Graduate of the Year

Georgina Andrew, Amey

Georgina’s technical capabilities, management skills and professionalism sets her apart from her peers. Since graduating in November 2023, she has proven to be an accomplished Assistant Civil Engineer at Amey, discharging several key roles in often technically complex and fast-paced structures projects across Scotland. She leads the design of several refurbishment projects, maintaining vital existing bridges across Scotland in a cost-effective, safe and sustainable manner. She is passionate about streamlining tasks and implementing new methods to improve productivity. Whilst at an early stage of her career herself, she is already mentoring several junior team members, providing guidance and feedback on assigned tasks showing her outstanding leadership ability. She extensively participates in STEM outreach campaigns with several professional bodies, reinforcing her unwavering commitment to inspiring future engineers and achieving gender parity within the industry. Georgina is an inspiration to others and is destined to be a future leader in civil engineering.

Alex Browne, Stantec

As a graduate I have demonstrated a driving commitment to technical excellence, leadership and professional development. I’ve been recognised for ensuring team cohesion and sustainable development shown by awards for ‘Doing What is Right’ and national shortlisting for ‘Connection to Peers’, while driving a complex major water resilience scheme. I am committed to driving the future of engineering, participating in ICE and Pipelines Guild training events, while managing CPD events and project sharing across Stantec. As chair of the ICE Bristol & Bath Early Careers Network I lead 20 members to organise events, promote STEM and connect early careers Engineers with industry.I have taken opportunities to tackle international problems in the Water Aid Winnovators challenge, leading an interdisciplinary team designing WASH solutions in Papua New Guinea and I am presenting at the regional Pipelines Guild paper competition showcasing my technical knowledge and contribution to Engineering and knowledge sharing.

Georgia Lilley, Aecom

Georgia is an Assistant Project Manager at AECOM and an Incorporated Civil Engineer. She began her career as a structural engineer, focusing on commercial office and private sector projects, before transitioning to project management in 2024. Since then, she has supported the management of public sector projects in defence and healthcare, broadening her expertise.Georgia is a strong advocate for apprenticeships, women in STEM, and decarbonising the built environment. She was named ACE’s Apprentice of the Year and was a finalist for the BCO NextGen Rising Star Award for her pivotal role in facilitating steelwork reuse on a major London office refurbishment. She is featured in Dr. Shini Somara’s Engineers Making a Difference book, which showcases engineers driving positive change in the industry.

Katie O'Neill, Aecom

Katie is a passionate, impact-driven engineer dedicated to shaping safer, more inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure. Named ICE Scotland’s Emerging Engineer 2023, she was recognised for her technical contributions to suicide prevention, which she has advanced independently through collaboration with policymakers. At AECOM, she applies this expertise to developing infrastructure suicide prevention guidance and enhancing public safety.Her work in active transport, designing Glasgow’s City Network, supports net zero ambitions while championing inclusion. She applies feminist town planning principles and integrates insights from disability advocates, creating infrastructure for all.Beyond technical delivery, Katie is a catalyst for industry-wide change. As a mentor and STEM ambassador, she promotes the industry as a place for social change, co-leads a neurodivergent support channel, and uses her lived experience of disability to shape inclusive design frameworks.Empathy is at the heart of her approach, blending technical excellence and leadership to advance a more compassionate industry.

Matthew Reeve, Balfour Beatty

I am a Graduate Civil Engineer working for BB in the M&T Team, at SZC Nuclear Power Station. My role places me within one of the most technically challenging engineering projects in the world, including First of a Kind construction. At Sizewell C, my port selection strategy recommendation will reduce carbon emissions by optimising vessel trips and reducing journey times. My work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, where I proposed measures to minimise impact on marine habitats. For instance, I recommended revised dredge pocket dimensions to protect Sabellaria Spinulosa reef. As the Early Careers Community Lead for BB Major Projects, I support new starters, organise site visits, and promote inclusivity. This is in addition to my involvement with the LGBTQ+ Affinity Network, which has allowed me to share experience, build networks to support others and embed a positive accepting culture.