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Environmental experts, Imvelo, help businesses establish strategies that have a positive impact on the plant through mitigating environmental risks to their operations. Imvelo advises businesses on how to improve their environmental and sustainability performance, in order to reduce their carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Imvelo’s Managing Director & Senior Environmental Consultant, Tamma Carel, explains all about her career and experience as a Woman in Science. 

Read on to find out what Tamma said:

Why did you get into a STEM job- what ignited your passion for it?

I have always been interested in STEM subjects, and always seemed to prefer Biology, Chemistry and Maths. For me, I don’t think there was ever a question in pursuing a STEM career, to satisfy my natural curiosity and to develop my skills and knowledge.

My interest in conservation and environmental issues was strengthened during my undergraduate study, and I found that I thoroughly enjoyed particular modules such as ‘Biodiversity and Conservation’, ‘Ecological Modelling’, and ‘Social Impact of Biotechnology’.

I was eager to continue to explore these subjects in a postgraduate context, as well other subjects such as ‘Environmental Law and Policy’, ‘Environmental Business’ and ‘Environmental Management’.

I thoroughly enjoyed the broad foundation that my undergraduate degree provided, but I loved being able to delve deeper into subjects that I could directly translate into future career prospects. 

What more can we do to encourage young women to get into STEM?

Schools must strive to create environments where both boys and girls are exposed to science and technology, and are equally encouraged to study those disciplines at a much earlier stage in their education. Those with talent and a genuine interest in those subjects will at least have a level playing field and will be able to develop that interest into future careers.

Extra-curricular programmes are required both in- and out- of school to ensure that young women (at least from the age of 14), have access to information and guidance about the opportunities in STEM careers.

It is also a much bigger issue to reduce the stigma of gender bias in careers and ensure that girls feel equally empowered to pursue their interests regardless of the industry ‘norm’.

I believe strongly that in order promote future opportunities, those of us in STEM fields must support both local and national efforts to foster girls through mentoring programmes.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of being under the tutelage of some amazing female role models. I’ve gained so much experience, which I’ve applied to Imvelo Ltd, and learned not only extensive first-hand knowledge in my field, but the strength and business savvy to know I can make Imvelo Ltd into something I can be proud of.

I proactively work with both Newcastle and Northumbria University students and the STEM Ambassador Programme, to try to mould, nurture and empower individuals in their careers while benefiting and developing Imvelo Ltd in the process. 

What would you say to the young women of the future, who aspire to be in a STEM job one day?

We live in an information-rich society, and every one of us has access to vast resources, many available online for women who may be interested in STEM subjects.

Research is key and while it might not be as enlightening as face-to-face communication with a STEM professional, it certainly does provide women with a foundation from which they can develop their interest. 

As women become more widespread in STEM careers, hopefully more young girls will begin to recognise the additional career opportunities available to them.

With more women in the field, it will become more evident to young girls what they can offer the business, industry and the wider world – thereby closing the gender gap and altering the ‘norm’.

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Find out more about Imvelo and the incredible work they do here.