Coffee & Research Beans

Fresh perspectives. Inspiring conversations. Meaningful change.

Welcome to The Research Blend!

Dear Coffee & Research Beans Community,

Welcome to the first edition of The Research Blend, my new monthly newsletter bringing together inspiring stories, research insights and opportunities from across the built environment.

I founded Coffee & Research Beans to create a space where women working in architecture, engineering and construction could share their journeys, celebrate their achievements and openly discuss the challenges they encounter.

What began as a series of conversations has gradually evolved into a wider initiative connecting academia, industry and communities through research, mentoring and professional dialogue.

Through this newsletter, I hope to keep those conversations going, share new perspectives and inspire meaningful change.

☕ In the Spotlight: Dr Alexandra Onisie

This month, I am delighted to feature Dr Alexandra Onisie, an engineer, project manager, coach and author of Let Me Be a Child.

During our November conversation, I had the pleasure of exploring an important dimension of professional and personal life: the relationship between career aspirations, parenting, wellbeing and the expectations placed on women.

Alexandra’s journey offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on how professional identities evolve and how workplaces can better recognise the diverse responsibilities and experiences of their employees.

🔬 Research Beans: Beyond Representation

Increasing women’s participation in the built environment is essential, but representation alone does not guarantee equality.

Through my ongoing research, I am exploring women’s professional experiences, career progression and the structural challenges that continue to shape opportunities within architecture, engineering and construction.

I believe that research should not simply identify inequalities but also contribute to practical solutions that make our workplaces more inclusive, equitable and socially sustainable.

In future editions, I look forward to sharing findings from this research and exploring what they mean for both academia and industry.

🌱 Beyond the Conversation

Meaningful change begins with listening, but it cannot end there.

Every Coffee & Research Beans conversation gives me an opportunity to learn from different experiences, challenge assumptions and reflect on what needs to change within our professional environments.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this initiative has been discovering how much we can learn from one another, regardless of our career stage, background or discipline.

Through future editions, I will revisit these conversations and share the ideas, recommendations and experiences that emerge.

🤝 Opportunities Brewing

Would you like to share your professional journey, contribute to a discussion or collaborate on research and outreach activities?

I would love to hear from academics, researchers, students and industry professionals who share my commitment to equality, inclusion and sustainability.

Whether you would like to participate as a guest speaker, share your experiences or suggest a topic for a future conversation, please get in touch.

Your story could inspire someone else’s next step.

☕ Keep the Conversation Brewing

I invite you to explore the Coffee & Research Beans website to discover previous conversations, learn more about the initiative and find opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting a project that is particularly close to my heart.

I look forward to sharing more stories, research and opportunities with you in the coming months.

Together, we can turn conversations into meaningful change.

Warm regards,

Dr Luana Parisi
Founder, Coffee & Research Beans
University of East London