developing more effective teaching methods. My current position enables me to inspire and mentor students while continuing to explore new ideas and advancements in my discipline.

“The opportunity to engage with students and contribute to my field was incredibly rewarding and solidified my desire to continue in academia.”

Freeha tells us how she thrives in her role at WMG

“WMG is renowned for its strong industry-academia collaboration and emphasis on applied learning, which greatly attracted me to work here. Over the past eight years, I have thrived in this innovative and forward-thinking environment. The opportunity to engage in projects that bridge academic research with real-world industry applications has been incredibly fulfilling.

“Being part of such a dynamic department allows me to continuously learn and grow, working alongside experts and students who are passionate about making a tangible impact. This unique blend of academic rigor and industry relevance is what makes WMG a truly exceptional place to work.”

Promoting female role models in STEM can inspire more women to join the field

“Research and innovation thrive on diversity, enhancing collective performance. To meet the growing demand for future engineers, the engineering workforce must become more diverse, attracting more women to the field. Females with women in STEM role models show a greater interest in pursuing STEM careers compared to those without such role models. These women also seek more family support and are more aware of societal gender stereotypes in STEM fields.

“While females are generally less concerned about being compared to their male counterparts, they significantly benefit from having women role models in STEM. These role models are essential for maintaining their interest in STEM careers. Promoting female role models in STEM can inspire more women to join the field, thereby closing the gender and skills gap in engineering. This long-term strategy is crucial for fostering a diverse and effective engineering workforce.”

WMG offers an environment where the right opportunities can help women to thrive, Freeha explains;

“Our students are making a significant impact across various industries, from automotive and rail to fintech and banking. For instance, WMG and JLR Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice, (Parris Small), won the Apprentice Of The Year Award at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards in Birmingham.

“In 2023, I led a project (along with two other colleagues) to enhance research culture by improving women's access to and participation in research. This initiative provided internships to 20 female students from the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, allowing them to delve into engineering. Most students reported combatting imposter syndrome and self-doubt during their university years. However, the internships demonstrated their capability to excel in the workplace, boosting their confidence.

“This experience highlights that with the right opportunities and environment, female engineers can thrive and shine. Providing such platforms not only enhances their professional growth but also contributes to a more diverse and inclusive engineering workforce.”

Freeha has made significant contributions to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within WMG. Collaborating with diverse groups of students and colleagues, she has driven positive change and addressed inequalities.

“My efforts have supported numerous individuals in the department, enabling them to take on new roles and achieve their goals. As a result, 50% of our undergraduate course leads are now women.

“I have also led a series of guest lectures featuring inspiring women, where each speaker shared their experiences of overcoming challenges and seeking opportunities to develop their skills and capabilities. This lecture series has fostered an inclusive and empowering environment, providing valuable insights and motivation to all attendees.”

Freeha’s advice to young aspiring female engineers

“My advice for women in engineering is to trust your abilities. The field of engineering and technology is demanding, but your unique perspectives and skills are essential. Seek connections with female engineers who can provide guidance and support. Their experiences and insights can be incredibly helpful as you navigate your career.”

For more information about WMG careers please visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/careers/