International Women in Engineering Day – Kerry Foster

International Women in Engineering Day gives us a chance to celebrate the women across our business and the problem-solving skills they bring to engineering. This year’s theme, #EngineeringIntelligence recognises the insight, creativity and judgement engineers use to make a difference.

We’re shining a light on Kerry Foster, Regional Director at Waterman Aspen. Kerry is a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager and Fellow of CIWEM. Her work focuses on hydrological studies and flood risk management projects across the UK. As a lead hydrologist in her secondment roles, she develops hydrological assessments for flood risk modelling studies, providing technical expertise, reviews, support and mentoring for early-career hydrologists.

“Addressing challenges, rather than simply solving problems, is inherent in my role as a hydrologist,” Kerry explains. “These challenges are rarely clear cut. Many of the decisions we make are not about right or wrong answers, but about applying professional judgement informed by experience, underpinned by science and guided by best practice.”

Every project Kerry works on is different – some areas have limited data, others have complicated landscapes, drainage systems or flood patterns. Sometimes, several sources of flooding can interact at once, making the picture even harder to understand.

That’s why human judgement is so important. Technology, data and modelling tools are all important, but they cannot make every decision on their own. Kerry’s role is to carefully review the available information, identify uncertainties and choose the most suitable approach for each project.

“Human judgement is fundamental to hydrology, because despite the science and technical tools we use, there is always an element of uncertainty,” she says. “It is most important in how we interpret data, apply methods and select the most appropriate approach.”

Flood risk work often involves engineers, specialists, clients and other project partners. Kerry also plays an important role in bringing together teams working on a project. Her focus is on ensuring everyone understands the evidence, the assumptions and the level of confidence in the findings.

Kerry says, “Communication is key, I focus on presenting complex technical information clearly so there is a shared understanding of the assumptions, uncertainties and outcomes.”

In addition to leading technical work, Kerry supports early-career professionals, helping them build confidence in a field where decisions are not always black-and-white.

Her advice to women considering a career in engineering is not to be put off by the idea that engineering is purely technical, or that you need to know everything from the start. “Much of what I’ve learned has come through doing the job, working with others and building my judgement over time,” she says.

Engineering is about combining science, experience and people skills to make informed decisions. For Kerry, it is about asking the right questions, working with others and helping to manage real-world challenges that affect people and places across the UK.

---

Discover more about INWED: Hear from women across our business as they share their experiences and advice.

Click below to view on LinkedIn