Ep. 122 | 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.