Celebrating women in engineering – UHI North, West and Hebrides graduate wins Sidney Black Memorial Engineering Award

Chloe Dunnett, a BEng Energy Engineering graduate from Wick, is the 2024 recipient of the Sidney Black Memorial Engineering Award. This prestigious award, now in its fourth year, is presented to a female graduating engineering student, at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) who demonstrates a combination of excellent academic achievement, personal attributes or a contribution to society or student life.

The award is generously donated by Lois Gray, an Engineering Lecturer based at UHI North, West and Hebrides Thurso campus, in memory of her late father.

Lois, who was also Chloe’s tutor for many years, said:

“I am delighted to present this award to Chloe Dunnett. This award is given to honour my father, who was an engineer for 73 years. He strived to improve communications infrastructure in Canada, Africa, and the UK, working until the age of 91. When I chose an electronics career, initially deemed unsuitable for women, my father inspired, supported, and encouraged me, throughout.

“Chloe exhibits similar inspiring qualities, as an ambassador for women in engineering, a diligent student, a dedicated employee, and an affable young lady. She has navigated a difficult academic environment, balancing her studies with a technician career, to achieve a well-deserved BEng award.

“I hope that, as well as continuing the work my father started, to promote women in engineering, this award will give Chloe impetus in her own endeavours, to shine in a male-dominated environment. I know she will go on to be an excellent energy engineer who will make significant contributions to changing the world for the better.”

Chloe expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I am honoured to receive this award, and I want to extend a special thanks to Lois for all the support and encouragement throughout my studies.

“I was fortunate to undertake my degree while working as an Instrument Technician at Dounreay, where they excelled in promoting equality in a male-dominated workplace. However, I am not blind to the fact that the gender divide within the industry remains prevalent. This is why it is important that we continue to encourage and support women in the engineering industry, to strive towards a more equitable future with new perspectives.”

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to our donors, including members of UHI partnership staff like Lois Gray, whose generosity and dedication to our students make awards like the Sidney Black Memorial Engineering Award possible. This award not only celebrates the achievements of exceptional graduates like Chloe Dunnett but also highlights the critical importance of engineering skills to the future growth and prosperity of our region.

"Chloe’s success is a testament to her hard work and determination, and we are proud to see her represent the values of UHI. Congratulations to Chloe on this well-deserved accolade, and our thanks to Lois for her inspiring commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers.”

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