I identify as queer and have felt very included within the engineering department in Sheffield.

Why did you choose your particular engineering course?

I chose General Engineering because I feel like it allowed me to take a more focused look at each of the specialisations before choosing which engineering discipline I wanted to join. I will then decide in which direction to go when I enter my third year of studies and eventually my masters.

How would you describe your time and experiences at University in relation to any challenges or opportunities related to equality, diversity or inclusivity?

I identify as queer and have felt very included within the engineering department in Sheffield. As a member of both the 'LGBT+ Society', and the 'LGBT+ in STEM Society' I have found many opportunities to meet and communicate with other queer people at Sheffield.

Do you think diversity in engineering is important?

Yes 100%! Representation of the LGBT+ and BAME communities alongside other minority groups' in engineering, is very important as visibilty will have a huge impact on how engineering is viewed by those groups. This will have a knock-on effect with the intake of new engineering students, a field that needs to be expanded.

Alongside the effects that diversity and representation have on those currently in engineering, areas such as improved happiness, productivity, team work, idea diversity are a happy by product of having a welcoming, diverse university experience.