Supporting our ICE QUEST Scholars – Emma Kippax

This year, we supported three ICE QUEST Scholars in making the most of their summer to enhance both their academic knowledge and personal growth. One of our ICE QUEST scholars, Emma Kippax, shares her experience during her eight weeks on secondment with Mott MacDonald. 

“Over the summer, I had the incredible opportunity to join Mott MacDonald’s geotechnics team, allowing me to see first-hand how the modules I’ve recently studied at university – particularly soil mechanics – are applied in the real world. My eight-week placement was a mix of office work and on-site visits, giving me a well-rounded experience. 

In the office, I learned how ground models are developed by interpreting borehole data, SPT-N values, and particle size distributions. I was also introduced to software tools like Slope/W, used for slope stability modelling, and DeepEx, for designing retaining walls. Working with these applications helped me understand how soil parameters derived from ground models are applied in practice. 

On site, I shadowed a geotechnical engineer to verify that ‘as-built’ conditions matched the design for new infrastructure. I observed tests such as the DCP (Dynamic Cone Penetrometer) and Ev2 plate load tests, which ensure that on-site ground conditions align with design assumptions. These inspections also taught me what to look for as signs of slope instability. 

I also learned about the Pettifer-Fookes excavatability chart, and contributed to a report assessing excavatability in a cutting. To support this assessment, I gained hands-on experience with geological hammer tests, which provide an in-field estimate of rock strength, and scan-line surveys, which quantify discontinuity spacing. This was particularly valuable as it highlighted just how many factors can influence the strength of a rock mass – something I hadn’t fully considered before. 

These eight weeks have been an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in geotechnical engineering. I’m excited to continue building on everything I’ve learned!” 

Emma’s journey is one example of the impact our ICE QUEST Scholars have had. By combining their academic knowledge with practical experience, they not only strengthen their abilities, but also make valuable contributions to the teams they join. 

Simon Hasson – National Training Manager at Waterman Aspen, who supported our scholars throughout their placements – reflects on their achievements and the programme’s impact: 

“Waterman Aspen is proud to support our three ICE QUEST Scholars at this early stage in their careers. All three have joined our ICE Training Scheme and have the full support of a Supervising Civil Engineer. Waterman Aspen is dedicated to developing the next generation of engineers and engineering technicians, and strives to be the best in the industry with regard to the training and development of our team.” 

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You can learn more about how Waterman Aspen supports employee growth and skill development by visiting our Training & Development page.