Cherie Gardiner

"The three main results of Explorer, Investigator and Developer are the main personality traits of Engineers. I want to explore different solutions, investigate results and what made them happen in that way and develop better methods for the future."

"I am a research student at the engineering department of my university. I read other research and select information from that to help my work. I then use a 3D printer to print new materials and then test the materials on other machines and study the results to see what has improved. I share this information through papers, conferences and meetings. I am also a teaching assistant to the undergraduate students. I enjoy job variation and that I am responsible for my project development. Every day is different when you are working on machines and solving problems. There are lots of opportunities to travel to international conferences. To progress I can stay in research and the university or I can change careers and work in a lot of different industries as my skills are transferrable."

"I had to look to a variety of different role models for certain individual characteristics. I looked at my Auntie for her ambition and work ethic and my old boss for his technical skill and approachability."

"I enjoy dancing, cooking and going for walks."

"Every day is totally different in my job, which I love and it is up to me to set what gets done each day. Some days I am at my computer answering emails, creating presentations and using Excel. Other days I am in the laboratories running experiments on machines."

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) GCSEs (A*s and As) specialising in Additional Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology and DesignPost secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) AS Levels in Maths, Physics and Technology and Design (3 As)ACCESS Course (98% average in all modules) Post-graduate degree (MSc, MA, etc.) -MEng Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry (First Class Honours)Duke of EdinburghSentinus Engineering Programme."