Biography
Dr. Shini Somara was awarded a Doctorate in Engineering in 2004 for her development of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
CFD is a computational simulation tool used by mechanical engineers to visualise how gases and liquids flow. By simulating the behaviour of fluids around say, aircraft wings, Formula1 cars or buildings, CFD can help engineers optimise engineering design and design more sustainable solutions.
Shini specialised in predicting the behavior of air in "enclosed spaces". This research has been particularly useful during the pandemic, in understanding how air particles transport COVID19 in buildings.
Dr. Somara’s engineering expertise has led her to speak at academic conferences on the ‘built environment’. She continues to speak and moderate panel discussions with experts, across a broad range of science and technology events.
Shini's experience in engineering sparked her passion for research and innovation. She dedicates her career towards sharing her passion with others through media. Shini has made multiple TV appearances as an engineering expert on Sky, Discovery, The Science Channel, UKTV, Yesterday Channels.
Since 2012, Dr. Somara has fronted several innovation television series, including The Health Show on BBC World News, TechKnow on Al Jazeera, Tomorrow’s Food on BBC1 and Razor on CGTN Europe.
The main objective of Shini's work today as a producer and broadcaster is to translate complex science and technology into engaging, accessible and informative content.
Shini speaks comfortably across all areas of science (including climate change, sustainability, health, food and energy) to popularises and democratise STEM. She wants to see more equality, diversity and inclusion in these technical fields, especially having experienced a severe lack of diversity and inclusion through her education. To date her most impactful work includes:
Crash Course Physics: - a x50 episode YouTube series, hosted by Shini on Advanced Placement Level Physics
(approx. 50 million views across entire series) - PBS Digital Studios.
Crash Course Engineering: - x45 episode YouTube series hosted by Shini, on the various aspects of engineering.
(approx. 8 million views across entire series) - PBS Digital Studios.
Authoring books: Shini has published 7 books for young people to date. Her seventh book was published in on March 2nd 2023, entitled Engineers Making a Difference. This book was funded by The Gatsby Foundation and Imperial College London Shini also writes a regular article for E&T Magazine for the Institute of Engineering and Technology, about diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Dr. Somara has been running several podcast series, since June 2018, entitled "Scielnce", "Innervation" and eSTEAMd Women" - The podcast provides a platform for women in STEM* to share their experiences and wisdom learned. In January 2024, Shini will launch a new podcast series entitled "Innovators Making a Difference".
Shini has also spoken at the United Nations in 2017 for International Women and Girls in Science Day (February 11th); is a TEDx Speaker and mentor to Masters and PhD students at Imperial College in London.
Shini sits on the E&T Innovation Advisory Board, is a Trustee of The Global Communication Museum and a panel member for English Heritage Blue Plaque committee. Shini has won several awards for her contribution to science communication and media and . In June 2022 was made an honorary fellow of the Institution of Engineering Designers and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Brunel University in December 2023.
*STEM = science, technology, engineering and maths
CFD is a computational simulation tool used by mechanical engineers to visualise how gases and liquids flow. By simulating the behaviour of fluids around say, aircraft wings, Formula1 cars or buildings, CFD can help engineers optimise engineering design and design more sustainable solutions.
Shini specialised in predicting the behavior of air in "enclosed spaces". This research has been particularly useful during the pandemic, in understanding how air particles transport COVID19 in buildings.
Dr. Somara’s engineering expertise has led her to speak at academic conferences on the ‘built environment’. She continues to speak and moderate panel discussions with experts, across a broad range of science and technology events.
Shini's experience in engineering sparked her passion for research and innovation. She dedicates her career towards sharing her passion with others through media. Shini has made multiple TV appearances as an engineering expert on Sky, Discovery, The Science Channel, UKTV, Yesterday Channels.
Since 2012, Dr. Somara has fronted several innovation television series, including The Health Show on BBC World News, TechKnow on Al Jazeera, Tomorrow’s Food on BBC1 and Razor on CGTN Europe.
The main objective of Shini's work today as a producer and broadcaster is to translate complex science and technology into engaging, accessible and informative content.
Shini speaks comfortably across all areas of science (including climate change, sustainability, health, food and energy) to popularises and democratise STEM. She wants to see more equality, diversity and inclusion in these technical fields, especially having experienced a severe lack of diversity and inclusion through her education. To date her most impactful work includes:
Crash Course Physics: - a x50 episode YouTube series, hosted by Shini on Advanced Placement Level Physics
(approx. 50 million views across entire series) - PBS Digital Studios.
Crash Course Engineering: - x45 episode YouTube series hosted by Shini, on the various aspects of engineering.
(approx. 8 million views across entire series) - PBS Digital Studios.
Authoring books: Shini has published 7 books for young people to date. Her seventh book was published in on March 2nd 2023, entitled Engineers Making a Difference. This book was funded by The Gatsby Foundation and Imperial College London Shini also writes a regular article for E&T Magazine for the Institute of Engineering and Technology, about diversity and inclusion in engineering.
Dr. Somara has been running several podcast series, since June 2018, entitled "Scielnce", "Innervation" and eSTEAMd Women" - The podcast provides a platform for women in STEM* to share their experiences and wisdom learned. In January 2024, Shini will launch a new podcast series entitled "Innovators Making a Difference".
Shini has also spoken at the United Nations in 2017 for International Women and Girls in Science Day (February 11th); is a TEDx Speaker and mentor to Masters and PhD students at Imperial College in London.
Shini sits on the E&T Innovation Advisory Board, is a Trustee of The Global Communication Museum and a panel member for English Heritage Blue Plaque committee. Shini has won several awards for her contribution to science communication and media and . In June 2022 was made an honorary fellow of the Institution of Engineering Designers and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Brunel University in December 2023.
*STEM = science, technology, engineering and maths