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Eco-conscious engineering graduate wins Transporter Bridge Award

10 November 2021

 

A Teesside University engineering graduate with a passion for sustainability has been recognised with the prestigious Transporter Bridge Anniversary Award for outstanding work in his final year project.

The Transporter Bridge Anniversary Award was presented to Jay Allison (left) by Emma Hughes, Chair of ICE Teesside (centre) and Peter Conlan, Regional Chair of CIHT (right)
The Transporter Bridge Anniversary Award was presented to Jay Allison (left) by Emma Hughes, Chair of ICE Teesside (centre) and Peter Conlan, Regional Chair of CIHT (right)

The Transporter Bridge Anniversary Award was developed in partnership between the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Teesside University.

It identifies talented and innovative engineering graduates who have demonstrated their potential through ground-breaking final year projects.

Prize winner Jay Allison, who studied BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering in Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, developed his final project with an environmental focus.

Jay designed an innovative, sustainable drainage system (SUDS) for the Teesside University campus, which contributed to him achieving a first-class honours degree.

Jay said: ‘I feel extremely proud to have received this award. I am passionate about the topic I covered and worked hard on my dissertation, so to be recognised in this way is a great feeling.

‘Throughout my career, I am hoping to contribute as much as I possibly can towards a more sustainable future, through green infrastructure and sustainable design. I will also hopefully contribute through education and teaching.’

The BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course covers topics including building structures, construction materials and management, geotechnics, fluid mechanics and infrastructure.

It is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators, representing the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and the Institute of Highway Engineers.

Jay added: ‘Teesside University has offered me the perfect environment to pursue my passion.

‘My supervisor was always very supportive and encouraged me to think originally, the library services and resources provided me with everything I needed to complete high quality, well-referenced work and the courses that I have studied have enabled me to be the best version of myself academically.’

Teesside University is proud to develop highly skilled innovators who have the confidence and skills needed as they embark on their journeys within industry, and sustainability is key in this moving forward.

Sustainability is a core consideration of any civil engineering project and it is very encouraging to see that this is reflected more and more in the way in which our students approach their final year projects.

Valeria Bona, Course Leader for the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course

Valeria Bona, Course Leader for the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering course, said: ‘I am really pleased that Jay has been awarded the Transporter Bridge Award this year.

‘He has been a dedicated and hard-working student throughout the three years of his course, showing a genuine interest in civil engineering design and sustainability.

‘Sustainability is a core consideration of any civil engineering project and it is very encouraging to see that this is reflected more and more in the way in which our students approach their final year projects.’

Jay is now undertaking the MSc Environmental Management course at Teesside University to further develop his skills and knowledge in sustainable innovation.

Paula McMahon, ICE North East Chair, said: ‘I am delighted to see this prestigious award presented to Jay, who is a very worthy winner.

‘Awards such as this highlight our region’s impressive engineering history whilst celebrating our bright future. This award showcases our home-grown talent and our great educational institutions; we should of course be very proud of both.

‘This award is the outcome of ongoing collaboration and, as Founding Chair of Engineering Together, I am pleased several groups are truly working together to enhance the profile of Teesside and the North East.

‘We very much look forward to next year’s award being part of the graduation ceremony.’

Dr Tosh Warwick, Transporter Bridge historian and Deputy Chair of the Tees Transporter Bridge Taskforce, said: ‘The Tees Transporter Bridge is an important part of the area’s engineering history but also a key part of the area’s industrial heritage.

‘When the award was first established with Teesside University by Rodger Wakerley and Alan Murray from the Transporter Bridge, the intention was to ensure the Bridge helped inspire engineers of the future and it is fantastic that this continues today.’


 
 
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