Ada Lovelace Day Talk for Sidmouth Science Festival 2020 by Nicola Grahamslaw CEng MIMechE
At her 1843 launch, Brunel’s SS Great Britain was declared “the greatest experiment since the creation”. This pioneering ship travelled a million miles, totally transforming global communication before being almost lost forever, until a daring rescue triumphantly returned her to her original Bristol dry dock. Come behind-the-scenes with Nicola to learn how a unique combination of mechanical, structural, electronic and software engineering is used to preserve this incredible 175-year-old iron structure, keeping Bristol’s no.1 tourist attraction ship-shape.
Nicola Grahamslaw has worked as a systems engineer in a variety of industries including aerospace, nuclear energy and digital technology education. In 2018 she was appointed as the first SS Great Britain ship’s conservation engineer, to develop a sustainable conservation strategy for this unique ship. Nicola is passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers, working with schools, at events and as a mentor on career choices and professional development. Nicola’s own career journey led to her being named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering by The Telegraph in 2018 and Young Member of the Year by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2019.
The event is free but to attend it you will need to register via Eventbrite using your name and email by clicking the ‘Book now’ button above. Access link to Zoom will be provided once you have completed the registration.
Sponsored by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Devon and Somerset Area. Photo of the ship courtesy of Adam Gasson.
