Alanna has championed inclusion with a specialism in disability and neurodiversity since starting at AWE as a graduate radiochemist in 2018. Before joining AWE, Alanna studied for a Masters in Chemistry at the University of Reading, focusing her final year on Analytical Chemistry. During this, she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2016 after a battle of two years to understand why she had constant joint pain with no visible reason.  

She was deputy lead, then lead of the AWE disability/neurodiversity ERG “N-Able-D” from 2020-2023 and during this time launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower project which has continued to be a success since. She was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 24, and this led to her researching why women are more likely to be diagnosed later in life and run a panel on Autism in Women to give the platform for women of different ages to share their stories.  

During this time, she also won the NI YGN Central England Branch speaking competition talking about the definitions of “equity” “diversity” and “inclusion” and why there needed to be focus on improving creating an inclusive work environment for disabled and/or neurodivergent colleagues.  

After stepping down as N-Able-D Lead in 2023, Alanna reached out to Terri Hargreaves in early 2024 and together co-founded the nuclear industry-wide network Enable Nuclear which aims to bring together ERGs and Inclusion professionals across the industry to share best practise, solve problems and create a safe community to share frustrations. 

In 2025 as the EDI lead for the NI YGN, Alanna aims to focus on showing how inclusion affects everyone, and how everyone is a part of creating an inclusive culture for all. With this, she is running events focusing on Intersectionality and Allyship to show how everyone can be an active ally to their family, friends and colleagues.  

Outside of work, Alanna is a staff member (and accessibility champion) for Tetris esports communities helping to run inclusive in-person and virtual tournaments. She uses her love of public speaking as a commentator and is award nominated for her efforts in 2024.