Steven Lee is a project engineer working for Panton McLeod. His main role is in the project management and on-site operations of remote inspections and surveys of water assets such as reservoirs and aqueducts throughout the UK and Ireland.

Steven joined Panton McLeod as a graduate in early 2021 and has since represented the company at a variety of water industry events across the UK. Steven is the winner of this year’s Water Engineering Award, awarded for the best presentation at the 2022 IWA UK Young Water Professionals’ Conference.

Steven’s talk at the conference stood out. Bringing an elephant (with a hard hat) on stage with him was a captivating way to start the presentation! He followed this by giving a really engaging presentation on a novel topic. He used storytelling to introduce the concept of remote aqueduct inspections, starting with the Romans building the original aqueducts, an overview of what aqueducts are and why it is important to inspect them. He then led the audience through conventional solutions for aqueduct inspections and their limitations, and how remote inspection can improve the inspections while reducing risk. He also looked towards the future and the opportunities ahead. Steven kept the audience interested through his dynamic presentation style and good use of visual aids. Steven has since presented this talk and others at several other conferences.  In so doing he has showcased his company well and demonstrated his professionalism.  Steven is also an active participant in the industry outside of his day job, volunteering his time with three separate water industry committees.

The Water Engineering award is made jointly with the International Water Association (IWA) for the best paper presentation at the annual IWA UK Young Water Professionals Conference.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) acknowledges excellence in engineering, supports engineering education and research, gives grants and assists in the relief of poverty.