Election to Council - Member Grade

Dr Teo Chee Loong CEng MIAgrE

I am honoured to stand for election to the IAgrE Council as a Member and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the continued development of the Institution and the agricultural engineering profession.

My professional background spans agricultural biotechnology, sustainable production systems, and applied engineering innovation across academia, industry, and international collaboration. I currently work at the interface of engineering, biological systems, and sustainable agriculture, leading research and development initiatives focused on soil improvement, bio-based technologies, and resource-efficient agricultural solutions. Through these roles, I engage closely with researchers, industry partners, and early-career professionals, giving me a practical understanding of both technical challenges and the evolving needs of our sector.

Agricultural engineering is entering a period of rapid transformation driven by climate change, food security pressures, digitalisation, and biological innovation. I believe IAgrE has an important role in supporting members as they navigate these changes by strengthening professional recognition, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and promoting engineering solutions that deliver sustainable impact globally. As an internationally active member based in Southeast Asia while collaborating with UK and global partners, I hope to help broaden engagement with emerging regions and support IAgrE’s growing international presence.

If elected, I would aim to contribute by supporting member engagement initiatives, encouraging participation from early-career engineers and multidisciplinary professionals, and helping ensure that IAgrE remains relevant to both traditional agricultural engineering fields and emerging areas such as bioengineering, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient agriculture.

IAgrE has played an important role in advancing professional standards and community within our field. I would be pleased to give my time and experience to support the Council’s work and help strengthen the Institution’s impact for current and future members

Nicholas Corker MSc CEnv MIAgrE FRSA

As the Innovation Manager at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), I am pleased to be invited to join the Council of the UK Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE). With over 25 years of experience spanning agricultural engineering, environmental sustainability, and research commercialization, I have consistently worked at the intersection of engineering, science, and innovation to develop practical, technology-driven solutions for sustainable land management, rural development, and green infrastructure.

Engineering & Innovation Projects include Sustainable Farm Project Development, Natural Fibres in Sustainable Construction – The Renewable House,  Flood Risk Management Engineering, Agricultural Innovation & Technology Transfer

At UKCEH, I am currently responsible for commercializing research and translating scientific innovations into real-world applications:

• Developing and prototyping new environmental technologies, including precision farming tools, remote sensing applications, and agri-tech solutions.
• Managing intellectual property (IP), patents, and technology licensing for NERC science institutes.
• Collaborating with SMEs and industry partners to scale up innovations in agriculture and environmental engineering.

Vision for IAgrE Council Contribution

As a Chartered Environmentalist and Full Member of IAgrE, I am committed to:

1. Advancing Sustainable Agricultural Engineering – Promoting climate-smart technologies and low-carbon engineering solutions in farming and land management.
2. Bridging the Gap Between Research & Industry – Ensuring that cutting-edge scientific research is translated into practical, commercially viable engineering solutions.
3. Promoting Circular Economy Approaches – Encouraging the adoption of bio-based materials and nature-based solutions in construction and agriculture.
4. Enhancing Knowledge Exchange & Professional Development – Supporting IAgrE’s efforts to equip agricultural engineers with the skills and knowledge needed for the future.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise in engineering, innovation, and sustainability to IAgrE, shaping the future of agricultural and environmental engineering in the UK and beyond.

John Gadsby MIAgrE

My agricultural life began on my parents tenanted farm in Norfolk, followed by studying BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Mechanisation at Harper Adams. After graduating in 2007, I worked for four years as part of the management team on a large farming business in Western Ukraine. I then returned to the UK and spent eight years managing a range of combinable and root crop farms across East Anglia. Wanting to broaden my experience and see more of the industry, I joined ADAS in 2020 as an Agricultural Consultant, I now manage a team of consultants and sit on the senior management team within the Agriculture and Land Management Business of ADAS. Alongside the day job I am involved in my family’s farming business based around intensive beef production finished on home grown feeds including grain maize and lucerne. I also hold a BASIS Diploma in Agronomy.

Like many my agricultural interests started with machinery (probably 1:32 scale!) and I have been fortunate that my career has allowed me to develop these both as an operator, then as a manager, training, setting, and selecting and budgeting machinery choices. In my current role this continues with a particular interest and focus on both the cost and efficiency of operations and the impact of machinery choices on soils and farm performance. I have expanded my knowledge and interest into farm infrastructure and water management, soils, and drainage. Much of my day-to-day work involves advising farmers on improvements for business needs, environmental benefit, and legislative compliance around their farms.

I feel I would bring a breadth of wider agricultural experience to the IAgrE council, whilst not a qualified engineer, as one of the links between engineering theory, legislation and practical on farm implementation, which is key to achieve ongoing value to members of the organisation.

Rhian Griffith CEng MIAgrE

I am very pleased to put myself forward for the IAgrE Advisory Council. I have been a member of the Institution since 2024 and value the opportunities available to members at every stage of their careers. In particular, I have enjoyed knowledge-sharing initiatives such as the lunchtime lectures and Special Interest Groups, both of which I have contributed to and presented at. I would welcome the chance to give back by bringing my experience and enthusiasm to the Council, helping to add value for members and supporting the ongoing development of the Institution.

I graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2017 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and began my career in the aerospace industry, where I developed strong skills in mechanical design, safety analysis, and regulatory compliance. In 2021, I transitioned to the Ag-Tech sector, gaining hands-on experience in the agricultural industry and deepening my understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles across research, product compliance, and mechanical engineering, building both a broad perspective on the sector and practical experience that I can bring to the Advisory Council.

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for mentoring and developing young engineers. I’ve particularly enjoyed contributing to industrial projects at universities such as Harper Adams and Huddersfield. I believe that serving on the IAgrE Advisory Council would give me the opportunity to support initiatives and programs that nurture the next generation of members, ensuring they receive guidance, encouragement, and inspiration to grow within the profession.