University of Wolverhampton Appoints Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor

Poggy Murray Whitham joins the university to enhance engineering students' real-world learning and employability over the next three years.

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The University of Wolverhampton has appointed Poggy Murray Whitham as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Inclusive Engineering Design and Innovation, aiming to enhance students' real-world learning experiences.

The appointment strengthens the university's commitment to providing engineering students with industry-focused, practical learning opportunities. Over the next three years, Professor Whitham will collaborate with academic staff, including Academic Champion Dr Aman Dhir, to develop a programme focused on boosting students' employability, innovative thinking, and applied engineering skills.
Building on a successful pilot, the new programme will integrate mentoring, challenge-based activities, and industry-informed teaching. Students will engage with real-world engineering scenarios, work on practical problems, and present their findings to industry professionals. Professor Whitham's expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion will also be incorporated into module development, with a specific focus on inclusive engineering design and innovation.
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"At its core, engineering is problem solving, but to solve the challenges that we face both now and in the future, we need engineers who can think difference, challenge the status quo, and consider perspectives beyond their own. I'm really looking forward to working with Dr Dhir, colleagues, and students at Wolverhampton to bring real-world industry experience into the university, helping students develop not just their technical knowledge, but their confidence and skills such that they can become the engineers our industry needs. A motto I am known for is: "Inclusion shouldn't be improvised; it should be engineered." And where better to start than with the next generation of engineers?"

Poggy Murray Whitham · Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Inclusive Engineering Design and Innovation at the University of Wolverhampton
Professor Whitham and Dr Dhir secured the Visiting Professorship through an application to the Royal Academy of Engineering scheme, which facilitates experienced industrial engineers and entrepreneurs contributing to curriculum development, teaching, and mentoring.
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"I am delighted to welcome Poggy Murray Whitham to the University of Wolverhampton through this prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship. As our engineering provision continues to grow, this appointment represents a significant opportunity to enhance the student experience by bringing outstanding industry expertise directly into the classroom. “Poggy's experience in inclusive engineering design and innovation will provide students with invaluable insight into both the technical and professional demands of modern engineering practice. Through engagement with real-world challenges, industry projects and employers, our students will gain a deeper understanding of the skills, behaviours and mindset required to succeed in today's engineering environment. “This award will enable us to further develop our curriculum, strengthen industry engagement and equip our students with the tools, confidence and competencies needed for future success. Bringing a recognised leader in this field to the University is an important step forward for our Engineering programmes and will help ensure we continue to deliver the very best outcomes for our students."

Dr Aman Dhir · Academic Champion for the Visiting Professorship
The Visiting Professorship aligns with the University's ongoing development of its engineering programmes. Professor Whitham is based within the University's School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Based on information from the official source: University of Wolverhampton (04/11/2026)