Careers Breakfast: Chemical Engineer, John Egan

We were thrilled to welcome Chemical Engineer and sustainable energy expert, John Egan, to present at this week’s Careers Breakfast.

Mr Egan gave a useful introduction to what it means to be an engineer, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasising the important role that engineers play in solving problems, including the world’s biggest problem of climate change. 

After graduating with a Masters in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, Mr Egan enjoyed a successful career in international manufacturing before moving to work for Progressive Energy, one of the key partners on the world-leading HyNet North West project, in 2019.

Through carbon capture and hydrogen production, HyNet North West aims to reduce CO2 emissions to zero, creating a low carbon economy and protecting jobs in the North West. Students were highly engaged as Mr Egan described the processes that he and his colleagues on the project are designing to bring about this important change in our area. 

Dr Hensman thanked Mr Egan for a fascinating insight into the project, and into his own role: “Thanks to Mr Egan, students not only now understand what it means to be a Chemical Engineer, but they are excited about the important role that Chemical Engineers play in bringing about change and solving problems that really matter.”

Mr Egan is pictured with Anthony Audas (U6WER) who has applied to study Chemical Engineering at UCL.