How I’ve been enhanced by engineering
Tri-Tech 3D
Stratasys UK and Ireland Supplier offering 3D Systems, materials & training.
This year’s International Women in Engineering Day theme, "Enhanced by Engineering," highlights engineering's vital role in everyday life. It’s a great time to celebrate female engineers, but also to demonstrate how supportive companies like Tri-Tech 3D champion inclusivity and drive innovation. Reflecting on my career, there are countless ways engineering has enriched both my life and others around me, showcasing the transformative impact of fostering diversity and technological advancement.
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Revathi Timms, technical sales specialist representing Stratasys certified training centre, 3D Print Academy
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I developed a fascination for engineering at an early age, taking inspiration from my father — an instrumentation engineer and professor who founded a manufacturing company named after me, Revathi Electronics and Controls. His unwavering tenacity encouraged me to pursue a career in the field.
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Navigating a predominantly male field during my education was not without its challenges. As the only woman of colour studying engineering at my college, I felt I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. However, my teachers knew how representation and diversity can bring fresh perspectives and drive innovation in the field, which offered great support.
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Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a range of projects, but a standout was definitely discovering the unique capabilities of 3D printing. During my career I founded Avatar Enterprise Ltd, where our team had the opportunity to develop a system that could use a variety of materials, including the capability to 3D print in chocolate. In collaboration with the UTC Aston University’s engineering academy, we travelled around local innovation and school events to share the technology with students — their excitement was infectious!
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As a STEM ambassador, I continue to advocate for more women in engineering and a more inclusive industry. Engineering isn’t just about machines and numbers; it’s about creativity, problem-solving and making a tangible impact in the world.
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“The sooner that young people can engage with engineering hands-on and understand it in an industrial context, the sooner they can discover the opportunities available to them. Organisations can play a valuable role in supporting the curriculum, providing digital equipment and support from field engineers and STEM ambassadors.”
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Reflecting on my journey, the most valuable lesson I've learned is resilience. Challenges are inevitable, but each setback is an opportunity for me to learn, develop, grow and innovate. My work at Tri-Tech 3D and involvement with Stratasys have demonstrated the importance of staying at the forefront of digital technology and software solutions. As engineering evolves with advancements like 3D printing and artificial intelligence, it's vital to keep up to date, sharing best practices to businesses, educating them to be Lean and Agile and to remain sustainable. I am excited about the future and the endless possibilities and progression that lies ahead.
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For anyone considering a career in engineering, remember that it’s a field brimming with potential. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about vision, creativity and the courage to push boundaries. Remember to explore opportunities as they appear — we’re encouraged to make big career decisions at such a young age, but there’s opportunity to enter the industry at any stage in your career. Embrace the journey, and let your passion for innovation guide you.
Revathi Timms is a passionate engineer and entrepreneur, dedicated to promoting diversity and innovation in engineering. With extensive experience in a wide range of industry sectors, her aspiration is to continue inspiring the future generation of engineers to “think differently”, introducing them to Lean principles, additive manufacturing and sustainable solutions.
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