Stirring The Pot
Created by metal minds for metal minds – join us for practical conversations that get to the nuts and bolts of the metals industry here in New Zealand. Connect with leaders & experts from across the globe who talk overcoming key industry challenges, and influencers who cast their eyes to the future. Perfect if you’re time poor but want to keep your finger on the pulse. Prepare to be challenged, informed & inspired!
Stirring The Pot
Sparking a passion for structural fire
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In this episode of Stirring the Pot we’re having a kōrero with Lydia Frater.
Lydia's journey through her HERA internship has been nothing short of transformative. As a third-year engineering student at UC, she stepped into the world of structural fire engineering with minimal prior exposure—only to come out with hands-on experience, deep insights, and a newfound passion for the field. From modelling structural members to analysing fire protection methods, she shares how working on real-world projects has shaped her understanding of both fire engineering and sustainability in construction.
In this episode, Lydia reflects on the highs and challenges of her seven-week internship, including tackling complex modelling software, problem-solving independently, and collaborating with industry experts. She breaks down her work on the HERA Intumescent Optimisation Tool, concrete-filled steel tube research, and steel columns in fire-rated walls—highlighting the crucial link between cost efficiency, carbon savings, and fire safety.
If you're an engineering student or just curious about what it's like to dive into a research-based internship, this is a must-listen. Lydia’s experience shows how hands-on learning can open unexpected doors and shape the future of fire engineering in Aotearoa. 🔥