Engineering Strategic Advisory Board

The Strategic Advisory Board is a forum in which invited stakeholders and representatives of the global engineering community advise the Department of Engineering at Durham University on matters concerning its strategic development. The core aim of the Board is to apply the expertise, experience and networks of individual members to aid the Department in developing research and teaching programmes which befit a world leading Department in this area.  Furthermore, the Board will be asked for consultation on matters related to philanthropic funding, international outreach and reputation.

 

Andrew Gallant

Andrew Gallant is Head of Department and Professor of Electronic Engineering in the Department of Engineering.  He graduated with a first class honours degree in Applied Physics with Electronic Engineering from Durham University in 2000.  As an undergraduate, Andrew was sponsored by Fujitsu Microelectronics and worked in their Newton Aycliffe DRAM lab.  He stayed in Durham to develop widely tunable micromachined capacitors and received his PhD in 2004 (EPSRC CASE award with Filtronic Compound Semiconductors).  Professor Gallant worked as a Research Associate in the Microsystems Technology Group at Durham until July 2008 when he was appointed as a Lecturer; and was promoted to Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in 2014 and to a full Professor in 2020.  He took over as Head of Department in August 2025.

Andrew’s core research activities are focused on the use of micromachining to create new components for the manipulation of terahertz light.  He has over twenty years of experience in cleanroom-based fabrication techniques, and has published > 100 refereed journal and conference papers in the areas of micro- and nanofabrication with many addressing applications, devices and testing relevant to the RF and THz regions.  Professor Gallant has significant experience of running international collaborative grants, having been overall Scientific Coordinator of the €3.8M EU Initial Training Network (Notedev) which focused on the development of THz devices.  He is also a Co-I on the €4M H2020 ITN INDEED.  He has held EPSRC grants as PI and Co-I; as well has having received funding from the Royal Society for international travel exchanges.

 

Ruth Vater

Ruth Vater is Department Manager in the Department of    Engineering.  She graduated with an upper second class honours  degree in Applied Biology in 1985, followed by an MPhil in  Virology in 1991, and a PhD in Muscular Dystrophy Research in  1993 from Newcastle University.  Ruth worked as a post-doctoral  researcher in cell pathology (muscle degeneration and  regeneration) until 1998, when she made a career change into  University Administration.  Ruth entered University management  in the Department of Civil Engineering at Newcastle University,  where she stayed (through various re-structures) until 2018.  She  moved to Durham as Department Manager in January 2019.

Ruth oversees the work of all administrative staff within the   Department, and provides support to the Head of Department and Senior Management Team in strategic planning.  Particular roles and responsibilities include HR matters, including recruitment, staff management information and payroll; oversight of all administrative aspects of education, research, finance and operations; ensuring staff and student wellbeing; supporting staff workload planning; promotion of the Department’s activities, internally and externally; supporting Faculty and University initiatives; Secretary to the Board of Studies; Secretary to the Strategic Advisory Board.

 

Emily Bourne

Emily Bourne is the director for Energy Systems and Networks at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. She has responsibility for policy on: the Future System Operator; electricity networks on and offshore; interconnection; and smart systems and flexibility. She was previously director for Energy Development and Resilience, with responsibility for upstream oil and gas and energy resilience policy. She has worked in energy policy for 16 years, including as the programme manager for Electricity Market Reform at the Department for Energy and Climate Change.

 

 

 

 

 

Edward Brunner

Edd Brunner has over 20 years’ experience in deep tech innovation, R&D, and developing disruptive products and services for companies worldwide using a broad range of engineering and technology disciplines.  Since graduating from Durham University in 2005 with a Masters in Engineering, he has built and led high-performing technical and commercial teams, delivering technology advisory and product development projects for start-ups and multinational corporations.  His experience is primarily in the consumer sector (across consumer electronics and consumer package goods), but he has also worked in a diversity of sectors such as industrial automation, energy and construction.

In 2020, Edd relocated to Singapore with Cambridge Consultants, where he now serves as Commercial Director for the Asia Pacific region.  He works closely with his clients to translate business ambition into technology-enabled innovation, helping them create new products and services that drive growth.  Edd also contributes to regional innovation ecosystems and advises emerging ventures on strategy and commercialisation.

 

Mike Eggleston

Mike Eggleston has 36 years’ experience working in the Aerospace industry. He is currently General Manager of Ford Aerospace Limited, based in South Shields, holding responsibility for all aspects of the business performance, strategy / direction, and development. Prior to working at Ford, he worked at CAV Aerospace Limited / CAV Systems Limited in Consett, County Durham (from 1996 to 2024) in many roles, originally as a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Engineer and ultimately as Chief Executive Officer. Mike holds a BSc (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester, and an MBA from Durham University Business School.

 

Alicia Green

Alicia Green is the Head of Communications for Equinor’s UK Renewables business. Alicia has worked in the renewables industry for 7 years, having previously worked for the UK’s leading trade body RenewableUK in energy policy and programme management roles. Before starting at Equinor, she managed the Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC)’s work programme, working closely with the UK Government on offshore wind ambitions for 2030. As a former student at Durham University, Alicia is passionate about STEM and inspiring the future workforce.

 

 

Dawn Huntrod

Dawn is an accomplished professional, serving as Regional Director for the North of England for Make UK. With a strong background in the manufacturing sector, Dawn is deeply passionate about driving innovation and growth within the industry. As a dedicated STEM Ambassador, she actively works to inspire and engage the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Throughout her career, Dawn has embraced diverse roles including business coaching, where she has empowered individuals and teams to reach their full potential in business. her expertise also extends to managing high profile public funded programs, successfully delivering impactful initiatives aimed at making a difference within communities. With a wealth of experience and a relentless drive for excellence, Dawn continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of manufacturing and fostering a culture of learning and development within the North. Dawn holds numerous board positions across the North of England including, Advanced Manufacturing Board (ADMAN) in Liverpool, The Productivity Institute Yorkshire, Humber and the Northeast Region, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board Member, Friend of The Cutlers of Hallamshire, Advisory Board Member of The Manchester Growth Company and also sits on the Made Smarter Boards in the North West, North East and Yorkshire.

 

Clark MacFarlane

Clark MacFarlane is both CEO of Siemens Gamesa Onshore Business across Northern Europe and the Middle East and the Managing Director of the company’s UK business. Clark has been a board member of Renewable UK since 2017 and a member of the UK’s Offshore Wind Industry Council (OWIC), to achieve a cost-effective long-term future for sustainable renewable energy in the UK and develop the UK Supply Chain. Leading the way, the company opened its unique facility in Hull in 2016 creating over 1000 jobs. This is currently being expanded to more than double its size. He chairs the Department of Engineering’s Strategic Advisory Board.

 

Theo McCarthy

Theo McCarthy is a second year PhD student studying high radiation semiconductor devices having obtained his Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Department of Engineering at Durham University in 2023. His research aims to identify methods of hardening electronic components for use in high radiation environments, specifically for aerospace applications. Theo enjoys teaching across three year groups within the Department, and is an advocate for student experience and accessibility, working with The Brilliant Club charity since 2024, and has been a member of the College Advisory Board for John Snow College since 2023.

 

 

 

 

Phil Peel 

Phil has 37 years of experience in the global power generation business. His career has focused on the development and design of large steam turbines, being based initially in Rugby, UK with GEC Turbine Generators and subsequently Alstom Power. Relocating to Switzerland in 2001, he led the development of new steam turbine technologies, advancing to the position of Chief Engineer in 2012, which he now holds with the current owner, General Electric. He been a member of the IMechE since 1981, becoming a Fellow in 2007. Elected an IMechE Trustee in 2016, Phil held the office of the 137th IMechE President in 2022/23.

 

 

 

Margaret Rice-Jones

Margaret Rice-Jones graduated from Durham in 1982 with a degree in Engineering Science. After initially working in systems design engineering, she moved into a career in product management in the radio frequency (RF) and mobile communications industry. For the last 10+ years she has been following a plural career helping technology driven businesses to grow in a variety of markets. She has Chaired four VC-backed companies to successful exits, including Skyscanner, the travel comparison site and Confused.com, the insurance comparison site. Currently she is Chair of ScaleUp Institute who advise government on policy to help scaling businesses and provide education and support to CEO’s and boards across the UK. Additionally, she is A NED at Aim, listed Calnex Ltd, and at privately held Holiday Extras Ltd.