IOM3 Presidential Address 2023

President 2023-2024

Dr Kate Thornton CEng CSci FIMMM

Kate is the Chief Executive of ABMEC.

Kate studied Biomedical Material Science for her undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester. She then went on to complete her PhD in self-assembled peptide hydrogels for the three-dimensional culture of Embryonic Stem Cells at the same University.

Kate first became involved with the IOM3 as a student in the Younger Members' Committee (now known as the Student & Early Career Group) in 2008 and succeeded Neil Glover as President in January 2023.

 

Dr Aimee Goodall CEng CSci FIMMM

Chair, SECC (2022-23)

TATA Steel

Aimee is currently the Through Chain Value Manager for Tata Steel UK. Previous work experience includes working for 4 years as a Process Technology Specialist on the galvanising line in Llanwern, South Wales. 

Aimee studied for a Forensic Science undergraduate degree at De Montfort University, Leicester. During the degree she realised her interest for material science. Aimee then carried out a 3-month summer placement at the Corby, Tata Steel site. She gained a PhD in the Phase Transformation and Microstructural Modelling Group at the University of Birmingham looking at the heat treatment of high strength low alloyed steel. 

In her spare time, Aimee is a keen reader, swimmer and is part of a musical show choir. 

Martin Griffin BEng ACSM CEng FIMMM FICE FGS CGeol EurGeol

ADM3

Martin is a UK-based Principal Geotechnical Engineer who is a chartered engineer and chartered geologist and works for the international multidisciplinary niche consultancy GHD in their London office.  He is neurodivergent (autistic dyslexic and dyspraxic) and registered as disabled by being visually impaired.  Presently, he specialises in mining and ground risk and uncertainty and works on geotechnical engineering aspects for international mining projects from concept to closure including tailings dams, heap leach operations and open pit assessments.  Martin has also been involved in ground engineering teams for several UK civil engineering megaprojects. 

Currently, Martin is currently serving as Chairperson of Ably Different, Geological Society Vice President (with responsibilities for Equity Diversity Inclusion and Accessibility) and a former committee member of several other national executives (British Geotechnical Association, Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists, and Ground Forum), Geological Society Scrutineer for chartership candidates, former charity trustee of Keratoconus-UK, international journal peer reviewer for QJEGH and IAEG, STEM Ambassador to local secondary schools, Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers,  and a Ground Forum / STEER mentor for underrepresented groups. Martin has been a lay EDI Champion and Advocate since 2013 in the geoscience and engineering sectors, acting as an advisor, mentor, and is frequent LinkedIn blogger on all aspects of EDI, disability and neurodiversity. 

Chair, IOM3Pride

Avery Cunningham AIMMM

As someone who has been involved with IOM3 Pride since its inception, I am deeply committed to fostering spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and celebrated. With a professional background in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), experience managing international volunteer groups, and a track record of initiatives to support underrepresented communities, I bring a wealth of expertise to this role. As the inaugural winner of the IOM3 Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI, I am driven by a passion for creating meaningful change and ensuring that IOM3 Pride is a space where all members can thrive. My vision is to expand our reach and impact by supporting members across all career stages, from students to seasoned professionals, in bringing their authentic selves to their work. This includes serving as a supportive space for our allies by offering guidance, answering queries, and fostering a culture rooted in intersectionality.

Key priorities include embedding intersectional values into our programming to ensure all members feel represented, leveraging data-driven strategies to address member needs and measure progress, and strengthening IOM3Pride’s role in driving initiatives and influencing policies that support LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, I aim to expand partnerships with organisations championing LGBTQ+ inclusivity in STEM, creating enriched opportunities for members to connect, share resources, and collaborate. Together, we can ensure that IOM3Pride remains a vibrant and empowered network that celebrates diversity and drives meaningful change within IOM3 and the broader STEM community.'

Margaret Wegrzyn

Ceramics Group

Chair, Ethnic Minorities in Materials, Minerals & Mining (EMM3)

Ajay Kapadia

Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI

Mr Avery Cunningham AIMMM

University of Birmingham

Engineering a better future: Weaving EDI into Materials Science

Equity/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are more than just buzzwords in the modern world; they are crucial elements for fostering innovation and growth. Here, Avery will talk about what EDI truly means, why it should be a central concern for every professional/student, and the profound impact it can have on both individual careers, the broader field and the future of people coming into the profession. We will hear how Avery developed their own work into EDI, first as an undergraduate student in nuclear and materials science, into his current work as a widening participation outreach officer, working to encourage the next generation of material scientists as well as actionable steps we can all take to make our workplaces, our lives and spaces for the people around us a better place. Attendees will be equipped with knowledge and resources to actively promote and contribute to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture in their respective fields. The aim is to inspire a commitment to EDI, paving the way for a future where materials science not only advances technologically but also becomes a leading example of societal progress and inclusivity.

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Avery currently works as the Outreach Officer for the Levelling Up scheme at the University of Birmingham. This national scheme works to get underrepresented groups into chemistry, physics, mathematics and materials science. Prior to this Avery studied Nuclear Science and Materials at the University of Birmingham.

Avery became involved with IOM3 as a founding member of IOM3 Pride back in 2020 before becoming Vice-Chair of the network in 2021. He currently is the Director of Student Membership for oSTEM (Out in STEM) managing over 100 student chapters globally and founded their UK Regional Conference which will be celebrating its 5^th anniversary in 2023. Avery has worked with universities across the UK using his experiences as a transgender, bisexual, autistic disabled man to educate and advocate for real change in STEM for people who are LGBTQ+.