Young Structural Engineer of the Year 2007
Brenda Shonkwiler, of engineering consultants Gifford, has been awarded the Young Structural Engineer of the Year Award for 2007. This annual award, presented by IStructE, acknowledges young structural engineers who demonstrate outstanding performance and show exceptional promise for the future. Brenda was presented with her award at the IStructE Annual Dinner on 11th May 2007 and received a prize of £1,500 and a certificate of commendation.
Brenda, 27, is currently an Assistant Engineer with engineering consultancy Gifford. Her case study project was the £25 million South Bromsgrove High School which comprised a three-storey building, with a steel-framed sports hall forming an additional wing to the main building. The judges noted that not only did Brenda clearly describe her work and her learning’s; she also demonstrated that she was an integral part of the design team.
The person who nominated Brenda stated: ‘Once in a while you get Engineers that join your organisation who are competent in many and sometimes all areas of your business. I believe Brenda is one such engineer…I have found her ability to be quite exceptional for her years.’
Oliver Edwards, a Graduate Structural Engineer with Scott Wilson, was awarded the runner-up prize and the prize of £500 and a certificate. Oliver’s project was Blyth Jex High School in Norwich, which is a £9.5 million scheme and has only just commenced the construction phase. The judges noted that Oliver demonstrated a good technical understanding of the project as well as the educational and social aspects underlying it.
Since 2000, IStructE's Young Structural Engineer of the Year award has recognised young structural engineers who have demonstrated outstanding performance and who shows exceptional promise for the future. It is supported by Nicholas Ratcliffe FIStructE and the IStructE Educational Trust.
Previous Winners
2005 - Sally Preston
2004 - Joanna Bonnett
2002 - Martin Simpson
2000 - Clare Gardiner
