Sue Bird (engineer) facts for kids

Image of Sue Bird

Susan Bird MBE is a smart British engineer who works with sound, also known as an acoustic engineer. She was also a leader for the Women's Engineering Society (WES) for several years. She helped make sure more girls and women could become engineers.

Susan Bird's Journey in Engineering

Learning About Sound

Susan Bird studied something called Applied Physics at Coventry Polytechnic. This is where she learned how things work, including sound. After her studies, she started working as an acoustics engineer.

Working with Airplanes

Her first job was at the British Aircraft Corporation. There, she helped design famous planes like the Concorde. She made sure these aircraft were not too noisy. She also worked on other airplanes, making them quieter and safer.

Helping Cities with Noise

Later, Susan joined the Scientific Branch of the Greater London Council. She became an expert in how sound affects buildings. She helped solve noise problems in many places. In 1986, she started her own company called Bird Acoustics. Her husband, who was also an acoustics engineer, joined her in 1993. Their company helped people control noise until she retired in 2008. She also earned a special degree in Applied Acoustics in 2003.

Supporting Women in Science

Susan Bird has always worked to help other women in engineering. In 1993, she was part of a group that wrote a report called 'The Rising Tide'. This report looked at how to get more women into science, technology, and engineering. In 2002, she helped create the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). This group connects women engineers and scientists from all over the world. Susan was even the president of INWES from 2008 to 2011.

Community Involvement

For 25 years, Susan was a governor at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College. This college helps young people prepare for careers in defense. Today, she is a Parish Councillor, helping her local community.

Awards and Recognition

Susan Bird has received special awards for her important work. In 2003, she was given the Isabel Hardwich Medal by the Women's Engineering Society. This award honors people who have done great things for women in engineering. In 2016, she was given an MBE. This is a special award from the British government for her services to women in engineering.