Q&A: Titi Oliyide, safety engineer

Why did you become interested in science and engineering?

I became interested in science and engineering from a young age. I was that child, who was always asked a lot of questions about why things worked the way they did. In particular, I found the cooking process of transforming raw ingredients into delicious food fascinating. I have very supportive parents and siblings who encouraged my curiosity. In school, I also thoroughly enjoyed the logic behind maths and science. Based on my interests and a discussion with my sister’s friend who was studying engineering, I decided to study chemical engineering at university.

How did you get to where you are now?

I studied an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. During my degree, I got to do an internship in an energy company, working on flow assurance in pipelines. After my undergraduate degree, I studied for a master’s degree in advanced chemical engineering with process systems engineering at Imperial College. Since graduation, I’ve worked in safety and reliability engineering for the energy and transportation industries.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

My biggest career achievement is attaining professional registration as a chartered engineer. It signifies that I have achieved a recognised level of competence based on the amazing projects I have worked on, during the course of my career.

What is your favourite thing about being an engineer?

My favourite thing about being an engineer is working on challenging engineering designs and seeing those designs materialise into processes or systems that impact people’s lives positively. Being able to witness first-hand the personal impact of projects that I work on is very fulfilling.

For example, I was super excited to ride on the Elizabeth line for the first time, and read comments describing how commuters who use the line on a regular basis now enjoy a faster and more reliable experience commuting to and from work. The use of innovation to solve problems for people really excites me. I also enjoy working with other talented engineers to solve global challenges.

What does a typical day involve for you?

Every day is different! I could be involved in a range of activities such as leading hazard identification workshops with a team of engineers, brainstorming potential solutions with my colleagues, or analysing engineering documents to carry out risk assessments or design reviews for safety.

I work for a company that is developing a pioneering electrolyser technology, so there are different challenges to solve! As a safety engineer, it is also important to have a good overview of the process, so you can identify what could go wrong and put measures in place to reduce the risk of hazardous scenarios. Sometimes, I get invited to inspire the younger generation to consider STEM careers – I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities to share my excitement about engineering!

What would be your advice to young people looking to pursue a career in engineering?

Be curious, cultivate a problem-solving mindset and don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities, working with other skilled people in the industry. Despite the stereotypes out there, there is no one way an engineer should look like. Seize every opportunity to contribute your unique skills to solving challenges we face in the world today.

What’s next for you?

I would like to continue contributing to the solution of global challenges, particularly the energy transition to net zero emissions. Access to sustainable, green and cost-efficient energy is very important for all aspects of life. I would also like to develop other skills that would complement my engineering experience and fulfil the requirements for fellowship.