Beyond the Classroom: Lessons Learned in Industry: Romesa Khawaja's Story

Last month, I wrapped up my 12-month placement as an Environment and Sustainability placement student at Tata Steel. As I reflect on the year, it's difficult to fully express how rewarding this experience has been.

Some of the highlights of my projects included serving as the local biodiversity lead for the Sheffield site, where I supported the broader biodiversity working group and implemented initiatives such as the installation of bird boxes to enhance the local ecosystem. I also worked in an interdisciplinary team to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study comparing different steel grades used in electric vehicle motors. The LCA study aimed to identify the most sustainable steel option in terms of environmental impact. I presented the findings of the LCA study in quarterly review meetings to project funders, stakeholders, and coordinators, who were very receptive to the results. Additionally, I successfully organized sustainability workshops with project partners to raise awareness of sustainable design principles and explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of new electric vehicle motor designs. Furthermore, I conducted a comprehensive cradle-to-grave LCA of a steel highway crash barrier system using specialized software, LCA for Experts. This analysis provided valuable insights into the environmental footprint of the barrier system throughout its entire lifecycle. Finally, I delivered an engaging technical seminar on one of my projects to the wider Environment and Sustainability department, sharing my expertise and knowledge with colleagues and stakeholders.

It wasn't all work, though! As a site representative for MAGNET, Tata Steel UK's young professionals network, I contributed to initiatives such as a Christmas charity gift hamper appeal and organized a local community litter pick. Outside of MAGNET, I arranged a rewarding volunteering day at Heeley City Farm, where we got our hands dirty helping multiple projects around the farm. I also led the formation of a lunchtime knitting and crocheting club and organized and participated in other social activities.

While I was sad to say goodbye to Tata Steel, I'm excited to return to The University of Sheffield to finish my integrated masters in General Engineering and apply everything I've learned during my time there.