Help shape IChemE’s future (and your own)

With elections for IChemE’s Board of Trustees and Congress scheduled for April, Adam Duckett caught up with three current members to discuss their experiences and why they’d encourage others to stand

HELEN RAMSAY joined the Board of Trustees as an ordinary member in May after volunteering for IChemE for over 20 years.

“I was very interested to join the Board particularly as Yvonne Baker had recently joined as chief executive – I felt she brought a unique and future-focused approach to IChemE that I wanted to support.”

Tawana Muchatuta also joined in May as the regional/ordinary member for rest of world. He has previously served on IChemE’s national Malaysia board and Commercial Committee.

“Joining the Board of Trustees presented an opportunity to influence the institution’s strategic direction. I also wanted to continue to represent the rest of world given my relationship with current and potential future member regions.”

A fresh perspective

Fiona McIntosh joined Congress in 2021 and is serving her second term as an early careers representative.

“I originally applied for the role as I had just graduated and started working in an industry without many visible chemical engineers. I thought that some of the struggles I was facing would be mirrored by others.”

McIntosh says she wants to use her time on Congress to bring a fresh perspective and provide a voice for early career members.

With her background in medical devices, Ramsay wants to showcase the wider applications of chemical engineering.

“I think it’s important to see chemical engineers of the future working in a wide variety of industries and I wanted to help make that more visible.”

Muchatuta helps ensure the board retains a commercial perspective on appropriate matters, including strategic discussions.

“I’m particularly excited about contributing to the board’s focus on digital transformation. It’s an area that has the potential to revolutionise how IChemE operates and engages with its members globally.”

McIntosh has been excited by Congress’ discussions on what chemical engineering will be like in the future and how to prepare.

“The fundamental skills and knowledge that chemical engineers possess will be transferable to new roles as they become available,” McIntosh notes, adding that Congress members have explored how training and changes in education may be required to help members become competent in these new roles and ways of working.

Enriching experience