Breaking Barriers in Subsea Engineering: A Woman’s Journey in Science
Sritama Sarkar, Principal Pipeline Engineer, ABL Group
As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science this February, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journey of a woman making waves in subsea and offshore engineering.
From an early fascination with oceans to becoming a respected voice in a traditionally male-dominated field, Sritama Sarkar’s story exemplifies how passion and determination can overcome gender barriers in science.
“Water always fascinated me, particularly oceans, which are a vast source of resources,” she reflects. “I was always curious to know how such resources could be used in a responsible and sustainable manner.” This curiosity would shape her career path in subsea and offshore engineering.
Working as the Principal Pipeline Engineer at ABL Group, Sritama splits her time between oil and gas projects whilst increasingly engaging with renewables – a testament to the evolving energy landscape. Her vision extends beyond current technologies: “I would like to see cleaner and sustainable sources of energy in my lifetime,” she shares, highlighting her commitment to environmental stewardship.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “Working in a male-dominated world, I often found it hard to speak up in meetings where I would be the only female,” she admits. However, she found strength through mentorship from women who had navigated similar challenges before her.
Her message to aspiring female scientists is clear and powerful. She emphasises that girls excel at problem-solving and managing multiple aspects simultaneously – skills that are invaluable in scientific careers. When addressing common misconceptions, she tackles gender stereotypes head-on: “There is a common misconception that women aren’t as dedicated to their careers as men. However, women in science can be as passionate and dedicated as their male colleagues. Work-life balance is a personal choice and should not be related to gender.”
For Sritama, the most rewarding aspect of applied science is its real-world impact. Whether developing new technologies, creating analysis tools, or designing sustainable solutions, her work considers not just human needs but planetary wellbeing as a whole.
To girls contemplating a future in science, she points to the inspiring legacy of women who have made significant contributions to physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. Their achievements stand as a testament to what’s possible, paving the way for the next generation of female scientists to push boundaries and break new ground.
Sritama’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories of women making an impact in science and engineering at ABL Group. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing more experiences from our talented women, highlighting their challenges, achievements, and contributions to the industry.
Follow along on our social media to hear their stories!