Laura Knowles

"I'm a Investigator: which it exactly what engineers do, investigate, solve problems and look for opportunities to improve. I am Influencer: I work with people of different cultures, job positions of various projects. Sometimes the work I do if difficult and I need to have difficult conversations, whilst this can be hard, I don't let it get me down as I know I am doing the right thing. I am a Campaigner and Coach: I care about the people I work with and others. I am a champion of inclusion and seek to learn and understand cultures and views that are different to mine."

"I help support the different manufacturing plants across Europe with Health, Safety and Compliance. Chemical Manufacturing can be hazardous, but if the right things are put in place, be that automation, procedures, training etc. we can manage the risk and ensure that we keep the plant and employees safe. It is my job to support the sites in doing this.Additionally, laws and regulations are changing all the time. Think about plans to reduce plastic waste in the world? Governments are setting out rules for industry to follow to be honest about the amount of waste they produce and how it is disposed. If we don't follow the rules, we could be fined or be stopped from manufacturing. It is my role to help the sites figure out what they need to do and how they should do it. Similar goes for carbon emissions and all sorts of other regulations.I feel very proud that through my work I am helping to the world a safer and more sustainable place. "

"After leaving school and completing my GCSE's I had my first child. Being a very young mum, I wanted to ensure myself and my son had a bright future so went to college to complete my A-levels. I knew since school age I wanted to be a Chemical Engineer, so I then went to University to get a degree.My first job after graduating was at Unilever as a trainee project engineer, working in deodorants manufacturing. I worked on various different projects over four years, working up to Project Engineer level. It was great going to the supermarket and see on the shelves the results of projects I'd been a part of.I left Unilever and had my second child. After that I went to work for a company called Rohm and Haas as a Process Engineer, as I missed the \"chemical\" side of chemical engineering. Unfortunately the site closed down after 6 months of me being there.I went to work for a company called PPG, who make Johnstones paint. This was my first health and safety role as Process Safety Manager. It was my job to advise the site on how to manage the chemical and processes in a safe manner.After 2 years the site I worked at previously that close down, reopened again under a new company called Dow, I jumped at the chance of going back. I stayed there for 10 years in various roles as, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Operations Leader and Maintenance Leader. I love working in the manufacturing plant, at times it was hard work and long hours but no day was ever the same and the variety of work I did kept me engaged. However after 10 years I decided it was time to move on. I still work for Dow but in a regional health and safety role. I love working with the different sites, and different people from all cultures."

"I have a very big family so most of my spare time I spent with them. I like going to the gym, swimming and running as I find it the best way to unwind after a hard day at work. I like to push myself and have done many challenges for charity, including the London Marathon, climbing Mount Snowdon and even skydiving! I love going to concerts, particularly rock music with my son, but any live music. This year I went to see Michael Bublé with my mum, then a couple of weeks later Metallica with my son!"

"My day mostly involves answering e-mails and attending meetings virtually. I work from home full time as I work with people all across Europe. I am a supporting role for the manufacturing sites so I am there to advise when they have issues related to health, safety and compliance. I am involved in many projects, so we have project meetings or I may spend time working of my actions to drive the project forward. This might mean creating a guidance document or procedure or presenting to leadership. Not one day is the same and I have the flexibility to work when I want to, so it fits around my home life. Occasionally I get to travel and visit the sites that I support."

"A- Levels: Physics, Maths and ChemistryBEng in Chemical EngineeringMBA: Masters in Business Administration. I have recently gained this qualification by studying part time whilst working"