Prestigious engineering appointment brings industry expertise into the classroom at Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton has secured a prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship, strengthening the University's commitment to giving engineering students industry-focused, real-world learning experiences.

Poggy Murray Whitham has been appointed Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Inclusive Engineering Design and Innovation and will work with students and staff at the University over the next three years.

Working alongside Academic Champion Dr Aman Dhir and colleagues in Engineering, Poggy Murray Whitham will help develop a programme designed to strengthen students' employability, innovative thinking and applied engineering skills.

The programme builds on a successful pilot at the University and will combine mentoring, challenge-based activities and industry-informed teaching. Students will tackle real-world engineering scenarios, work together on practical problems and have opportunities to engage with and present to industry.

It will also bring Poggy Murray Whitham's specialist expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion into module development and delivery, with a particular focus on inclusive engineering design, innovation and professional competency.

The approach is intended to strengthen students' communication, teamwork and practical problem-solving skills while building their confidence in tackling the kinds of challenges they will face in professional engineering environments.

Poggy Murray Whitham, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Inclusive Engineering Design and Innovation at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

"At its core, engineering is problem solving, but to solve the challenges that we face both now and in the future, we need engineers who can think difference, challenge the status quo, and consider perspectives beyond their own.

I'm really looking forward to working with Dr Dhir, colleagues, and students at Wolverhampton to bring real-world industry experience into the university, helping students develop not just their technical knowledge, but their confidence and skills such that they can become the engineers our industry needs.

A motto I am known for is: "Inclusion shouldn't be improvised; it should be engineered." And where better to start than with the next generation of engineers?"

Poggy Murray Whitham and Dr Aman Dhir successfully applied for the Visiting Professorship earlier this year. The Royal Academy of Engineering scheme is designed to enable experienced industrial engineers and entrepreneurs to contribute to areas including curriculum development, teaching and mentoring of engineering undergraduates and innovative approaches to engineering teaching and learning.

Dr Aman Dhir, Academic Champion for the Visiting Professorship, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Poggy Murray Whitham to the University of Wolverhampton through this prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship. As our engineering provision continues to grow, this appointment represents a significant opportunity to enhance the student experience by bringing outstanding industry expertise directly into the classroom.

“Poggy's experience in inclusive engineering design and innovation will provide students with invaluable insight into both the technical and professional demands of modern engineering practice. Through engagement with real-world challenges, industry projects and employers, our students will gain a deeper understanding of the skills, behaviours and mindset required to succeed in today's engineering environment.

“This award will enable us to further develop our curriculum, strengthen industry engagement and equip our students with the tools, confidence and competencies needed for future success. Bringing a recognised leader in this field to the University is an important step forward for our Engineering programmes and will help ensure we continue to deliver the very best outcomes for our students."

The Visiting Professorship comes as the University continues to develop its Engineering offer, with the opportunity identified internally as a way both to celebrate the appointment and showcase the University's Engineering department.

Poggy Murray Whitham is based within the University's School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.