Profile
Amber Villegas - Williamson
-
About Me:
I’m a Data Center Engineering Expert, total geek, wannabe comedian, dog lover and all round STEM enthusiast.
-
Read more
I now live in Essex. I grew up in central London and am the granddaughter of refugees, I speak 3 languages fluently and others I can order coffee (which is VERY important in engineering).
I write very serious reports however, I am known to quote Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Niniola where applicable π especially in emails Okkuuuurrrr!
I’m a GIF user extraordinaire, Star Trek lover, movie buff and afrobeats fan.
I also took part in the #DontRushChallenge π
-
My pronouns are:
My pronouns are she/her.
-
My Work:
I’m a Data Centre engineering expert and I look for single points of failure or possible problems in power and cooling systems that could bring the site to a stop. I keep the internet running.
-
Read more
- What is a Data Center?
This video was created by one of my work collegaues and his daughter to help explain what Data Centers are and that they are used by everyone, ALL the time!
If you want to take a look at some of the places I have been check out the following vids.
-
My Typical Day:
I work from home when I’m doing a “Home Job” or I will travel for a week to somewhere in the world when I’m doing an “Away Job”.
When I work from home I look at drawings (electrical schematics), equipment data sheets, calculations and written explanations that have all been submitted by a Data Center for me to check. I will write a report that helps them identify possible issues that could cause the internet to stop.
When I have an “Away Job” I travel to a country for 1 week and we do lots and lots of on-site testing to make sure the Data Center will operate the way is has been designed.
I also teach other engineers best design and operating practices for their Data Centers
-
Read more
I work from home when I’m doing a “Home Job” or I will travel for a week to somewhere in the world when I’m doing an “Away Job”.
When I work from home I look at drawings (electrical schematics), equipment data sheets, calculations and written explanations that have all been submitted by a Data Center for me to check. I will write a report that helps them identify possible issues that could cause the internet to stop. The nice thing I love about my job is that it is “output” driven which means that I get up when I need to and work until I need to, I manage my own time and do not have to be “dressed for the office”.
I used to have a doogie helper but she passed away a few years ago, but she was very helpful at keeping my drawings warm! I also collect fridge magnets from all the places I visit….think I’m gonna need a bigger fridge!
When I have an “Away Job” I travel to a country for 1 week and we do lots and lots of on-site testing to make sure the Data Center will operate the way is has been designed. When I do an “Away Job” I will walk typically 15 – 20 km per day and in 2019 I walked 480 km / 300 miles (in Data Centers only). In 2019 I also spent 116 hours on a plane and travelled the equivalent of 2.2 times around the earth (or over 1.3 Million football pitches).
Β
-
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of South Wales
-
Qualifications:
GCSEs A*, A, B and a C (I’m old so can’t remember how many, I’ll update at some point). AS-Level Spanish, A-Level French, Chemistry, Electronics (I failed A level Maths)
-
Work History:
Since leaving uni I have worked in Internal Sales, External Sales, Product Management, Business Development and Finally Consultancy π
-
Current Job:
Senior Technical Consultant
-
Employer:
Uptime Institute
Who we are (in corporate speak) -> Uptime Institute is an unbiased advisory organization focused on improving the performance, efficiency, and reliability of business critical infrastructure through innovation, collaboration, and independent performance certifications
Who we are (Amber special) -> We help data center owner, operators and designers see the future. We help them to identify future issues before a site is even built to avoid catastrophises. Data Centers must NEVER switch off and we make sure that is the case.
-
My Interview
-
What did you want to be after you left school?
Errrrrr I didn't really know, I just knew I like solving problems. I wanted to be an astronaut for a very long time. er
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Let's just say I was never caught π
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Niniola (I highly recommend, she's brilliant)
What's your favourite food?
All of it :-D I love sea food, pizza and anything that isn't mint chocolate
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Can I just wish for World Peace :-) hihii honestly it would be amazing if countries just stopped bickering!
Tell us a joke.
You want more! Really!!! Okay. Why do plants hate math??? Cos it gives them square roots π
-