WIM3 | Innovative Women Engineering The Future

Dr Emma Claxton CEng FIMMM

Programme Manager, Rolls-Royce

Dr Emma Claxton received her PhD from Imperial College in 1996 and joined the Materials Function at Rolls-Royce plc, working in the field of high temperature ceramic matrix composites. During her time in the materials function she worked in the Capability Acquisition Team and was technical lead for Brite-EuRam programmes.  She switched to working for Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems in 2003, working primarily on the sealing and joining of solid oxide fuel cells.  In 2012 Emma moved back to the world of Civil Aerospace where she in now Programme Manager for UltraFan Fan Validation, running the Rig Development work with an annual budget in excess of £9 million.  The programme includes all sub-element, component and sub-system testing for fan blade, fan case and outlet guide vanes; generating data to validate stress, impact and design methods as well as component validation. Introduction of a composite fan system is key to RR being able to develop the next generation of more efficient UltraFan engines, enabling the business to remain competitive in the aero-engine market.

Emma is a Fellow of IOM3 and has chaired the Ceramic Science Committee since 2011. She has also been an active Board member of the Ceramics Group, formerly the Ceramics Society.  As an approved CEng Assessor she has also supported IOM3 with interviewing over the last two years.

Dr Liane Smith CBE FREng FIMMM

Director, Larkton

Liane Smith is an internationally renowned engineer and entrepreneur.  

Her working experience covers 40 years, working globally, mostly in the upstream oil and gas sector. 

An expert in corrosion analysis and materials selection, she has also created some world-leading software products during her career.

Marianne Sanderson MChem (Hons) CSci MIMMM

ESG Business Partner, Morgan Advanced Materials

Marianne spent 10 years working as a Materials Scientist and then Technology Manager in structure ceramics at Morgan Advanced Materials, focussing on the development of new grades and overcoming manufacturing challenges. Last year she transitioned to the sustainability team and is now working to reduce Morgan’s fossil fuel consumption and to build their life cycle assessment competence.  

Professor Catriona Schmolke FREng CEng FIMMM

A highly established executive professional with specialisms in sustainability, business transformation, purpose-led strategy, decarbonisation and multicultural working. With over 3 decades of experience delivering Infrastructure Consulting services to international businesses, both private sector and major government agencies. A pioneering engineering hydrogeologist, honoured by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) for her contribution to environmental management, sustainability and industry leadership. Catriona retired in 2020 from fulltime role with US Jacobs Engineering where she held the role of Global Senior Vice President for Operational Centers of Excellence to build a plural career. Catriona is a Non-Executive Director with the Scottish Water Group of companies, and will join the Board of a major UK R&D organisation on August 1^st. Catriona is a Trustee on the Board of the RAE where she also holds the role of Vice President of Fellowship Engagement. Catriona is passionate about encouraging women into leadership roles and creating excitement about engineering to help bring STEAM opportunities for all. She is a Visiting Professor at Newcastle University in Sustainability, Risk and Resilience and through her own consultancy CharlieFive Ltd she provides executive coaching and mentoring.   Married with three grown up daughters, Catriona is based in Glasgow with her engineer husband and dog Luna