Celebrating women in STEM
Although there has been progress towards gender equality, women still only make up 16% of all people working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers in the UK. We recently caught up with three alumnae from the University of Exeter who have gone on to have successful careers within STEM subjects to find out how they got where they are today, and what inspired them to be leaders in their fields.
Supporting STEM Subjects
Project Accelerating Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (ADA) is a central component of Exeter’s Strategy 2030, positioning the University as a leader in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) research and education, which is run by Professor Aline Villavicencio. The project taps into an expanding market for both national and international students and supports groundbreaking research with applications across numerous STEM fields.
To support ADA’s growth, the Innovation Centre buildings on the Streatham Campus have been upgraded, with further renovations planned for summer 2025. Highlights include larger, flexible teaching labs, expanded research space to support the increased ADA workforce and research activities, and enhanced Professional Services work environments, offering greater flexibility and more opportunities for staff.
The University of Exeter is proud to hold an institutional Athena Swan Silver Award and all our STEM departments currently hold awards at Bronze or Silver level.
In line with ADA’s mission, for Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrated women in STEM by highlighting inspiring female contributors, as nominated by senior team members.
Dr Roni Savage
(MSc Environmental Management, 2009)
Dr Roni Savage FREng is the CEO and Founder of Jomas Associates, an engineering and environmental consultancy serving the construction industry since 2009. A highly accomplished professional, she is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Chartered Geologist, and a SiLC (Specialist in Land Condition).
Beyond her leadership at Jomas, Roni serves as a Non-Executive Director for the UK Government Department of Business and Trade (DBT), contributes to the DBT SME Business Growth Forum, and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee for the King’s Awards for Enterprise. Under her guidance, Jomas provides geotechnical and environmental engineering services that support land development and sustainable construction.
Named ‘Most Influential Woman in Construction 2022,’ Roni is a passionate advocate for diversity in business, engineering, and construction. As the founder of the largest engineering company led by a Black woman in the UK, she has advised No. 10 and prime ministers on women in business and industry growth.
Roni reflects, “My fascination with numbers, problem-solving, and the outdoors led me to engineering. I love challenging the status quo and creating sustainable solutions. Engineering allows me to make an impact and inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
Holly Allday
(BEng Mining Engineering, 2007)
Holly Allday is the Managing Director and Founder of Illumine Ops, a mining consultancy dedicated to providing practical solutions that help industry teams focus on what truly matters. Holly is passionate about shaping the future of our planet by supporting mining professionals and organisations in making decisions that prioritise effective leadership, safety, and sustainability to drive high performance.
Her approach is grounded in simplifying operations, fostering environments where people thrive, teams excel, and leaders emerge. Holly has led large-scale operations, including teams of more than a thousand people, in diverse and challenging settings - from the icy landscapes of Alaska to the remote Australian outback.
“I never planned to become a Mining Engineer,” Holly shares. “It was a quick pivot in my life after the University of Exeter introduced me to the resources sector and led me to Camborne School of Mines. I’ve always loved solving problems, being part of solutions, and contributing to something bigger than myself. As a Mining Engineer, I get to do all that and more through an industry that shapes the world’s future.
“Leadership, to me, is both a privilege and a responsibility to make a meaningful difference. Mining isn’t just about extracting resources - it’s about empowering people, driving progress, and tackling global challenges. There’s no other industry as vital to humanity’s progress, and I’m honoured to play a role in its transformation.”
Dr Yasmin Meeda
(PhD Biological Sciences, 2024)
Dr Yasmin Meeda completed her PhD at the University of Exeter in 2024, where her research focused on the fascinating world of microalgae, which are microscopic algae invisible to the naked eye typically found in freshwater and marine systems, and their responses to environmental changes in the ocean.
Yasmin is now a postdoctoral researcher at Cranfield University, where she is continuing her work on ocean conservation, but with a new focus. She is now exploring how biotechnology can be used to address pollution in drinking and wastewater systems, with a goal to reduce pollutants entering our oceans, contributing to cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.
Alongside her research, Yasmin also uses social media (@marinebiologywithyaz) to promote ocean science, STEM, and diversity in science more broadly. Her passion for science communication also led to her co-hosting a podcast about science and technology. Through these platforms, Yasmin aims to make science more accessible and inspire others to get involved in ocean conservation and STEM fields.
Yasmin says, “I got into STEM because of my love for the natural world, and the curiosity that has me always asking why. STEM is crucial because it helps us understand the world around us and drives innovation, especially for tackling global problems such as climate change. I also want to inspire others by showing that science is for everyone, no matter who you are.”
Dr Roni Savage
MSc Environmental Management, 2009
Dr Roni Savage FREng is the CEO and Founder of Jomas Associates, an engineering and environmental consultancy serving the construction industry since 2009. A highly accomplished professional, she is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Chartered Geologist, and a SiLC (Specialist in Land Condition).
Beyond her leadership at Jomas, Roni serves as a Non-Executive Director for the UK Government Department of Business and Trade (DBT), contributes to the DBT SME Business Growth Forum, and is a member of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee for the King’s Awards for Enterprise. Under her guidance, Jomas provides geotechnical and environmental engineering services that support land development and sustainable construction.
Named ‘Most Influential Woman in Construction 2022,’ Roni is a passionate advocate for diversity in business, engineering, and construction. As the founder of the largest engineering company led by a Black woman in the UK, she has advised No. 10 and prime ministers on women in business and industry growth.
Roni reflects, “My fascination with numbers, problem-solving, and the outdoors led me to engineering. I love challenging the status quo and creating sustainable solutions. Engineering allows me to make an impact and inspire others to pursue their dreams.”
Holly Allday
BEng Mining Engineering, 2007
Holly Allday is the Managing Director and Founder of Illumine Ops, a mining consultancy dedicated to providing practical solutions that help industry teams focus on what truly matters. Holly is passionate about shaping the future of our planet by supporting mining professionals and organisations in making decisions that prioritise effective leadership, safety, and sustainability to drive high performance.
Her approach is grounded in simplifying operations, fostering environments where people thrive, teams excel, and leaders emerge. Holly has led large-scale operations, including teams of more than a thousand people, in diverse and challenging settings – from the icy landscapes of Alaska to the remote Australian outback.
“I never planned to become a Mining Engineer,” Holly shares. “It was a quick pivot in my life after the University of Exeter introduced me to the resources sector and led me to Camborne School of Mines. I’ve always loved solving problems, being part of solutions, and contributing to something bigger than myself. As a Mining Engineer, I get to do all that and more through an industry that shapes the world’s future.
“Leadership, to me, is both a privilege and a responsibility to make a meaningful difference. Mining isn’t just about extracting resources – it’s about empowering people, driving progress, and tackling global challenges. There’s no other industry as vital to humanity’s progress, and I’m honoured to play a role in its transformation.”
Dr Yasmin Meeda
PhD Biological Sciences, 2024
Dr Yasmin Meeda completed her PhD at the University of Exeter in 2024, where her research focused on the fascinating world of microalgae, which are microscopic algae invisible to the naked eye typically found in freshwater and marine systems, and their responses to environmental changes in the ocean.
Yasmin is now a postdoctoral researcher at Cranfield University, where she is continuing her work on ocean conservation, but with a new focus. She is now exploring how biotechnology can be used to address pollution in drinking and wastewater systems, with a goal to reduce pollutants entering our oceans, contributing to cleaner water and healthier ecosystems.
Alongside her research, Yasmin also uses social media (@marinebiologywithyaz) to promote ocean science, STEM, and diversity in science more broadly. Her passion for science communication also led to her co-hosting a podcast about science and technology. Through these platforms, Yasmin aims to make science more accessible and inspire others to get involved in ocean conservation and STEM fields.
Yasmin says, “I got into STEM because of my love for the natural world, and the curiosity that has me always asking why. STEM is crucial because it helps us understand the world around us and drives innovation, especially for tackling global problems such as climate change. I also want to inspire others by showing that science is for everyone, no matter who you are.”
