Hello, I’m Julia!
Hello, I’m Julia Whitehead, an engineer, environmentalist, and sports enthusiast! I am currently studying Bioengineering at Loughborough University (UK), a combination of life sciences with the problem solving and creative nature of engineering, which I love!
Bioengineers drive change at the intersection of many fields, for instance, by designing affordable prosthetics, using artificial intelligence for cancer diagnosis, or even engineering the next generation of plant-based meats. In my spare time, I love planning football games, running, climbing, and all outdoor sports in general!
Tell us how g4g inspired you!
Running Spaghetti-Marshmallow workshop at g4g 10th anniversary event
When I attended my first g4g day in Brussels in 2013 (I was about 12), I came back buzzing from a day packed with hands-on science workshops, eager to discover all the new areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I wanted to help more girls experience what I experienced that day. Today, g4g continues to inspire me by lighting up the "STEM spark" in so many young girls’ minds, an important first step in closing the gender gap in engineering, for instance.
Over the last four years as an ambassador for g4g, I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer at several events, meet other ambassadors, and start a podcast! I love being part of a diverse team that has one common goal: to instill confidence in girls and share with them the fun of STEM.
Tell us what you are currently working on!
I have spent the last semester studying at the INSA (Institut National des Sciences Appliquée Lyon, France, through the UNITECH International program, which aims to "develop young technology leaders for a sustainable future." This has been a fantastic and insightful experience so far; I have learned a lot about responsible and sustainable engineering. I have also enjoyed discovering a new city and spending weekends hiking and skiing in the Alps! For me, the best part of the programme has been meeting like-minded, driven students from across Europe who also want to use engineering for good!
UNITECH International cohort
Finally, if I’ve learned anything in the last few years, it’s that it's okay to have many interests, and no, you don’t have to be an expert in all of them. If people ask you what you want to be when you grow up, you can have multiple answers!
Views on the walkers haute route from Chamonix to Zermatt which I completed this Summer
If you have any questions regarding bioengineering, studying abroad, or hiking in the Alps, I am always happy to help!
