A STUDENT from Glasgow has been named as one of this year’s recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer bursary.
Hannah McCormick, who is studying Computer Science at the University of Aberdeen, is one of 31 women students across the UK to receive the bursary this year.
The Amazon Future Engineer bursary, supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, provides a support package of up to £20,000 to women students from low-income households progressing from A Level, or technical education courses to university education.
The awards have been granted to women students from low-income households who demonstrate a drive and passion for computing and engineering, and an understanding of how innovation and creativity in these fields can help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
Alongside the financial support, successful candidates are matched with an industry mentor, and provided with training and networking opportunities. During their time on the programme, awardees can expect to collaborate with like-minded peers, as well as meeting leading engineers, who’ll inspire them to think big and make their voices heard in their chosen fields.
Hannah recently moved from Glasgow to Aberdeen to study computer science and is excited to explore the different specialisms she could build a career in. She commented:
“I had quite a cool IT teacher at school who taught us about cybersecurity, cryptographers and Alan Turing, the mathematician who broke the Enigma code in the second world war using the bombe machine he built.
“This pulled me into computer science, and so did spending time with my uncle who taught me about robotics through remote control boats and cars we played with.”
Hannah had an interest in aerospace engineering too, but she realised she preferred the software side of engineering best and has thrown herself into her new course.
“I really enjoy programming, problem solving is quite fun especially the moment when you find a solution. I would love to work in cyber forensics or make disability aids. I was a young carer and looked after my parents and two siblings before I came to university, so I saw how beneficial that work can be.
Hannah applied for the Amazon Future Engineer Bursary after a teacher shared a link with her once exams were over.
“When I found out I got the bursary it felt really good. It’s the first bursary I’ve been successful at applying for, and we celebrated on results night with a dinner. The networking opportunities that come with it will really help me start to plan my career.
“I’m hoping at university I can start to figure out the steps to start building the ideas I submitted on my application. They are big ideas so will definitely take some time, but I think being surrounded by people who are into computing and engineering will help me figure out my starting point. I want to keep studying after my degree and get involved in university research.”
Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “The ideas put forward by this year’s awardees in their applications amply illustrate the ingenuity and creative talent that exists among women who are underrepresented in engineering. The Academy and Amazon have a shared goal of increasing diversity within the profession, and we will continue to seek out talented individuals like these to help ensure that our community is more representative of the society it serves.”
Lauren Kisser, Technology Director at Amazon UK and Ambassador for Amazon Future Engineer, commented: “If we want to continue innovating and inventing on behalf of all customers, then a diverse and representative workforce is absolutely essential. We’re delighted to expand the Amazon Future Engineer bursary scheme to 31 fantastic women students and we hope they go on to achieve great things as our innovators of the future.”
