Wed, 01 October, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Principal Engineer, Chi Lee has completed 25 years of service at TWI.
Chi’s interest in science and engineering began at school which led him to study chemistry at A-level before heading to Nottingham University where he studied metallurgy and materials science. Upon completing his BSc, Chi opted to stay at Nottingham to pursue a PhD in corrosion science, where his studies focused on environmentally-friendly corrosion inhibitors.
Having then completed short post-doctorate, Chi began his career as a corrosion engineer investigating oil and gas pipelines. This work saw him travel around the world, working in places including the Middle East, Mexico, Turkey, Russia, Canada, Indonesia, and South Africa, among others.
After around 4 years in this role, Chi moved to Aberdeen in Scotland, where he was seconded from T.R. Oil Services to assist with B.P.’s corrosion awareness campaign ‘Federal Project.’ It was here that he helped to highlight the cost of corrosion to B.P.’s business units, the importance of reducing costs by sharing good practices and long term benefits of maintaining effective corrosion mitigation measures.
Chi Lee (left) with TWI CEO Caroline Gumble (dr)
Following his time assisting B.P., Chi moved once again, this time to Cambridge, England, where he joined TWI to work in our materials section. Using his experience and knowledge of materials and corrosion, he then moved to our asset integrity management team before returning to the materials section in recent years.
Now working in a more consultative capacity, Chi speaks with TWI clients to assess their needs and challenges before recommending solutions. In addition, he uses his expertise to oversee projects as well as acting as a mentor to younger colleagues and teaching a damage mechanisms course as part of TWI’s CSWIP Plant Inspector training programme. Chi also acts as a mental health first-aider for TWI staff and is also a qualified counsellor.
Speaking on his time at TWI, Chi opened up about how his work remains interesting and challenging to this day. Working across different industry sectors means that there are always different problems and solutions to be found, which have helped Chi to keep growing and expanding his skills, knowledge and experience.
Chi also revealed how being surrounded by friendly and supportive, like-minded colleagues has kept his time working at TWI engaging and worthwhile.
A true example of the technical excellence on display at TWI, we would like to congratulate Chi Lee on his achievements at TWI and thank him for his years of service supporting both TWI and industry in general.