Meet the Innovator: Trailblazing Titi Oliyide, IET's YWE 2023 Award Winner

Embark on an inspiring journey as we unravel the extraordinary story of Titi Oliyide, a trailblazing engineer who has left an indelible mark on the world of safety engineering and green hydrogen technology. As the proud recipient of the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award 2023, Titi takes us on a captivating ride through her career, from the early days fueled by a passion for mathematics and science in Nigeria to her pivotal role in revolutionizing safety measures for projects like the Elizabeth line. In this exclusive interview, she shares her triumphs, challenges, and invaluable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of engineering. Join us in celebrating Titi's journey and exploring the transformative power of engineering innovation.

Can you share a bit about your journey as an engineer, from the early days of your career to the present?

I got into engineering due to my keen interest for mathematics and science subjects in secondary school. I obtained a first-class undergraduate degree in chemical engineering in Nigeria. Thereafter, I moved to the UK to complete a master’s degree in advanced chemical engineering at Imperial College in London. My journey into engineering began at my first role after my master’s degree, where I worked as an engineer on safety, risk and reliability assessments for oil and gas facilities. In my 9-year career, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide range of complex and international projects. These projects have highlighted to me the importance of minimising risks in the energy and transport infrastructure industries. I currently work on enabling the safe innovation of electrolyser technology in the green hydrogen industry.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, particularly in the energy sector?

From an early age, I recognised that engineering as a profession with which I could greatly impact people’s lives. I am particularly interested in the energy sector because it is required for practically everything around us; heating, transportation and industrial activities.

As a trailblazer in the field, what challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

A common challenge is the misconception is that women cannot be engineers. This is mainly due to the depiction of engineering in the media. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when engineering is mentioned is men in greasy overalls. This is why sharing my journey, meeting and networking with other women in engineering is important to me. The more visible female engineers are, the easier it is to rewrite the narrative.

Tell us about a project or accomplishment in your career that you are particularly proud of. What lessons did you learn from that experience?

I am particularly proud of achieving professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Engineering and Technology. It was a personal goal I set out to achieve after I completed my master’s degree and I was very pleased to achieve it in September 2022. I learnt, from the professional registration process, the importance of focus, resilience, community and mentorship to success.

How do you approach innovation in your work, and what role do you believe innovation plays in the energy sector's future?

Innovation is fundamental to successfully achieving net zero emissions by 2050. These are very ambitious goals, so we need to do things differently in order to succeed. Innovation requires utilising creative and analytical skills to develop new solutions to our current challenges. I also ensure that I look back on past/current solutions and identify lessons learned. In addition, innovation is heavily enhanced through the collaboration of diverse minds and thought processes to achieve the best available solutions.

In a constantly evolving field, how do you stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in engineering and energy?

Engineering is developing quite quickly in response to the pace of the challenges we seek to solve. In order to stay current, I devote time to learning and professional development across a wide range of topics. This could be through reading news articles and attending networking and knowledge sharing events.

As the winner of the IET YWE Awards 2023, how has this recognition impacted your career and your perspective on the role of women in engineering?

It is an incredible honour to be named the 2023 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year. It has been a great platform to accelerate my career through the opportunities provided to participate in various technical initiatives. The awards are an excellent way to raise the profile of women in engineering and recognise the technical excellence that women bring to the engineering profession.

 Can you share a memorable moment or experience that defined your path as an engineering innovator?

The solutions that engineering provides are more than just calculated numbers or complex engineering drawings. These solutions revolutionise people’s way of life; in travel, energy or healthcare. As a safety engineer, I analyse and challenge engineering designs to identify hazards within the process/system. These hazards are then eliminated or mitigated to ensure the smooth running of the engineered system. Safety is integral to the sustainability and longevity of the solutions that engineering provides. I have had the opportunity to contribute to the innovation of complex systems such as the Elizabeth line, which has greatly impacted the ease of travel into central London. I am currently working on enabling the development of innovative electrolyser technology for the safe production of green hydrogen.

What advice do you have for aspiring engineers, particularly those looking to make a mark in the energy sector?

My advice to aspiring engineers would be to develop a wide range of skills, particularly analytical, team work and communication skills. These are important because the energy sector is multidisciplinary, so it essential to analyse complex information, communicate results and develop a unified solution in collaboration with other team members.  It is also important to be curious and stay informed on other solutions being developed globally, in order to foster innovation.

How do you envision the future of engineering, and what role do you see yourself playing in shaping that future?

The future of engineering is exciting! Engineers possess a myriad of skills that are required to solve pressing global challenges around climate change, sustainability, the built environment amongst others. I see myself contributing to the technical solutions to these challenges, as well as encouraging diversity and inclusion within the profession.

If Titi Oliyide's remarkable journey has ignited a spark within you, don't miss the chance to stay connected with this trailblazing engineer! Follow her on Instagram @Engineer_titi for a glimpse into her daily adventures in the world of engineering and innovation. Connect with Titi Oliyide on LinkedIn to be part of her network and witness the incredible impact she's making in the industry. As a driving force for change and a beacon of inspiration for female engineers, Titi's career continues to redefine what's possible in the world of engineering. Let her story be a guiding light on your own path of innovation and success!