GIVING BACK
STEM champions for inclusivity
How three Heriot-Watt University alumni are giving back by championing change as role models for underrepresented groups in the world of STEM.
Judith Abolle-Okoyeagu, Megna Rajagopal, and Farnaz Mohsenpour are inspiring women who want to encourage others to engage with and pursue their aspirations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
By sharing their stories and passion for their professions, they hope to ignite enthusiasm and confidence in others to engage with STEM subjects and roles, particularly those who are underrepresented in industry.
Women can lead with exceptional viewpoints:
Dr Judith Abolle-Okoyeagu
My unique perspective wasn’t weakness but rather a strength.”
Dr Judith Abolle-Okoyeagu
Dr Chika Judith Abolle-Okoyeagu has recently received the Outstanding Achievement award in the 2025 Scottish Women’s Awards ‘Achievements in Science & Technology’ category and was recognised as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in 2024.
She is deeply passionate about increasing female representation in engineering and is the founder of the Ecstemtic Network. As an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM, Judith is dedicated to creating opportunities and fostering an environment where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive in these fields.
Judith was always curious to learn how things worked. So, there was a certain inevitability to her attraction to the field of engineering, which she has come to love dearly, though it has not been without its challenges.
Currently, she is a Principal Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering and Head of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department in the School of Engineering at Robert Gordon University. She obtained her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt.
“No two days in engineering are the same,” explains Judith “and that keeps me hugely enthused for this field. A typical day might involve reviewing designs for my research students, collaborating with teams on sustainable energy solutions or mentoring young and aspiring engineers.” Much of her time is spent on lectures and public engagement, sharing her knowledge with students, speaking at conferences, and advocating for gender inclusivity in the field.
But having found herself the only woman on many occasions on her journey, she had questioned if she really belonged in this field so frequently described as ‘a man’s world’. “Those moments made me build confidence and further realise that my unique perspective wasn’t weakness but rather a strength,” she comments. “Now I see the drive towards sustainability as remarkably encouraging, and an area where women can lead with exceptional viewpoints.”
Emerging trends will help shift traditional gender roles:
Megna Rajagopal
Megna Rajagopal is a Clean Energy Market Research Analyst II at Solarabic DMCC. An alum of the WE expedition for Women Leading in Renewable Energy, she is passionate about gender equity and advocates for a more inclusive future.
Learning about the harmful effects of fossil fuels as a child began Megna Rajagopal’s interest in sustainable development. She describes learning about energy efficiency in grade four as a turning point. “From that moment, I committed to reducing my energy use and helping the Earth,” she explains. “It guided my choice of major in Renewable Engineering and my master’s at Heriot-Watt.” She completed an MSc Global Sustainability Engineering at the University.
Now, in her role at Solarabic, she applies her technical expertise to analyse renewable energy trends, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. She has conducted extensive research on solar PV reliability and raised awareness about climate issues.
“I lead the management and expansion of a database tracking 600+ solar and storage projects across 21 MENA countries, as well as hiring, onboarding, and supervising 15+ research interns,” Megna explains. She also participates in initiatives such as the Women in Renewable Energy Expedition and the Women in Energy Mentoring Program, which support the development of future leaders and encourage greater inclusivity in the clean energy industry.
Megna regards advocacy for gender equality and inclusive hiring practices as essential to creating an environment where women can excel. “Investing in women leaders will unlock potential for effective leadership in the energy transition,” she comments. “I’m excited about the growth of renewable energy, energy storage, and the hydrogen industry, which promise to create new job opportunities for women. These emerging trends can help shift traditional gender roles and foster a more inclusive environment.”
Growth of renewable energy promises new job opportunities for women.”
Megna Rajagopal
STEM education can be a transformative force:
Dr Farnaz Mohsenpour
I saw the direct impact of equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies in action.”
Dr Farnaz Mohsenpour
Dr Farnaz Mohsenpour is Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Assistant Executive Dean for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) for the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt. She completed an MSc and her PhD at the University.
Farnaz was inspired by a female family friend who was a chemical engineer working in the food industry. So motivated by her story, she decided to study the discipline herself: “An important aspect of my decision to study engineering was its universality, and the opportunity it could bring to work anywhere in the world. I initially studied in Iran and then continued my postgraduate studies in the UK.”
A pivotal moment in her journey came through participation in the Aurora programme that aims to prepare women for leadership roles. “It gave me newfound confidence,” Farnaz explains. “I took on Deputy Head of Discipline and Director of Studies for first-year undergraduate students, and then I later became the Global Head of Chemical and Process Engineering.”
Under her leadership, Chemical and Process Engineering ranked first in the UK for National Student Survey results, and Farnaz won teaching awards nominated by students: “I saw the direct impact of equality, diversity, and inclusion strategies in action,” she comments.
As an Iranian woman, advocacy for gender equality has always been close to her heart. Farnaz firmly believes that continuous reflection on EDI principles strengthens the foundation of inclusive engineering practices: “STEM education must remain a transformative force, not only for individual career success but for broader societal impact.”
Sharing stories is an inspirational way to give back.
We would love to hear about your success and inspire our Heriot-Watt community.
Please get in touch with the Alumni team if you would like to give back in this way.
