Shows
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 6 - Chandra Vemury
Welcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
Chandra tells Andy about how a popular role model was the reason he move from India to Dundee to pursue a master’s degree in engineering, along with life settling in to a new city and finding new communities. Also, Chandra shares personal experiences of racism throughout North East engineering institutions and board rooms.
2024-02-1241 min
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 5 - Bob OgleWelcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
Andy asks Bob about how he got involved in engineering, after leaving school at 14 with no qualifications. Bob shares his experiences at C.A Parsons after securing an intense internship, such as being given files to harden his hands. They chat about occupational safety, being exposed to asbestos, compensation campaigns, and the dangers of working in a flour mill.
2024-02-0529 min
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 4 - David Trelevean
Welcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
Andy asks David about his early interest in engineering through LEGO, and taking his own initiative to find engineering-based vocational training opportunities, when schools career advice offered him lacklustre support. He shares his experience applying for and undertaking a British Engines apprenticeship, and day to day life in the factory.
2024-01-2926 min
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 3 -John McCabeWelcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
John tells Andy about his family’s migration from Ireland to Seaham Harbour in the 1880s, and his family history in the northern coalfields. John outlines his early experiences in the collieries, to working for British Coal Research and becoming an engineer. John shares his memories of the 1984 Miner’s Strike, marching, marriage, marras and receiving two chickens from trade unionists at Christmas that year. Also, John describes an almost fatal mini...
2024-01-2327 min
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 2 - Ruth BaldaseraWelcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
Andy chats to Ruth about the gender expectations she faced when making career choices at school. Ruth shares her career progression from truck garage receptionist to designing umbilical pipelines. Ruth recalls being a woman engineer navigating different attitudes and expectations in a male-dominated workforce and reflects on the small number of women applying to apprenticeships today. Also, they chat about the impact of deindustrialisation and globalisation in the North East.
2024-01-1725 min
The Common RoomOur Voices - Episode 1 - James HollanderWelcome to Our Voices, an oral history podcast by The Common Room in association with Dr Andy Clark, a research associate with Newcasle's Oral Hisotry collective.
Andy asks James about his engineering career overseeing the Tyne Bridge and lesser-known historic mining or rail bridges across the city. They reminisce the impressive installation of the Millenium Bridge. Also, they chat about shifting careers into the renewable sector, the challenges of building wind and solar farms, improving National Grid and energy distribution solutions, and the important role of apprenticeships in the North East.
Our Voices is a s...
2024-01-0937 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 13Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
'There’s an engineering for you, you just need to find the right one. So don’t let anybody tell you can’t, because you can.’ – Introducing Dr Nike Folayan MBE.
In this final episode of the series, Ngunan chats to Dr Nike Folayan MBE. Nike...
2021-05-1123 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 13Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
'There’s an engineering for you, you just need to find the right one. So don’t let anybody tell you can’t, because you can.’ – Introducing Dr Nike Folayan MBE.
In this final episode of the series, Ngunan chats to Dr Nike Folayan MBE. Nike...
2021-05-1123 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 12Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘I wanted to inspire more young girls and the next generation into engineering, and that was all because I became a mum and realised I want to make a difference’ – Introducing Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, a Senior Flight System...
2021-05-0418 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 12Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘I wanted to inspire more young girls and the next generation into engineering, and that was all because I became a mum and realised I want to make a difference’ – Introducing Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee, a Senior Flight System...
2021-05-0418 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 11Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“I think for anyone who’s thinking of going into engineering, it will bring out the problem-solving side of you, which is amazing” - Introducing Halimatu Abubakar
In this episode, Ngunan chats with Halimatu Abubakar. Halimatu is a Support Engineer at Collins Aerospace, having recent...
2021-04-2720 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 11Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“I think for anyone who’s thinking of going into engineering, it will bring out the problem-solving side of you, which is amazing” - Introducing Halimatu Abubakar
In this episode, Ngunan chats with Halimatu Abubakar. Halimatu is a Support Engineer at Collins Aerospace, having recent...
2021-04-2720 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 10Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“They need people like me at the table” – Introducing Gina Baker
In episode 10, Ngunan chats with Gina Baker, who works in supply chain analysis at packaging and recycling firm, DS Smith. Gina is an inspirational young engineer – in this episode, she discusses how she was the...
2021-04-2021 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 10Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“They need people like me at the table” – Introducing Gina Baker
In episode 10, Ngunan chats with Gina Baker, who works in supply chain analysis at packaging and recycling firm, DS Smith. Gina is an inspirational young engineer – in this episode, she discusses how she was the...
2021-04-2021 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 9Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“When they look at me and go, ‘you’re an engineer?’, I’m like, ‘yeah, but not like how you think.” - Introducing Laura Hoang
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Laura Hoang; an Aerospace Design Engineer currently working in Programme Integration at BAE Systems. Laura...
2021-04-1323 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 9Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“When they look at me and go, ‘you’re an engineer?’, I’m like, ‘yeah, but not like how you think.” - Introducing Laura Hoang
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Laura Hoang; an Aerospace Design Engineer currently working in Programme Integration at BAE Systems. Laura...
2021-04-1323 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 8Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“Once I overcome a problem, I am very committed to making sure that the next generation and people coming behind me don’t have to go through the same problems.”
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Ibilola Amao; Principal Consultant at Lonadek Global Servic...
2021-04-0821 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 8Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
“Once I overcome a problem, I am very committed to making sure that the next generation and people coming behind me don’t have to go through the same problems.”
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Ibilola Amao; Principal Consultant at Lonadek Global Servic...
2021-04-0821 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 7Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
'It’s a beautiful field and so complex, and I really encourage the younger generation to study engineering – it’s wonderful!”
In this episode, Ngunan chats Cristina Steliana Mihailovici, Doctor in Nautical Science and Engineering, Writer, Environmentalist, Economist, Project Manager, Lecturer, Analyst and Mum! Cristina...
2021-03-3020 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 7Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
'It’s a beautiful field and so complex, and I really encourage the younger generation to study engineering – it’s wonderful!”
In this episode, Ngunan chats Cristina Steliana Mihailovici, Doctor in Nautical Science and Engineering, Writer, Environmentalist, Economist, Project Manager, Lecturer, Analyst and Mum! Cristina...
2021-03-3020 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 6Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘What makes me an artist, makes me into a better engineer and what makes me into an engineer, makes me into a better artist’
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Shrouk El-Attar, electronic engineer by day, belly dancer by night. Shrouk identifies as queer, part...
2021-03-2321 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 6Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘What makes me an artist, makes me into a better engineer and what makes me into an engineer, makes me into a better artist’
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Shrouk El-Attar, electronic engineer by day, belly dancer by night. Shrouk identifies as queer, part...
2021-03-2321 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 5Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘Embrace unexpected outcomes because they are as important as your successful outcomes’ Episode Five – Introducing Ying Wan Loh
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Ying Wan Loh, 2019 IET Young Women Engineer Award winner. Ying is a chartered engineer, junior specialist in operations and passionate STEM a...
2021-03-1619 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 5Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘Embrace unexpected outcomes because they are as important as your successful outcomes’ Episode Five – Introducing Ying Wan Loh
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Ying Wan Loh, 2019 IET Young Women Engineer Award winner. Ying is a chartered engineer, junior specialist in operations and passionate STEM a...
2021-03-1619 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 4Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘I am a global citizen. I am part of a movement of young people wanting to bring change to our world.’ Episode Four – Introducing Dr Yewande Akinola MBE
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Yewande Akinola is a chartered engineer, innovator, dreamer and public...
2021-03-0924 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 4Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘I am a global citizen. I am part of a movement of young people wanting to bring change to our world.’ Episode Four – Introducing Dr Yewande Akinola MBE
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Yewande Akinola is a chartered engineer, innovator, dreamer and public...
2021-03-0924 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 3Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘Girls do have choices’ Episode Three – Introducing Dr Ozak Esu
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Ozak Esu, Smart Assets Lead at BRE. In this episode Ozak explains how her love of watching television as a child combined with an annoyance at power cuts i...
2021-03-0225 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 3Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
‘Girls do have choices’ Episode Three – Introducing Dr Ozak Esu
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Dr Ozak Esu, Smart Assets Lead at BRE. In this episode Ozak explains how her love of watching television as a child combined with an annoyance at power cuts i...
2021-03-0225 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 2Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Sophie Harker, Senior Aerospace Engineer BAE Systems. In this episode Sophie explains how meeting Dr Helen Sharman (first British Astronaut in space) when she was 19 years old, combined with her love of space inspired her to go on...
2021-02-2522 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 2Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Sophie Harker, Senior Aerospace Engineer BAE Systems. In this episode Sophie explains how meeting Dr Helen Sharman (first British Astronaut in space) when she was 19 years old, combined with her love of space inspired her to go on...
2021-02-2522 minThe Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 1Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Joyce Belny-Mellinge, Chemical Engineer and Managing Director of retail fashion business, 'Haus of Juicy'. In this episode, Joyce explains that studying chemistry at school, combined with a love of the arts, inspired her to pursue a career in...
2021-02-2520 min
The Common RoomThe Face of Engineering Episode 1Welcome to series two of our podcast. The face of engineering is forever changing and evolving, but who are the faces behind it and more specifically, the women? Let us take you on a journey exploring careers within the engineering sector. Join our host Ngunan Adamu as we bring you, The Face of Engineering podcast series.
In this episode, Ngunan chats to Joyce Belny-Mellinge, Chemical Engineer and Managing Director of retail fashion business, 'Haus of Juicy'. In this episode, Joyce explains that studying chemistry at school, combined with a love of the arts, inspired her to pursue a career in...
2021-02-2520 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 6In this podcast, Ruth explores some of the people who have worked at C.A.Parsons over the years, who have gone on to have great and interesting engineering careers. While researching, Ruth spoke to several of these people and retells wonderful anecdotes of their times at Parsons.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3120 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 6In this podcast, Ruth explores some of the people who have worked at C.A.Parsons over the years, who have gone on to have great and interesting engineering careers. While researching, Ruth spoke to several of these people and retells wonderful anecdotes of their times at Parsons.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3120 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 5Ruth discusses the company of C.A.Parsons, all the way from its foundation, through its expansion in World War II, to the work of engineers today who are rising to new challenges. She highlights some of the world’s first and the world’s largest revolutionary machines that were made at the factory, making electricity available to everybody, not just the privileged few.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3018 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 5Ruth discusses the company of C.A.Parsons, all the way from its foundation, through its expansion in World War II, to the work of engineers today who are rising to new challenges. She highlights some of the world’s first and the world’s largest revolutionary machines that were made at the factory, making electricity available to everybody, not just the privileged few.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3018 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 4Ruth explores the ship Turbinia, “an icon of Geordie engineering at its finest”, and her own journey towards understanding its significance. Parsons steam turbines completely changed marine travel, by hugely improving speed, comfort and working conditions on ships.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3018 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 4Ruth explores the ship Turbinia, “an icon of Geordie engineering at its finest”, and her own journey towards understanding its significance. Parsons steam turbines completely changed marine travel, by hugely improving speed, comfort and working conditions on ships.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3018 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 3In this podcast, Ruth provides an insight into the life of Rachel Parsons, the only daughter of Charles Parsons. Rachel was one of the first three women to study Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge, despite women being barred from getting degrees at the time. Ruth explores Rachel's roles both during and after World War 1, an extremely important time for women in engineering.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 3In this podcast, Ruth provides an insight into the life of Rachel Parsons, the only daughter of Charles Parsons. Rachel was one of the first three women to study Mechanical Sciences at Cambridge, despite women being barred from getting degrees at the time. Ruth explores Rachel's roles both during and after World War 1, an extremely important time for women in engineering.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 2In the second in our Pioneering Minds podcast series, Ruth Baldasera provides a brief insight into the life of Lady Katherine: engineer, wife of Charles Parsons and co-founder of the Women’s Engineering Society. Ruth explores the role Lady Katherine played in championing inclusion and diversity for women in the engineering sector.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 2In the second in our Pioneering Minds podcast series, Ruth Baldasera provides a brief insight into the life of Lady Katherine: engineer, wife of Charles Parsons and co-founder of the Women’s Engineering Society. Ruth explores the role Lady Katherine played in championing inclusion and diversity for women in the engineering sector.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 min
The Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 1In Episode 1 of our 'Pioneering Podcast' series, we invite you to delve into stories of the North East of England's industrial past.
Working in partnership with Ruth Baldasera, The Common Room present our very first podcast themed on the eminent engineer, Charles Parsons. Charles became an associate member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers in 1886, before joining formally in 1889.
The Common Room's archive and collection includes the Institute’s transactions, to which Charles contributed.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 minThe Common RoomPioneering Minds - Episode 1In Episode 1 of our 'Pioneering Podcast' series, we invite you to delve into stories of the North East of England's industrial past.
Working in partnership with Ruth Baldasera, The Common Room present our very first podcast themed on the eminent engineer, Charles Parsons. Charles became an associate member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers in 1886, before joining formally in 1889.
The Common Room's archive and collection includes the Institute’s transactions, to which Charles contributed.
Head to our website to explore images linked to this podcast: https://thecommonroom.org.uk/programme/explore-online/pioneering-minds-podcasts/
2020-07-3019 min