Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Today, we’re marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Thursday 11th February).

One of the many people working for the MCA with a science background is Hazel Lewis, who joined the Agency in August of last year as Seafarer Safety and Human Element Policy Manager in the Seafarer Safety and Health branch [or otherwise known as Seafarer Services].

Day-to-day, Hazel uses her wide-ranging experience as well as her academic knowledge – which includes a degree in Biological Anthropology from the University of Kent and a Masters qualification in Water: Science and Governance from King’s College London – to promote, improve and drive safety standards in the shipping industry. This involves tackling areas such as seafarer wellbeing and safety culture. 

Working closely with the industry at large, Hazel’s remit incorporates both maritime safety policy and non-regulatory means. Looking at the human element means focusing on how human decision-making and behaviour interacts with systems to create safety.

“I’ve been really struck by the sheer scale of work the MCA carries out in so many unique and exciting areas; in addition to the forward-thinking and ambitious approach the Agency adopts,” said Hazel, who previously worked for the International Council of Marine Industry Associations [ICOMIA – the non-profit international trade association which brings together national marine industry associations] – in London and overseas, including remote-working from Australia.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first six months or so with the MCA; it’s a great feeling to be contributing to progressive change each day and being involved in improving the safety and wellbeing of seafarers. It is great working with many brilliant women at the MCA, including Pav Hart-Premkumar PhD, Human Element Policy Specialist.”

Part of Hazel’s interest [and understanding] in human behaviour and behavioural change can be traced back to a dissertation she wrote on the subject as well as work with Waterwise – a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) promoting water efficiency and conservation – in 2016 and 2017. It was in this position that she used her expertise and passion for the environment to encourage people and businesses to use less water.

Hazel added: “I’m a passionate about understanding human behaviour and, because of that, I’m interested in many different sectors. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on and deliver a number of exciting projects over the past few years and I’m looking forward to doing more of the same with the MCA.”

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