Background and industry experience
Hope joined MEC in May 2025 as a Graduate Flood Risk Engineer. She studied BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at Nottingham Trent University, Followed by MSc Environmental Monitoring, Research & Management at Loughborough University, before joining MEC. Hope has a Graduate ISEP accreditation, and would like to work towards a Graduate CIWEM accreditation.
In her spare time, Hope likes going on long nature walks and hikes, and enjoys supporting the local music scene.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Finland (Lots of lakes!)
What is your favourite film?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably pizza (with vegan cheese) – a nice, cosy option
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
My role as a graduate flood risk engineer involves producing flood risk assessments, drainage technical notes, and drainage strategies implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) into new developments.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
My inspiration for going into flood risk engineering happened while I was still studying at uni, when Storm Babet hit and the town I was living in experienced extensive flooding. It made me realise the importance of mitigating flood risk to prevent homes from flooding in future scenarios.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I have found being a woman in engineering to be very rewarding.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
I have not experienced any gender-related challenges with being a woman in engineering due to the supportive network within the workplace.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
It is very important to get women into engineering roles, as there is still a disparity between genders within engineering; however, this gap is being bridged with more women entering engineering careers.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
I would definitely encourage more women into engineering roles, as there are definitely fewer barriers than in the past in regard to being able to fulfil the role.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
My future career plans are to work my way up from graduate to engineer, and to work towards professional accreditations.
Contact: hope.waters@m-ec.co.uk