Rebecca Lunn facts for kids

Rebecca Jane Lunn is a British geologist and a professor at the University of Strathclyde. She leads a special center that studies how the ground works and how we can use energy from it.

Professor Lunn studies how liquids and other materials move deep underground. This helps her understand how to safely store nuclear waste so it doesn't harm anyone.

She has created ways to check tiny ground movements, even kilometers deep. She also looks into special "self-healing" materials for cracks in the ground. Her work also involves studying tiny living things (bacteria and microbes) in prosthetic limbs. This research helps make artificial limbs safer and more comfortable.

Professor Lunn leads two big projects about nuclear waste for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). One project, BANDD, looks at using natural processes to seal up radioactive materials and cracks in rocks. The other, SAFE, develops technology to check important things like how hot, wet, or acidic the ground is around waste.

She also researches two key problems in civil engineering. One is how to fix old buildings and structures that are wearing out. The other is finding better ways to build things that don't harm the planet. She is working on a project to use less cement and concrete. This project uses a special method to turn soil into a solid material. This new method could help make construction more sustainable.

Early Life and Education

Rebecca Lunn first studied advanced math at the University of Cambridge. She wanted to help people and solve real-world problems. So, she moved to Newcastle University for her advanced degrees.

In 1995, she earned her PhD in Engineering. Her research focused on creating models for large drainage basins, which are areas where water collects and flows into a river.

Career and Research

After finishing her PhD, Professor Lunn stayed at Newcastle University. She worked as a researcher, studying how groundwater moves and how minerals are transported. She did this until 1997.

In 1997, she became a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. She then moved to Heriot-Watt University in 2000. In 2005, Professor Lunn joined the University of Strathclyde. She became a Professor of Civil Engineering in 2010 and the Head of her department in 2011.

In 2013, she joined a UK government board that advised on nuclear research. She also works with the Scottish Government on how to produce geothermal energy.

Professor Lunn is part of a group called DISTINCTIVE. This group works on solutions for dealing with nuclear waste. She often works with many different scientists, like those who study earthquakes, tiny living things, or new materials.

In 2011, she made history as the first woman to lead an Engineering Department in Scotland. That same year, she was the first woman and engineer to win the Aberconway Medal. This award was for her important research with the nuclear industry.

In 2015, the Saltire Society named her one of 10 "Outstanding Women of Scotland." This was to recognize her support for women in science and engineering.

Professor Lunn's work helps achieve 10 of the United Nations' 17 global goals for a better world. These goals include things like clean water, clean energy, and making cities sustainable.

Helping Shape Policy

In 2009, Professor Lunn joined a UK government committee. This group advises on how to manage radioactive waste. She also gave a public talk about the challenges of safely storing this waste.

She was part of a study by the Royal Society of Edinburgh about Scotland's energy future. This study looked at how much energy Scotland needs and how to get it. Professor Lunn also advises the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) on their research plans.

Professor Lunn actively works to get more girls and women into science. She was part of a group that wrote a report for Scottish leaders in 2012. This report, called Tapping All Our Talents, suggested ways to support women in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It encouraged universities to get special awards for supporting women.

In 2024, she continued to speak up for women in STEM. She helped write a research article about challenges faced by women and LGBT+ people in these fields. Professor Lunn also leads a project called STEM Equals. This project aims to create programs for LGBT scientists and engineers at the University of Strathclyde.

Awards and Honors

Professor Lunn has received many awards for her important work:

• 2021 Best paper award at the Resilient Materials 4 Life Conference
• 2018 Elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng)
• 2017 Appointed Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours
• 2015 Saltire Society Outstanding Women of Scotland
• 2014 Elected a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE)
• 2014 Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE)
• 2014 WISE Campaign Leadership Award (shortlisted)
• 2011 Awarded the Aberconway Medal by the Geological Society of London