A 24-YEAR-OLD St Neots engineer, currently serving in Iraq, must wait until January to find out whether she has won a £1,000 prize as Young Woman Engineer. Lieutenant Suzanne Stamford, from Eaton Socon, who is a platoon commander in the Royal Electrical a

A 24-YEAR-OLD St Neots engineer, currently serving in Iraq, must wait until January to find out whether she has won a £1,000 prize as Young Woman Engineer.

Lieutenant Suzanne Stamford, from Eaton Socon, who is a platoon commander in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is the youngest of five finalists in the Young Woman Engineer of the Year award, organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Suzanne provides electronic support to 20 armoured brigade in Iraq, controlling the productive resources, the IET said, and making engineering decisions, including being responsible for maintenance of a fleet of robotic "wheelbarrows" which are used to inspect or detonate explosive devices.

She is also currently integrating a digital communications support solution for a fledgling digital combat communication network. She is responsible for the training, preparation and deployment of 35 members of the platoon and for ensuring that sufficient technicians possess the relevant trade skills to repair equipment.

Her next role will involve encouraging more young people to consider engineering and a career with REME. She plans to start the process of becoming a chartered engineer.

Dr Alf Roberts, chief executive of the IET, said: "All the finalists are fantastic role models for other young women who may be considering a career in engineering. The institution is committed to raising the profile of engineering to young people and we hope the awards will help to address the shortage of women within the profession.

The winner, announced on January 25, will receive a cheque for £1,000 and an engraved trophy.

INFORMATION: The IET was formed earlier this year by the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers. With a membership of more than 150,000, it is the largest professional engineering society in Europe - www.theiet.org