The structural engineer who designed The Shard has been awarded an honorary degree by Northumbria University at the education establishment's winter graduation ceremonies.
Roma Agrawal is best known for designing London's landmark 95-story high skyscraper and the tallest building in Western Europe. However, her first job following her graduation was to design and build the footbridge that crosses the Central Motorway in Newcastle.
Installed in 2007, the bridge links Northumbria University's east and west city campuses, aiming to provide a safe pedestrian and cycle route from Shieldfield into the centre of Newcastle. Roma, who is also an author and broadcaster, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding career as a leading female structural engineer, as well as for her work in striving to promote engineering, scientific and technical careers to young people and under-represented groups.
Read more: Northumbria University named 'University of the Year' at prestigious UK awards ceremony
As well as delivering hundreds of talks in schools and universities, she hosts her own podcast and has published books for all ages telling stories of how some of the world's most famous buildings were built. She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to engineering.
Speaking about her award, Roma Agrawal said: "It’s a real honour and joy to receive this award from Northumbria University, a place that I hold close to my heart. I often refer to the footbridge, which was my first ever engineering project, as my baby, so it means a lot to me to come back here and receive this generous recognition."
Roma received her honorary degree on Northumbria's Newcastle City Campus during 2022's winter graduation ceremonies. Such degrees are awarded each year to people who the university considers inspiring, merit special recognition for their achievements, or have inspirational qualities and are linked to the university.
Read next
