Christina Jackson facts for kids

Christina Jackson is a British civil engineer. She is an expert in geotechnical engineering. This means she knows a lot about how the ground works. She is a top engineer and an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham.

Christina has done amazing work. She helped fix old limestone mines in the Black Country. She also led projects to turn old, unused land into new, useful areas. Plus, she worked on big roads like the M40 and M6 Toll. In 2004, Christina made history. She was the first woman to be chosen as chair for the Institution of Civil Engineers in the West Midlands.

What is a Civil Engineer?

A civil engineer designs and builds things. They create roads, bridges, buildings, and even water systems. It's a very important job that helps our communities.

What is Geotechnical Engineering?

Geotechnical engineering is a special part of civil engineering. It focuses on the earth itself. Geotechnical engineers study soil, rocks, and groundwater. They figure out how to build safely on different types of ground. This helps prevent buildings from sinking or roads from cracking.

Her Amazing Career Journey

Christina Jackson studied hard to become an engineer. Her journey shows how dedication can lead to a fantastic career.

Early Steps and Learning

Christina earned her first degree from the University of Leeds. It was a Bachelor of Science (BSc). Later, she went to Cornell University in the United States. There, she earned a master's degree. She focused on Civil and Geotechnical Engineering.

Building a Career

Christina's career started in 1978. She worked for a company called Ove Arup. She began as a graduate engineer.

• 1978–1980: Started at Ove Arup as a graduate engineer.
• 1980–1982: Studied at Cornell University. She also helped teach and research there.
• 1983–2009: Returned to Ove Arup in the Midlands. She became a senior geotechnical engineer. Later, she was promoted to Associate Director.
• 2009–2016: Joined Amey. She worked as a principal Engineering Manager. She also became Technical Director for the Geotechnical department.
• 2015–present: Became a Visiting Professor. This was at the Royal Academy of Engineering. She teaches about managing assets at the University of Birmingham.
• 2016 onwards: Joined CH2M/Jacobs in Birmingham. She works there as a Technical Director.

Important Projects She Worked On

Christina has worked on many big projects. She helped coordinate fixing abandoned limestone mines. These mines were in the Black Country. She also led work on land reclamation. This means turning old, damaged land into useful land again. She also worked on major road projects. These included the M40 and M6 Toll roads.

Awards and Recognition

Christina Jackson has received many awards. These awards celebrate her great work and leadership.

• 2012: She was a finalist for the WISE Award. This award is for leadership and inspiration.
• 2015: She received a Lifetime Achievement in Engineering award. This was from Women in Construction and Engineering.
• 2019: Her project, the Worcester Battenhall Rail Bridge, won an award. It was for Best Large Project. This was from the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation West Midlands.
• 2019: She was a judge for the WICE awards. These are the European Women In Construction & Engineering Awards.