Skip to content

Spotlight on Paula McMahon 

On International Women's Day, we spoke to Paula McMahon, a Civil Engineer at Sir Robert McAlphine and Honorary Professor at Teesside University.
Life's iconic logo is featured at the entrance to the science centre.
Life communications
Author

In recognition of International Women’s Day, Life throws the spotlight on women working in exciting STEM jobs in the North East. We caught up with Paula McMahon, a Civil Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine and Honorary Professor at Teesside University.

I became interested in science at an early age as I always loved solving problems. At school I liked doing experiments and loved solving maths problems even more.

My mum always encouraged me and my sisters to work hard and do whatever we wanted as a job and there’s no better role model than that!

I studied Civil Engineering at university and although I did hit obstacles along the way, I’ve always believed that life is a journey and you just need to step over or around any bumps in the road.

In my job as a civil engineer, I use science in a very practical way everyday through calculations.

Any girl, or boy, can go into science and I would say my goal is to help more people understand that engineers and scientists can help to save the planet.

Other articles you may enjoy

Biomass image

Satellite star of Life’s planetarium show Earth Defenders! ready for liftoff

28 April 2025

Discover how a new biomass-monitoring satellite, featured in Life’s Earth Defenders! planetarium show, is set to launch into space.

The Tanner family who have benefited from treatment on the Centre for Life site.

Freddie’s journey: how groundbreaking SMA treatments transformed his life

27 March 2025

Freddie’s SMA treatment changed his life, while newborn screening meant his brother Louis could grow up symptom-free.

Creating space for everyone: how Z King is helping Life become more inclusive

27 March 2025

Young autism advocate Z King has been working with the Centre for Life to improve accessibility, supported by their mother, Nic.