Early Careers Network Wales: summer networking evening

Katharina Polanyi

Katharina has been heavily involved in the ICE Early Careers Network Wales Cymru since graduating from Cardiff University in 2023. Starting as a general committee member, she progressed through the roles of public liaison representative and vice chair, and currently serves as chair.

In her professional role at Mott MacDonald, Katharina has gained a variety of experiences ranging from civil engineering, management and coordination roles in the transport and water sectors to structural engineering in buildings.

Stephanie Lewis

Stephanie Lewis is a principal engineer in the roads team at WSP, based in Cardiff, with 14 years’ experience in highways improvement and resilience studies.

Alongside her technical role, Stephanie is the STEM lead for Wales at WSP, where she drives engagement initiatives across the region, support growing the number of active STEM Ambassadors and supporting the delivery of impactful activities that inspire young people.

For her contribution to STEM in Wales, Stephanie has won the 2025 STEM Ambassador of the Year award in Wales.

Rebecca Lambe

In 2025, Rebecca was the ICE Early Careers Network Wales Cymru Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) lead.

In this role, she led STEMM outreach activities on behalf of the institution and joined the organising committee for the annual Engineering Team Challenge (ETC). 

This is the largest ICE STEMM outreach activity in Wales, aimed at promoting civil engineering to 16–18-year-olds.

The ETC consists of a full day of interactive and competitive activities and is held in multiple locations across Wales.

Rebecca has found involvement in STEMM outreach activities incredibly rewarding and encourages everyone to get involved!