Yaheetah Kusi-Mensah, graduate flood risk and hydrology engineer at Arcadis, shares her personal passion for reducing flood risk and how she has contributed to significant infrastructure projects like HS2.
Yaheetah Kusi-Mensah’s journey into WEM was sparked by her fascination with natural hazards and the desire to reduce flood risks. After witnessing the devastating impact of the 2013–2014 winter floods in the UK, Yaheetah pursued a career in flood risk management. Now a graduate flood risk and hydrology engineer at Arcadis, she reveals her role in significant infrastructure projects such as HS2.
What motivated you to pursue a career in Water and Environmental Management?
I developed a strong interest in natural hazards during my time at university in the UK. Flooding, being the most prominent natural hazard, posed a significant risk to all. My motivation to pursue a career in WEM stemmed from my curiosity and desire to develop solutions that reduce the vulnerability of various communities across the UK to flooding.
I vividly remember watching TV images of the 2013-2014 winter flood event and the devastating impact it had on UK communities. Although I wasn't directly affected by these events, living in London and witnessing the effects of climate change on our water environment, I am driven to find lasting solutions to mitigate flood risks in the UK.
Can you describe your journey into the sector? Were there any pivotal moments or challenges that shaped your path?
While my official journey with the WEM sector has just begun, my interest was sparked during my time at university. Undertaking natural hazard-related modules during my Geography degree at King's College opened my eyes to the interconnected risks and challenges within the water environment.
Joining Arcadis as a Graduate Flood Risk and Hydrology engineer has exposed me to various opportunities, from updating flood models to writing flood risk and environmental impact assessments. Despite facing challenges in grasping new concepts, working on diverse WEM projects has honed my skills in creating flood risk assessments, a task I find particularly rewarding.
What educational background or training helped you get started in WEM?
My academic foundation in Geography with Spatial Data Science from King’s College London played a pivotal role in initiating my journey within WEM. Geography, being an inherently multidisciplinary field, equipped me with essential knowledge in the domains of the water environment, natural hazards, geomorphology, and the influence of national and international policies on our environmental interactions.
Additionally, as a current graduate member of CIWEM, I benefit from a plethora of personal development resources, including informative webinars and courses, which further enrich my growth trajectory within the WEM sector
What are some of the key projects or roles you've been involved in? What impact have they had on your community or the sector?
I have had the opportunity so far in my career at Arcadis to contribute to related two major infrastructure projects: High Speed 2 rail (HS2) and the expansion of the M5 Junction 10 (M5J10). My role on HS2 has involved monitoring the impact construction has on the quality of surface water over an 18-month period.
By conducting thorough assessments, I contribute to the identification of potential risks to water bodies, aquatic life, surrounding ecosystems and communities. Findings generated by my contributions to this project allow me and the wider team to guide the implementation of mitigation measures to protect water quality, ensuring compliance with regulations and environmental standards are met during construction phases.
I’ve also undertaken water quality assessments using Highways England Water Risk Assessment Tool (HEWRAT) to examine the potential impacts highway runoff would have on the waterbodies located in the catchment areas surrounding the M5 junction 10. My work was crucial in determining what mitigation measures would need to be implemented to reduce the potential negative impacts a pollution or spillage event on the highway would have on both the communities and aquatic life utilising the waterbodies nearby.
I am currently working on developing and writing up a Flood Risk Management Plan for Carmarthenshire County Council. I am actively crafting tailored actions and interventions alongside my team, aimed at mitigating the damages and risks posed by flooding to the prioritized communities throughout Carmarthenshire. This project serves as a valuable opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards enhancing community resilience in the face of ever greater flooding challenges.
What are you most proud of in your professional career?
I am most proud of starting a professional career in a field I have been strongly interested. I knew during my time at university that I would like to pursue a professional career in an area that aims to address and mitigate the risk posed natural hazards, so I am proud that I have been able to achieve this through working as a flood risk and hydrology engineer at Arcadis.
Having also just celebrated my first year working in this role which, I am proud of the journey I have taken so far to get to where I currently am, especially as someone who comes from a particularly underrepresented background within my field.
Have you faced any challenges as a black professional in WEM? If so, how did you navigate these?
Although just at the start of my journey, I have already recognised a lack of diversity within WEM. As a young Black professional within WEM, the challenge I have faced the most is seeing a future career path within WEM as there are not many people that look like me within in this sector I can look up to, connect with and go to for guidance as a Black professional. I think that for the WEM sector to become more inclusive and diverse, more opportunities and initiatives need to be provided for young Black students to explore the world of WEM earlier on in their lives.
What advice would you give to Black students or early-career professionals considering entering WEM?
Attend as many talks as possible or events that would provide you with insight into the world of WEM. Don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn whose career path seems interesting to you, as people are usually up for having a quick chat and can provide you with great tips for entering WEM. I would also advise young Black students and early-career professionals to apply for any work experience, internship, or placement opportunities across the WEM sector to get a feel of the role and the environment they may potentially want to work in the future.
Connect with Yaheetah Kusi-Mensah on LinkedIn
This article is part of the CIWEM’s Black History Month campaign.