International Day of Women & Girls in Science: Meet Devi!
- Feb 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 10
On International Women & Girls in Science Day, we celebrate the women shaping the future of science, engineering, and technology. One of them is Devi, a Structural Engineer at Solarport, whose journey reflects curiosity, resilience, and a deep commitment to building a more sustainable world.
Building Safe, Smart Structures in Renewable Energy
Devi currently works as a Structural Engineer at Solarport, where she supports active solar projects from concept to delivery. Her role involves responding to structural design queries, coordinating closely with project teams, and developing solutions that are safe, efficient, and buildable.
Her day-to-day work includes structural modelling, load assessments, connection design, and reviewing geotechnical information. She also prepares detailed structural calculations and reports, ensuring that every design meets both technical standards and real-world construction needs.
Curiosity Sparked Early
Devi’s interest in science and engineering began at school, where mathematics and physics quickly became her favourite subjects. She was driven by curiosity, not just wanting to know what worked, but why. Problem-solving and analytical thinking came naturally, and over time, that curiosity evolved into a clear path toward engineering.
Academic Journey
She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University in India, before moving to London to pursue a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering at the University of East London.
Devi’s postgraduate studies were strongly focused on real-world engineering challenges, code-based design, and practical application, an approach that closely mirrors the work she does today. This hands-on academic experience helped her transition confidently into the engineering industry.
Structural Engineering
Specialising in structural engineering marked a defining moment in Devi’s journey. While the field is often perceived as challenging and male-dominated, she was drawn to its technical depth and the responsibility that comes with designing structures people rely on every day.
The sense of responsibility and impact continues to motivate her work.
Inspired by Family
Devi’s family played a significant role in shaping her career path. Her mother worked as a building supervisor, and growing up, her office was part of their home. From an early age, Devi was surrounded by drawings, measurements, and site discussions.
Visiting construction sites with her mother and seeing projects take shape left a lasting impression. Long before she formally chose civil engineering, those early experiences had already planted the seed.
Overcoming Personal and Cultural Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Devi faced was moving from India to the UK for higher studies. Coming from a traditional cultural background where unmarried women moving abroad was not always encouraged, she had to overcome initial resistance and help her family understand her goals. Taking that step became a powerful moment of both personal and professional growth.
Another pivotal moment came three years ago, when Devi was diagnosed as neurodivergent. Before her diagnosis, she often felt out of place and struggled with focus and self-understanding. Gaining clarity helped her better understand how she works, recognise her strengths, and identify areas for improvement. This self-awareness has since had a positive impact on both her academic and professional performance, making her more organised, proactive, and confident in tackling challenges.
Milestones Worth Celebrating
One of Devi’s proudest achievements to date is earning the GIStructE designation, after successfully completing the Graduate Structural Behaviour Examination conducted by The Institution of Structural Engineers. This validated her technical knowledge and reinforced her commitment to the profession.
Receiving visa sponsorship from Solarport has also been deeply meaningful. As someone relatively new to her role, it reflects the trust the company has placed in her abilities and potential, and has further motivated her to deliver high-quality engineering work.
She has also returned to the University of East London as a panellist for “Engineering Exchange – Voices from the Field.” Returning to the university where she studied and sharing real-world industry insights with current students was particularly rewarding.
Why International Women & Girls in Science Day Matters
For Devi, International Women & Girls in Science Day represents progress, visibility, and opportunity, especially for women from backgrounds where technical careers are not always encouraged. Working as a woman in structural engineering within the renewable energy sector reinforces a simple but powerful truth: ability is not defined by gender, and representation truly matters.
Improving access for women in STEM starts with early exposure, visible role models, inclusive education, and supportive workplaces. When organisations actively invest in diversity, they create environments where women are not only able to enter STEM fields, but are also supported to thrive and progress.
A Message to the Next Generation
To young women and girls considering a career in science or engineering;
“Stay curious, trust your abilities, and don’t let stereotypes define your choices. Challenges are part of the journey, but persistence and self-belief matter far more than perfection. You belong in these spaces, and your perspective has value.”
The Future
Looking to the future, Devi is most excited about continuing her work in renewable energy, where structural engineering plays a direct role in building a more sustainable world. Applying technical knowledge to meaningful, real-world impact is what drives her, and her journey so far has been shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference through engineering.
For more information on International Women & Girls in Science Day, click here.
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