IZZY'S JOURNEY

FROM CHILDHOOD DREAM TO ENGINEERING REALITY

Izzy's journey into engineering began early. At just ten years old, she already knew she wanted to be an engineer. With a GP for a father and a biology teacher for a mother, STEM education was strongly encouraged in her family. 
After studying Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at university, Izzy joined the SSEN Transmission graduate programme where she quickly distinguished herself. Within two years, she had completed the programme and moved into a permanent position with the team.

MAKING AN INTERNATIONAL IMPACT

Izzy's specialised work has earned her a place on prestigious international committees, including two CIGRE working groups: B2.83, which focuses on mitigation of conductor noise at surface level, and B2.89, which studies the influence of rain on conductor noise. She also contributes to the UK Transmission Network Operators Working Group, sharing knowledge and developing solutions that benefit the entire industry.
 

What makes Izzy's rapid rise particularly remarkable is that she developed this expertise entirely through collaborative learning at SSEN Transmission, working alongside experienced engineers on conductor noise research.
 

This specialised knowledge has significant practical applications for grid infrastructure, particularly in managing the electric fields around overhead line cables that can cause crackling and popping sounds during rainy or foggy conditions.

CHAMPIONING INCLUSION

As an autistic individual, Izzy is equally passionate about making the energy industry more inclusive and diverse.

“I’m really grateful that I get the time alongside my day job to work on inclusion and diversity initiatives,” she says, “As a steering group member for our Disability, Neurodiversity and Chronic Health Belonging group and a pillar co-lead on our I&D committee I get to really push for change not only in SSE but across the industry.”

She sees a direct connection between inclusion and the industry’s broader goals, which she recently presented on at Utility Week Live.
 

“The growth of the network is such that we haven’t seen in over half a century and without creating an inclusive and psychologically safe environment we won’t be able to attract, retain or get the best from the workforce we need to hit these goals. I’m really proud to get to be one of the voices advocating for change and hopefully proving to the next generation that they can do this too.”

RECOGNITION AND FUTURE VISION

Izzy's contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been shortlisted for five industry awards, a testament to both her technical expertise and her commitment to creating a more inclusive industry.