After gaining MA, MSci and PhD degrees from the University of Cambridge in Materials Science & Metallurgy,  Philippa then spent 18 years working at TWI Ltd, and developed an international reputation in fracture toughness testing and engineering failure investigation, often of welded steel structures, through her project work, research, and consultancy. Philippa has published over 45 conference and journal papers, and co-authored a textbook in 2014, ‘The Welding Engineer’s Guide to Fracture and Fatigue’, to accompany her lectures for the IIW Welding Engineering Diploma.  Philippa joined Hawkins in 2022 and is based in the Cambridge office. As a materials engineer, metallurgist and welding engineer, her forensic investigations cover; escapes of water and oil, cracks in glass, materials and corrosion, and mechanical and engineering failures. She has had instructions to act as expert witness for cases related to fracture assessment of welds, weld quality, and corrosion of steels.  Philippa is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Welding Institute, and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.