Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
I was awarded the 25,000£ MSc Motorsport Scholarship by Mission 44 and the Royal Academy of Engineering to pursue an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design in Cranfield University, and support me entering the F1 industry within one year of graduation. As a result, I became an advocate for young people's rights to access quality education and access to STEM career, working with various charities and schools in underserved areas, from Mission 44 to Motivez and Driven By Us, and schools like Uxbridge High. Thanks to the knowledge aquired in Brunel and the support of the scholarship, I was able to secure a researcher position for my MSc thesis at Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and a F1 Mechanical Simulation Engineer at Mercedes AMG HPP. Now working as an F1 engineer, I continue to actively work on outreach, DE&I in motorsports and supporting public education institutions.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Running simulations in various engineering disciplines from CFD, to FEA and MBD in order to check and optimise PU designs and support decision making as well as providing recommendations to move forward. During lunch breaks I meet with some of my colleagues to share our daily experiences and ensure each other's wellbeing. After work I would work on supporting outreach programmes by the AFBE, Mission 44, Motivez or Driven By Us, depending on the weekly demand. Then, I finish my day by going to the onsite People's Performance Centre (gym) in order to break and refresh my mind.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
Being awarded the MSc Motorsport Scholarship coming directly from Sir Lewis Hamilton, and getting to become an ambassador for his charity and an evidence of his impact and legacy in motorsports. Achieving my life dream of working in F1 as an engineer and becoming a role model for young people from underserved backgrounds like mine wanting to work in F1 or STEM. Being able to support and see the lives of many people progress towards their life goals without being stopped by the socio-economic barriers they have been faced with.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel was the first and only university in the UK to give me an opportunity to pursue a degree regardless of my background, giving me a life changing opportunity. During my time in Brunel I faced many life challenges and the university proved to me that with the right support anyone can thrive through their studies and pursue their life goals. Brunel provided me with incredible lecturers that planted on me again the seed for passion in engineering, providing me with a deep technical and theoretical understanding of all the areas of my field which now I use in my daily basis at work. Brunel empowered me to be the engineer and advocate that I am now.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose Brunel because its historical technical background, being one of the homes of engineering. I would definitely recommend Brunel to others because of its diverse student community and supportive environment. I’ve made friends from all over the world, which has enriched my experience. Plus, the variety of courses means that there’s something for everyone, making it easy to find a program that fits your interests.
What is your best memory of studying here?
One of my favorite memories of studying at Brunel was those late nights spent with my colleagues in the library. We’d gather around tables, fueled by coffee and snacks, supporting each other through tough assignments and exam prep. It was such a motivating atmosphere; we shared tips, brainstormed ideas, and even took breaks to lighten the mood with laughter. When we hit our milestones we celebrated together, whether it was with a small treat or just a break in the benches near the pond. Those nights bonded strong friendships and made the challenges of studying much more enjoyable.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
My advice to current Brunel students is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s engaging in extracurricular activities, seeking internships, or building relationships with your lecturers, each experience adds value to your journey. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it; the support network at Brunel is fantastic. Lastly, remember to balance your studies with self-care and social connections these moments will enrich your university experience and help you grow both personally and professionally. And remember ASK ASK & ASK!
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
My top tip for new graduates as they embark on their career journey is to stay open-minded and adaptable. The job market can be unpredictable, so be willing to explore different roles and industries that align with your skills and interests. Networking is crucial, so connect with alumni, attend industry events, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn. And most importantly, do not let rejections make you give up, the right opportunity will come to you at the right time!
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