Megan Barnes-Wood is a research and development engineer at Champion and a current PhD candidate in Medical Engineering, specialising in head impact biomechanics and sports safety innovation.  Her research explores the cumulative effects of football heading on the brain using a combination of experimental testing and finite element modelling - work that aims to inform both scientific understanding and real-world safety standards in sport.

At Champion, Megan leads the development of next-generation equestrian helmets, managing projects from concept through to certification.  She works closely with manufacturing teams to translate technical data into protective equipment that meets the needs of riders without compromising on comfort or performance.  Utilising her computational skills, she focuses on designing innovative safety solutions, integrating modelling, simulation, and data analysis to inform product design.  Her dual roles in academia and industry place her at the intersection of research and product innovation, where she brings a systems-level approach to understanding how materials, impacts, and standards come together to influence real-world safety.

Megan’s background in medical engineering has equipped her with a strong foundation in biomechanics, materials science, and computational modelling.  Her passion lies in applying those skills to tangible problems - whether that’s developing safer sports equipment or pushing for more robust safety standards based on biomechanical evidence.

Beyond her work, Megan runs girlswhoSTEM, a social media platform and website dedicated to promoting representation, visibility, and confidence among women in STEM careers.  She frequently shares her personal experiences as a woman in technical fields to demystify STEM careers and emphasise that diverse perspectives are not just valuable but crucial for fostering innovation.