Alumna shortlisted for CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year Award 2020

Laura Cattaneo

Laura Cattaneo, a recent Imperial graduate in Mechanical Engineering, was shortlisted for a prestigious award for young engineers.

The CIBSE AHSRAE Graduate of the Year Award celebrates achievements by young engineers in the building services industry, in university as well as in their first year in industry. The awards final will take place on 8 October 2020.

Laura graduated in 2019 with First class honours and reached the Dean’s list on her final year. The main findings of her master project on simultaneous mechanical and flammable properties of composite materials were presented at the 22nd International Conference on Composites Materials 2019 in Melbourne.

Throughout her time in university Laura was involved in multiple extra-curriculum projects. As team principal of the Imperial Racing Green Shell Eco-marathon team she was responsible for the overall design, testing and manufacturing of an energy efficient race car, she inspired future students in getting involved in engineering as well as promoted the role of female leadership on campus. Laura was also captain of Imperial College basketball Women’s first team, and she is fluent in five languages.

Since joining Foster + Partners in September 2019, she has been involved in a variety of projects, all centred on sustainable design systems and energy optimisation, working closely with architects, engineers and designers on a daily basis in an integrated design approach. Her work focuses mainly on mechanical HVAC systems as well as thermal and energy modelling, which links seamlessly with informing architectural design on sustainability and exploring ways for potential energy savings whilst still meeting occupant comfort criteria.

The CIBSE ASHRAE Graduate of the Year award, now in its 25th year, is part of the CIBSE Young Engineers Awards, open to both CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) members and non-members. The awards scheme recognises and rewards the innovative thinking, hard work and skills of graduate engineers, whilst also showcasing employers who are truly committed to developing and encouraging young talent.