Science is for everyone

We are excited to host the first University of Sheffield Science Grrl public lecture 'Science is for everyone.' This free and one-off event scheduled around Ada Lovelace day will be given by Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, an eminent local female engineering researcher.

Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon

Elena has had a long and prolific career with her achievements inspiring and encouraging others. Hailing from Mexico, Elena joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield in 2001 having previously worked in industry for seven years in project management, product development, quality control and business planning. Elena, in addition to being a mechanical engineer, has MBAs in Industrial Relations and Industrial Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

In the last eleven years Elena has developed three degrees which aim at embedding enterprise and management in engineering. She is also the founder of the Ibberson Centre for Enterprise, better known as the E-lab, which has become the first enterprise satellite for the White Rose Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Enterprise (WRCETLE), now known as University of Sheffield Enterprise (USE). Not only is Elena the founder and Director of USE, in 2011 she became the Faculty’s first Faculty Director of Women in Engineering, a project which encourages more young women from students to staff to see their future in Engineering. She also co-ordinated the Inclusive Learning and Teaching project, working to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds achieve their full potential, and that all students feel included in the teaching process.

Elena stepped away from her role as Faculty Director of Women in Engineering in July 2014 to take up the position of Faculty Director of Communications and External Relations where she will undoubtedly have a significant impact going forward. Elena combines all these roles with being a Professor of Enterprise and Engineering Education in Mechanical Engineering (and was awarded the status of Principal Fellow at the Higher Education Academy – one of the first 10 in the UK), while also making time for her students, and following their progress passionately. The fact that so many remain in contact with her years after graduation is testament to the positive impact she makes on people's studies and future lives.

Elena is also always encouraging her colleagues, particularly women, to have the confidence to put themselves forward for things, and make the most of the skills they already have. Elena’s influence also extends beyond the campus community; always encouraging her students to develop real solutions to enhance the quality of life for children with disabilities, and to make a difference through Enterprise and Engineers Without Borders, she epitomises the Civic University in practice. To this end, Elena has worked with numerous local organisations and vulnerable people, including St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Woolley Wood School and children with cerebral palsy.

She is known across the University not only for her huge hard work and contributions, but for her passion, enthusiasm, and unfailing positivity and sense of fun.