The Royal Academy of Engineering and Amazon have announced the 2022 recipients of Amazon Future Engineer bursaries to study computer science and related engineering courses at UK universities.
The awards, which provide a support package of up to £20,000, 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.
The Amazon Future Engineer bursaries aim to help address underrepresentation and accelerate the rate of progress – women are significantly underrepresented in engineering and technology in higher education. UCAS data on university application and acceptance figures for the 2021 cycle highlighted that women represent just 16% and 18% of accepted applications to computer science and engineering degrees respectively. At the current rate of progress, parity of women in engineering degrees will still not be achieved until 2085.
This year, 31 bursaries have been awarded – more than double the number awarded in 2021 when the scheme launched – to students progressing from A Level, Scottish Highers or technical education courses to university education in the 2022/23 academic year.
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: “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.”
A student from Harrogate has been named as one of this year’s recipients of the Amazon Future Engineer bursary.
Lenka Senešiová, who is studying a Master of Engineering in Computer Science programme 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.
Growing up in Slovakia, Lenka Senešiová was always told she should be a lawyer when she grows up, a path she never thought to question. After moving to the UK at 15 on a scholarship to attend Harrogate Ladies College in North Yorkshire, Lenka found herself encouraged by teachers to explore STEM subjects, leading her to think about a different future.
“I often wish I could’ve started my education in the UK earlier. The all-girls school I attended here showed me there is so much more diversity in the types of education and careers we could pursue as women. I shifted focus from essay-based subjects to mathematics which I really enjoyed, and I also started thinking about what my hobbies were and realised that I loved computers.”
Currently, Lenka is in her first year of a Master of Engineering in Computer Science programme at Aberdeen University and she wants to one day work as a race engineer, much like Hannah Schmitz who is the Chief Strategist for Red Bull Racing and one of the only female race engineers in the industry.
“Imagining a career working for the F1 Championships excites me and I would not have been able to give it a thought if I were not pursuing a STEM degree at university. Seeing women like Hannah working in such a competitive industry and doing well is a real inspiration and gives me hope that I could achieve my dream job one day.”
Receiving the Amazon Future Engineer Bursary has made it possible for Lenka to continue her studies in the UK and pursue that dream.
“It’s much more expensive to study here compared to my home country. Before receiving the news that I had been selected for the bursary, I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to continue my education here. Now I know I can focus on my studies and enjoy my university life without worrying about the financial side of things.”
“I was with my brother standing in line on a hot day, waiting to visit Westminster Abbey, when I got the email for the bursary. I was so excited I had to call my mum right away, squealing to let her know the news. I’m sure everyone in line was very confused why I was so happy!”
Alongside the monetary award, awardees will gain exclusive access to networking groups to meet positive role models from Amazon and the Royal Academy of Engineering, interact with like-minded peers, build long-term relationships, and benefit from collaboration opportunities.
View the full list of recipients on the Royal Academy of Engineering website https://raeng.org.uk.
