“ I would encourage those who are considering joining the energy industry to be inquisitive and assertive. Don’t be afraid to speak up, you might be the person that has an idea that changes the world!”
Kathryn Brown is a Senior Consultant working in DNV’s Asset Data Analytics team in Loughborough. Her role focuses on data analytics for a variety of assets to aid in the prioritisation and strategy of replacement, refurbishment, and inspection of assets. She has experience in mathematics and fire and explosion engineering.
I am originally from Huddersfield in Yorkshire, but I have been living in Loughborough for more than a decade. Apparently, I still have a northern accent, despite my family’s claims that I now sound southern when I visit! Growing up, I was very fortunate to have a supportive family. Most of them worked in some form of engineering and they were all very supportive of my interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at school. I credit my family with teaching me the importance of having a positive, ‘can do’ attitude.
My favourite subjects at school were mathematics and chemistry. However, I had a wide variety of hobbies growing up: swimming, Brownies, dancing and playing musical instruments. My absolute favourite was, and still is, dancing. If you’d have asked nine-year-old me what I would be when I was older, I was going to be a prima ballerina.
Entering the oil and gas industry was a happy accident. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Lancaster University, with plans to go into accountancy. My family encouraged me to keep my options open and continue with mathematics rather than fully specialise in accountancy. After some brief work experience with an accountancy team during university, I realised that it wasn’t for me. This meant that when I left university, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do.
This is when I applied to the finance team at DNV – and I ended up joining the engineering team instead. I have never looked back! I was also very fortunate that the company was willing to sponsor me through my Master’s degree in Fire and Explosion Engineering to enable me to become a chartered engineer. I now work for DNV’s Asset Data Analytics team in Sustainability and Asset Resilience. The daily work is a good mix of the mathematics I’ve always loved and the fire and explosion engineering knowledge that I gained early on in my career.
My favourite projects are the ones where I get to think outside the box and approach problems in new and innovative ways. For example, a recent project was assessing the cost and impacts of putting 100% hydrogen into the gas system. It was a great opportunity bringing people together across the company that wouldn’t normally collaborate, giving us a holistic view of the work being undertaken. It means I get to understand completely different viewpoints and reasons why we do things the way that we do.
I think the oil and gas industry can play a major role in the energy transition. The concept of decarbonisation is enormous and can often feel very overwhelming and impossible to tackle. We can help clients and partners improve their understanding of the challenges and opportunities within it.
Across the globe, our sector has some of the brightest minds working on creating a cleaner energy future. It’s an interesting time to be involved in developing cutting-edge technology. It can often feel the most challenging time, but also the most rewarding time, knowing that we can and will make a difference to improve the lives of billions of people. I would encourage those who are considering joining the energy industry to be inquisitive and assertive. Don’t be afraid to speak up, you might be the person that has an idea that changes the world!
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