Biography
Dr. Shini Somara is a Fellow of The iMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers). After completing a Doctorate in Engineering in 2004 in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), she has been broadcasting STEM content on television, digital and literary platforms.
CFD is a simulation tool used by mechanical engineers to visualise how gases and liquids behave. Predicting fluid behaviour around aircraft wings, Formula1 cars or buildings helps engineers optimise design and sustainable solutions.
Shini specialised in predicting airflow within the built environment. This research was particularly useful during the pandemic. CFD was used to understand how air transported COVID19 around enclosed spaces, such as offices and aircraft cabins.
Dr. Somara’s leans on her engineering expertise to speak at academic conferences and moderate expert panel discussions, across a broad range of science, technology and innovations.
Overall, Shini has a passion for research, development and innovation, which she shares as a Trustee of The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE). She continues to share her passion through media, appearing on TV networks such as The BBC, Sky, Discovery, The Science Channel and UKTV, Yesterday Channel.
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, tech and innovation tackling world challenges, such as climate change, sustainability, health, food and energy.
By popularising and democratising STEM, Shini aims to see more equality, diversity and inclusion in these technical fields, particularly having personally experiencing under-representation throughout her career, herself. 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.
Podcast Host: Produced / hosted 3x podcast series entitles: "Scilence", "Innervation" and eSTEAMd Women". These shows provide a platform for women in STEM* to share their experiences and insights.
Live speaking: 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.
Board / Trustee Roles:
Trustee of The campaign for Science and Engineering
Trustee of The Global Communication Museum
Panel member for English Heritage Blue Plaque committee
Pro-Chancellor, Brunel University
Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for Engineering, Brunel University
Board Member, E&T Innovation Advisory Board
Honorary fellow of the Institution of Engineering Designers
Multi-Award Winning:
Rooke Award, Royal Academy of Engineering 2024
Top 50 Women Engineers UK 2024
Asian Women of Achievement Awards, 2020
Inclusive Tech Alliance Awards, 2019
*STEM = science, technology, engineering and maths