Northumbria University celebrated International Women’s Day 2018! organised by IEEE-WIE (Women in Engineering) Northumbria, IET and Northumbria PGR Society. The International Women’s Day falls on 8th March and is celebrated worldwide every year. This year here at Northumbria University, UK, we celebrate it by having two inspirational speakers, Prof. Nicola Pearsall and Prof. Rosie Parnell, plus one amazing workshop led by instructor from Bev Fox.
Welcoming Speech: Geetika Aggarwal ( Chair IEEE-WIE Northumbria Affinity Group)
Geetika Aggarwal is the PhD student at Northumbria University,UK working in the field of Visible Light Communication under the supervision of Dr. Xuewu(Daniel) Dai, Dr. Richard Binns and Prof. Krishna Busawon. She is the student member of organisations such as IEEE and IET.
The first quest speaker was Prof. Nicola Pearsall, is a lecturer and researcher in the field of renewable energy at Northumbria University. She is also director of the Northumbria Photovoltaics Applications Centre and leader of the Energy Systems research group. She graduated from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology with an honours degree in Physics, before gaining her PhD in the area of indium phosphide solar cells for space applications from Cranfield Institute of Technology. She joined the University in 1989 whilst completing her PhD and has held a variety of research and teaching positions, before being awarded the title of Professor in 2004.
Prof Nicola Pearsall delivered a speech on the title ‘Reflections on a Career in Research’. She discussed the inspirations and the importance of trust in collaborative work during her career path and how the curiosity to learn and persistence are important in research.
The second facilitator was Bev Fox, who conducted a workshop on ‘Breaking the Fear and Unlocking Spontaneity’
With a 30-year career in improvisation, Bev Fox is one of the UK’s most accomplished improv teachers, and works internationally. Based here in Newcastle, her hometown, Bev is a founding member of the Suggestibles improv comedy group. She runs School of Improv (the longest established improv training ground in the country), and delivers tailored training to a range of people, from children in schools to big business execs.
Workshop by Bev Fox
The third facilitator was Prof. Rosie Parnell,is a Professor in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment and the PGR Director for her Faculty. Rosie’s research, teaching, and practice combine interests in children’s spaces, design process, participation, and architecture education. She also supported major organisations and small NGOs with associated research, training, and development – most recently as a member of the American Institute of Architect’s Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) Research Task Force. She taught at the University of Sheffield School of Architecture from 1998 until 2015 when she joined Northumbria. She received the University of Sheffield Senate Award for her teaching and a prestigious teaching fellowship at the Technical University Berlin. 
Prof. Rosie Parnell delivered a speech on the title ‘Passion Vision Dialogue’ explaining on her journey from a school student to becoming a Professor highlighting the 10 necessary points to remember to excel the work we do.
From left to right : Kahina ( President Northumbria PGR society), Isbellis ( Secretary IET- On campus Group), Geetika Aggarwal ( Chair IEEE-WIE Northumbria Affinity Group), Prof. Rosie Parnell ( PGR Director), Prof. Nicola Pearsall and Bev Fox
The event was supported by Prof. Krishna Busawon, Northumbria IEEE Branch Counsellor, IET local Network, Julia Stockdale and Kristen MacCartney, IEEE, and the IEEE WIE (Women in Engineering) team.
See you next event!