A BRADFORD Laboratory Technician has been awarded membership to an influential body of civil engineers.

Joanna Wood was given a Technician Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers, which represents the 80,000 professionals across the world.

Mrs Wood, who recently qualified as a Technician Member, is now entitled to add the letters “TMICE” to her name.

She was presented with her membership certificate by ICE President Professor David Balmforth at a special ceremony held at ICE’s headquarters in Westminster (pictured).

The University of Bradford employee said: “Passing the review is a great achievement and makes all my hard work worthwhile. It’s a great way to get recognition."

Mrs Wood became interested in civil engineering while doing her A-levels, though chose to go in a different direction after school when she took a degree in design and worked in printing.

But she made a career change in 2008 and became a laboratory technician in civil engineering.

She said: “I would say to school students that they should go for what they want to do and not to doubt themselves. I would like to encourage more girls to choose engineering as it is not just a male profession. We need more women in civil engineering.”