In this episode in the WIM3 series, Dr Fiona C J Robinson FIMMM speaks with Dr Colleen Mann CEng FIMMM, Senior Consultant at Amentum and Vice President of IOM3, about her career journey and the experiences that have shaped it. From her early education to studying chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast and completing a PhD in nuclear materials science, Colleen reflects on a non‑linear path built on persistence, adaptability and a strong research mindset.
The conversation explores her transition from academia into the nuclear sector, her work leading complex research programmes, and the skills required to thrive across different environments. Alongside her technical work, Colleen speaks candidly about communication, confidence, mentoring and leadership, highlighting the importance of supporting others and creating inclusive professional environments as she looks towards a more strategic leadership role in the future.
Bio:
Dr Colleen Mann is a Chartered Engineer and Senior Consultant at Amentum, where she leads a specialist team delivering research and technical programmes across the nuclear sector. Her work focuses on the long-term performance and durability of nuclear materials, supporting the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste. She is the technical lead for an experimental programme for a key client, where she has coordinated complex, multi-disciplinary research involving international partners and contributed to the development of long-term R&D strategies that support UK policy and decision-making.
Colleen began her career in academia, completing a PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Sheffield, where she specialised in nuclear materials and wasteform durability. During this time, she also managed analytical laboratory facilities and developed strong foundations in both research and teaching. She has since built on this technical expertise in industry, leading experimental programmes, shaping research roadmaps, and supporting projects ranging from spent fuel management to nuclear new build and waste package disposability.
Alongside her technical role, Colleen is Vice President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and is actively involved in supporting the next generation of engineers and scientists through her work with the Sheffield Metallurgical and Engineering Association. She is enthusiastic about leadership, communication, and creating inclusive environments where individuals can develop and thrive and is particularly interested in solving real-world problems by working in multi-disciplinary teams resulting in real-world impact across industry.
Music
Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
