Punam Gohil
Development Engineer - R&D at Groupe Atlantic
Be fearless and don't let anyone get in the way of achieving what you want to do. If someone doubts you, prove them wrong!
About Punam...
Who am I?
"I think the personality types do suit me, I'm someone who likes variation and when I learn something I really want to know everything about it. I like to use the information that I've learnt towards a more practical use such as problem solving and learning even more throughout the process (I'm definitely a big fan of those 'Eureka!' moments you experience throughout learning and doing!). "
What do I do?
"I'm a Development Engineer working within the Research & Development department of a HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) company.My job role revolves around new product development and new product introduction. The projects I'm involved in require various tasks such as research, testing and analysis - on appliances and on current/potential materials.I love being able to apply my theoretical knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion, and polymer materials towards solving problems and delivering practical solutions."
How did I get here?
"Doing my Bachelor's and Master's in Chemical Engineering have me a glimpse of the practical applications of engineering and how varied it is. I attended workplace tours, seminars, conferences, science festivals, and other various events which allowed me to network and realise what I could be involved in. I found it truly amazing and inspiring and this made me realise that I wanted to be involved in Research & Development (where you can really apply the science that you've learnt!). I got involved in events to do with encouraging women into manufacturing & engineering, and being a demonstrator at an annual science festival. Having to the opportunity to design an experiment and also being able to explain why structures behave differently was incredible."
The life I live
"Music (Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, French Horn), Art, Reading, Hot Yoga, Salsa, Learning something new or getting stuck into a new project! (Coding, Electronics, etc.)."
My typical day
"Regular updates with the project team and different departments within the business.Testing appliances to assess their performance and to meet legislative standards.Testing materials to characterise them and see how they perform.Speaking to other manufacturers and suppliers.Looking at renewable solutions."
My qualifications
"A-Levels: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics.Master's Degree: MEng - Chemical Engineering.Course: Agile Design & Thinking"