How long have you been with Mott MacDonald?
Since October 2004

What did you do before starting at Mott MacDonald?
After Graduating from Bristol University I spent the summer travelling around Europe, doing my first (and quite likely last) sky dive from a helicopter and learning to drive.

What made you choose your career?
I felt Civil Engineering gave me the chance to work with lots of different people and find practical solutions to problems. Opportunities for travel and working around the world, allowing me to use my languages (especially during an Erasmus year in Grenoble, France) were other plus points.

What's the best bit of your job?
The best bit of my job is definitely the people I get to work with.

What's been your favourite project?
Working on Crossrail was a really useful experience, especially as it meant I learnt a lot about getting around in London but my favourite project has to be A3 Hindhead because the work has been so varied and there is a really good team relationship.

What are your professional interests?
The majority of my work so far has involved the Geotechnical aspects of tunnelling and lining design, especially using finite difference packages (FLAC, ADINA) but I am currently branching out into drainage. I am a keen advocator of programmes that encourage young people to try careers in engineering and am a supervisor for the Headstart scheme; part of The Royal Academy of Engineering's Best programme.

What are your personal interests?
I like dancing; out and about and at the gym, cooking, eating out, travelling, music of all kinds and love going to gigs and to musicals.

With very short notice, you are sent off to a remote, unpopulated desert island. You are allowed to take 6 items with you, 3 essential and 3 luxuries. What would you take?

Essentials:
Camping Stove
Penknife
Torch

Luxuries:
I would try to steal Orlando off Kate
Fondu Kit (complete with Cheese and Chocolate)
Duvet

Abridged description of yourself (3 words)
Blondish Incurable Romantic