Departmental news

WMG, at the University of Warwick, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its Graduate Development Programme.

In the past five years, WMG has seen a total of 23 graduates complete the two-year scheme, with a further 24 part of the current programme.

Of those 23, 14 are working at WMG in engineering roles, and a further nine are employed by industry.

The programme provides graduates with an opportunity to accelerate their careers by undertaking a series of placements in different teams across the department.

Graduates complete up to three different project rotations in year one, followed by a more in-depth project in year two. It provides the perfect opportunity for self-discovery and valuable work experience, whilst earning a competitive graduate salary.

The scheme has grown in size since it was first launched, and graduates are now offered four distinct pathways of Energy Innovation; Smart, Connected & Autonomous Vehicles; Materials & Manufacturing, or Catapult Projects.

Friya Tailor, who completed the Energy Innovation pathway, and is now a Project Engineer at WMG, commented: “I became aware of the WMG Graduate Development Programme during my MSc project at the University of Nottingham.

“My research involved the development of lithium-sulfur cells for a range of applications. This closely linked to the everyday activities performed at WMG, which was my motivation for applying to the programme. The graduate scheme allowed me to translate the knowledge and skills obtained during my degree and use it in world-class projects with automotive industry partners. The rotational programme encompasses various placements that pushed me to work proactively and develop vital skills required in any working environment.”

Shivam Mishra, joined in 2021 after completing a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and a MSc in Sustainable Automotive Electrification. He commented: “I have worked in various domains ranging from automotive powertrains to aerospace motor manufacturing, learning both technical as well as professional skills. Working closely with industrial partners has given me the opportunity to enhance my commercial awareness in this ever-changing sustainable industry. I have improved my CAD and modelling skills along with learning niche hands-on manufacturing skills. I have also developed technical report writing skills allowing me to publish my first conference paper with my team.”

Harry Boyce, who is now a Project Engineer in the Automation Systems Group at WMG, commented: “The WMG graduate scheme is ideal for anyone who is keen to both develop their technical and personal skills. You have the flexibility to choose the direction for your projects and learn from an experienced supervisor.

“In my opinion the scheme is a great stepping-stone into research and industry from university. The strongest aspect of the scheme is the focus on development for the graduate. The Project Management module in the first year is a great example, this provides a certification in project management from the APM, and provided me with many useful skills I could apply to my projects.”

The opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact on society is a key driver for many applicants. Anima Rahman studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and is currently in the second year of the scheme. She commented: “A career in research is working with tomorrow’s technology. It is a chance to gain an insight into current challenges in the industry and play an active role in overcoming them.”

Jet Feng, who completed the scheme and is now a Lead Engineer at WMG added: "I think one of the most important aspects of the graduate scheme is the people I met. They have shaped who I am both professionally and personally, and taught me valuable life lessons that I will keep forever."

For some graduates the scheme has also opened up the opportunity for further study, with two of the 2021 cohort now studying for a PhD at WMG.

The scheme is part-funded by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, under the theme of Workforce Development. The UK has a shortage of skilled workers in the engineering sector, and it was recognised, by the Catapult that initiating and supporting a scheme that could upskill STEM graduates would be valuable to all – WMG as an organisation, the graduates themselves, and industry partners. In addition, WMG is keen to promote a diverse workforce in the STEM sector, in particular, encouraging applications from females and from BAME communities. Graduates on the scheme have generally studied engineering at university, although some have studied other STEM subjects

The scheme provides an opportunity to gain experience in different fields, without having to commit completely to one specific area. By rotating around a variety of placements, the graduates are able to build their confidence and skills, as well as learning what sort of work they enjoy and may wish to pursue.

In October 2023 a new intake of graduates will begin the scheme. Find out more about the programme here :https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/careers/gs/

Dr Serena Natile, Associate Professor at Warwick Law School, is the new Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Law in Context, a leading socio-legal journal published by Cambridge University Press. Serena will be working along Prof Penelope Andrews, Prof Marc Hertogh and Prof David Nelken.

When the Law School’s Dr Ali Struthers noticed the connections between Channel 4's Taskmaster and her academic field of law, she wondered how this could influence her outreach work - and the School Tasking project was created. The central press team caught up with Ali to hear more about the impact the project's had.

We are happy to announce five promotions in the department, with effect from 1st August 2023.

• Dr James Archbold has been promoted to Associate Professor (Teaching Focussed)
• Dr Richard Kirk has been promoted to Assistant Professor (Teaching Focussed)
• Dr Claire Rocks has been promoted to Reader (Teaching Focussed)
• Dr Ian Saunders has been promoted to Associate Professor (Teaching Focussed)
• Dr Sathya Subramanian has been promoted to Assistant Professor (Research Focussed)

Many congratulations to our colleagues for all their achievements!

GC Ventures is the latest investor in Interface Polymers, a developer of high-performance additives for performance plastics to enhance recyclability properties. Read moreLink opens in a new window

Emma Tetsill, who studied on our Law 3 year LLB degree and graduated in 2022, has written a touching story titled 'My Grandad and Covid - with underlying health conditions in care home, his life was no less valuable'. The heartfelt piece was recently published by our Lacuna Magazine and addresses the tragic human cost of the pandemic and government neglect.

Dr James Poskett, Associate Professor in the History of Science and Technology, has been awarded a British Academy / Wolfson Fellowship.

The British Academy / Wolfson Fellowships support early career researchers “who show outstanding talent in both research and public engagement and will communicate their research to a global audience.”

As part of the fellowship, Dr Poskett will be working on a research project titled, “The Scientific Revolution as Global History, 1200–1800”.

We are very pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Student Mentor Awards, an annual celebration of our students’ mentoring achievements.

The aim of the Undergraduate Mentor Scheme run within the Department of Economics, is to provide support to first-year students so they have a smooth transition into the Department and university life. It is also a great opportunity for our second and third-year students to enhance their skills and CV in their role as mentors.

The Student Mentor Awards winners are selected from three categories. Two of them, Best Overall Mentor and Best Mentor Team, nominated by student mentees who sent in examples of how they have benefited from having a mentor, and the Department Choice Award selected by the Department's Pastoral Team.

What is valued most by first-year students is having informal advice on a range of topics like module selection, clarifying module assessments, and help with practical issues, all done in ‘a casual, friendly atmosphere’ where students feel comfortable asking questions, making them feel welcome and supported.

We congratulate the following Student Mentor Awards winners:

Best Overall Mentor

• Chris Mucicka (Year 3 BSc Economics, Politics and International Studies)
• Sasha Gill (Year 3 BSc Economics)
• Pavitra Parsana (Year 2 BSc Economics)
• Laura Piontek (Year 2 BSc Economics, Politics and International Studies)

Best Mentor Team

• Sarim Poonawala (Year 3 BSc Economics) and Aashna Mishra (Year 2 BSc Economics)
• Andrea Sequeira (Year 2 BSc Economics) and Nishant Ramesh (Year 2 BSc Economics)

The Department of Economics Choice Award

• Milena Ermolenko (Year 3 BSc Economics, Politics and International Studies)
• Kehan Yan (Year 2 BSc Economics)
• Daira Povez Gamboa (Year 3 BSc Economics)

The winners attended a celebratory lunch on 3 May 2023 and received their prize vouchers.

Here is what the winners said about receiving their awards:

Daira Povez Gamboa

“Mentoring is about giving back: making an impact on your mentees and celebrating their achievements are the best rewards!”

Milena Ermolenko

“Being a mentee and receiving invaluable advice from EPAIS mentors in my first year, fuelled my desire to give back and become a mentor this year. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a mentor. Chris and I had a wonderful group of EPAIS students, who were always keen to learn more about their degree and ask questions about university life. Our frequent meetings were full of useful insights and engaging conversations. I recommend everyone in their second or final year to consider becoming a mentor. It is an enriching experience that facilitates teamwork, collaboration, and excellent time management skills.”

Parsana Pavitra

“Becoming a student mentor came with lots of opportunities to learn and grow as a person, build new relationships, and develop several transferable skills. Overall, it was an amazing experience.”

Kehan Yan

“I’m thrilled and grateful to have received the award! It signifies that my efforts have been recognised by the department and that I am acknowledged by my mentees for succeeding in helping them, even if it was in the slightest way. Although the mentor scheme is designed to assist the mentees, I have also benefited from the experience considerably. For example, my mentees often seek my guidance on academic matters such as studying tips. Whenever I provide advice, I am prompted to reflect on what I did in my first year and identify areas where I can improve, which I can then apply in both my current and next year of study.”

Would you like to become an Undergraduate Student Mentor in 2023/24?

If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, recruitment for mentors takes place in the Summer Term for the following academic year.

Please submit your online application on the UG Mentor Scheme Application webpage by 1 July 2023.

On Tuesday 25th April, the Outreach Team at WMG, University of Warwick hosted an Engineering Industry Day.

The Team welcomed 200, year 9 and 10, students who were identified by their teachers as students, from groups under-represented in engineering and STEM careers, with an interest and a potential to do well in those subjects.

The students came from schools across the region including Eden Girls School Coventry; WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry and Solihull; Colmers School and Sixth Form College; Nicholas Chamberlaine School; Lyndon School; Harris Church of England Academy; Barr’s Hill School and Community College; and KEVI Northfield School for Girls.

The group was welcomed by Professor David Greenwood, the CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director for Industrial Engagement at WMG, before being taken on a tour of the STEM facilities on campus.

Along with their teachers, they met academics and students, and heard about the research being carried out by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult; WMG and the School of Engineering. WMG Technical Services and the apprentices demonstrated their skills, and the Student Project teams - Warwick Racing and Warwick Mobile Robotics - showcased their work and shared their experience of studying engineering.

Participants also met with local companies including Jaguar Land Rover; Tata Motors; Aston Martin; National Grid ESO; Balfour Beatty; Wates; Willmott Dixon; National Grid; Tarmac and 3P Innovation, who provided them with advice and guidance about the skills and knowledge required to become an engineer.

They also received information about a range of support available from the Degree Apprenticeship Team; Student Funding; the Warwick Scholars Access Programme; the Sutton Trust Pathways to Engineering; the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Educational Programme and the Engineering Development Trust Programme.

WMG’s Outreach Project Officer, Marie Diebolt, who organised the event, explained: “With these types of events, and across our outreach activities, we work with our partners to close the engineering skills gap and inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM. We purposely timed the event to coincide with students selecting their GCSE subjects to enable them to make an informed choice and inspire them to consider a range of careers in engineering.”

Professor David Greenwood added: “We know that the UK manufacturing sector has a big skills gap – which WMG is keen to fill. Events like these help to shine a spotlight on the exciting career prospects in manufacturing – thanks to advances in digitalisation, automation and sustainability. The opportunity to speak to potential future engineers was a privilege, and the event was a great success.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programme here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)