Mechanical Engineering graduate Helen Meutermans and Architectural Engineering alumna Karolina Prusicka won Graduate of the Year award and Undergraduate of the Year award respectively at the annual CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) celebrations earlier this month.
Helen Meutermans, who graduated in 2022 and now works for AtkinsRealis as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer, was awarded the accolade for her passion for integrating sustainability into her projects and encouraging young people to consider STEM careers by offering mentoring and work experience programs. Helen’s notable projects have included DecarbonomicsTM and working across the Heathrow Asset Management and Compliance framework.
Helen said: “I am thrilled to have been named CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year 2024! I have really enjoyed the experience of putting together a presentation and being able to share my ideas on inclusive design for the workplace with so many people on the awards night. I have never felt that public speaking comes naturally to me but winning the award has given me a massive confidence boost. I am now looking forward to attending the ASHRAE Winter Conference in February in Orlando, being able to expand my network and attending a week's worth of talks on developments in the Building Services industry.”
Karolina Prusicka, who has just graduated with a first class degree, was awarded Undergraduate of the Year for her commitment to designing buildings that actively combat climate change. During her placement with the sustainability and physics team at Buro Happold, Karolina delved into carbon accounting and energy modelling and this practical experience broadened her understanding of low-carbon design and influenced her dissertation topic.
Karolina said: “I’m really happy to have won and I’m glad that the topic I chose for my dissertation is seen as important.”
Congratulations also to MEng Architectural Engineering graduate, Hasan Shwaish, who was nominated in the Undergraduate of the Year award category.
Open to all CIBSE student members in their final year of BSc, BEng, MSc and MEng study, the prestigious awards recognise exceptional young engineers, as well as the employers who nurture and support the next generation of industry leaders.
Read on for more about the awards on the CIBSE website and all the winners here.
