Born: 1986 or 1987 (Stevenage, United Kingdom)
Biography:
Abigail Hutty, born in either 1986 or 1987, is a distinguished British mechanical engineer hailing from Stevenage. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly as the lead structures engineer on the European Space Agency ExoMars rover, now known as the Rosalind Franklin rover vehicle. Notably, in 2016, Hutty set a historic record as the youngest Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Her work extends beyond her technical accomplishments; she is passionate about inspiring young minds to pursue science and technology education and encouraging careers in the space industry. Hutty has shared her expertise and enthusiasm with the public through various platforms, including the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and The Sky at Night.
Hutty’s journey into engineering began during her GCSEs, when she watched the Martian mission of the Beagle 2 and found herself captivated. She completed her A-Levels, specializing in Maths, Design and Technology, Physics, and French at the Weald of Kent Grammar School for Girls in 2005. She went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey. After graduating in 2010, Hutty embarked on a one-year placement with Surrey Satellite Technology before joining the graduate program at Airbus Defence and Space.
At Airbus, Hutty joined the Spacecraft Structures Engineering Group and focused on dynamic and stress analysis as part of the graduate scheme in 2010. Her exceptional skills and dedication led to a permanent position within the company. Hutty’s most significant contribution to date has been her involvement in the ExoMars rover project, which has now evolved into the Rosalind Franklin rover. Her role revolved around bringing the rover’s design to the manufacturing stage, shaping the vehicle that will explore Mars in the mid-2020s. In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Hutty became a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers in 2014 and subsequently assumed the position of Senior Spacecraft Structures Engineer for ExoMars at Airbus.
Throughout her career, Hutty has been honored with several awards and recognitions, testament to her outstanding contributions to the field of engineering. In 2010, she received the IMechE Frederick Barnes Waldron Best Student Award. Two years later, she was presented with the prestigious Astrium STEM Ambassador Award for her dedication to inspiring the next generation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Hutty’s impact was further acknowledged in 2013 when she was crowned the IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year and IMechE Young Member of the Year. Her star continued to rise, and in 2014, the Royal Academy of Engineering bestowed upon her the Rising Star Award. Hutty’s most significant honor came in 2016 when she was elected as the youngest ever Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, cementing her status as a pioneer in the field.
Beyond her engineering endeavors, Hutty is a dynamic and engaging presence in the media. She uses her platform to promote the field of engineering, regularly appearing on shows such as the BBC’s Sky at Night, Stargazing Live, and Euronews. Hutty has also made meaningful contributions as a celebrated STEM ambassador, judging national STEM fairs and speaking at schools, museums, and learning centers. Her exceptional knowledge and captivating speaking style have also earned her a spot in the 2014 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Through her various engagements, Hutty strives to dispel common misconceptions the public holds about engineering.
In 2017, Hutty delivered a TEDxLondon talk titled Why we need new role models in science and engineering. Her thought-provoking speech shed light on the importance of diverse and inclusive representation in these fields. This initiative aligns with her broader commitment to promoting diversity within the engineering community. Hutty has also appeared on BBC 2’s Horizon, discussing the practicality of humans traveling to Mars, and has generously hosted tours of the Airbus facilities. Her unwavering enthusiasm extends to the possibility of discovering life on Mars, further fueling her dedication to space exploration and its potential for scientific breakthroughs.
Abigail Hutty’s accomplishments as a mechanical engineer, her efforts to inspire future generations, and her dedication to promoting diversity in her field firmly establish her as a trailblazer in the realm of engineering.
Awards:
– 2010: IMechE Frederick Barnes Waldron Best Student Award
– 2012: Astrium STEM Ambassador Award
– 2013: IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year
– 2013: IMechE Young Member of the Year
– 2014: Royal Academy of Engineering Rising Star Award
– 2016: Elected youngest Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers