Episode #12

• Suk-yi is a Chemical Engineer who graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science, and a double degree in Chemical Engineering & Environmental Engineering 
• Also has a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (Air Quality Engineering) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
• She is currently an Air Quality Scientist and Environmental Consultant at ERM 
• Suk-yi is the founder of the Caffeine Trifecta – created in response to Melbourne’s coffee culture

• Climate change adaptation… how can engineering plan and adapt to the changing environment. 
• Ultimate in climate adaption – moving a Lighthouse – discussed on the Podcast 99% Invisible Podcast ep293
• Need to start thinking about the mitigation pathway, there might be engineering needs to adapt to environmental changes. 
• The client might ask you to assess the risks – how should they adapt and plan for change. 
• Come at it from a purely science and engineering point of view, engineering has the answer 
• “Look at it purely from an engineering point of view, there are probably more things that can be done… we are not doing enough at this point because policy is never straight forward.” 
• More debate is good as it brings the issue to the forefront.

• How influential a teacher can be in guiding a student’s study. 
• Didn’t become the design engineer like had planned as started work in a consulting firm – but was able to indirectly influence the design by being able to utilise her engineering skills. 
• Finds it difficult when a client doesn’t accept the recommendations being put forward due to extenuating circumstances.  Hard not to feel dejected. 
• Finds it very satisfying being in the environmental field as she always wanted to make a difference to the environment. 
• Policy can always be improved when new data or new evidence comes through 
• First role in Singapore was selecting a site for a large infrastructure project that required her to call upon multiple engineering fields. 
• The large variety of projects and challenges an environmental engineer could work on, especially in air quality… possibly an engineer’s dream! 
• Would like more female engineers! 
• Climate change features more now on the radar than when Suk-yi started engineering. 
• If engineering is what you love to do, just do it.  It doesn’t have to end up being the path of an engineer… sometimes life chooses a different path.

An engineering item for discussion. The Harbour Bridge and dams (e.g Hoover Dam) – admiring the work required to hold back and control nature. 

An engineer to admire. Professor Kenneth Knowll … even though she only had 2-3 classes with him, he gave her such a huge influence.  Suk-yi ended up studying with Prof studied with his student, she ended up having Professor Mark Ruth as an advisor. 

Website: www.engineeringheroes.com.au 

Facebook: @BeerWithAnEngineer

Instagram: @BeerWithAnEngineer.podcast

LinkedIn: Beer With An Engineer

Melanie on LinkedIn

Dominic on LinkedIn 

Our drinking game.  You can’t have a beer with an engineer without having a drinking game!!  Anytime Dom says “ummm” or Mel says “so”… drink up!