This International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we shine a light on Izzy Howe, Senior Safety Engineering Consultant at SQEP Ltd, one of the brilliant minds shaping defence safety.

Early in her career, Izzy shared that she often found herself one of the only women in the room, an experience which could feel daunting at times, but through her journey she has had the opportunity to work with and learn from many inspiring people. She drew inspiration from her sixth-form science teacher, who played a key role in sparking her interest in STEM.

Izzy recently completed an MSc in Military Electronic Systems Engineering at Cranfield University, gaining deeper insight into advanced electronic systems – knowledge she now applies to assure the safety of critical defence equipment. Her dissertation explored alternative navigation solutions for UAVs operating in GNSS-denied environments, particularly in autonomous and unpredictable scenarios. This expertise directly supports SQEP’s work on safety-critical autonomous systems, helping ensure mission success across complex defence programmes.

Her advice for young women considering a career in STEM: “Go for it. If you enjoy problem solving and understanding how things work, STEM offers a huge range of interesting and impactful careers. Don’t let stereotypes or self-doubt hold you back.”

“Stories like Izzy’s reflect the calibre, curiosity, and collaborative spirit of all SQEP engineers. We’re proud to foster an environment where women working in science and engineering feel empowered to thrive.” says Paul Mayo, Founder and Director SQEP Ltd.

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