My experience at Sheffield has been incredibly empowering, and I’ve learned that gender is not a barrier to success in this industry.

Sheffield encourages bold thinking and innovation, giving students the freedom and support to push boundaries and graduate with not just knowledge, but practical experience that distinguishes them in the aerospace field

What have you most enjoyed about your course ?
I’ve really enjoyed the balance between theory and hands-on experience, particularly working on projects where I get to apply what I’ve learned, from the design process to testing prototypes, and seeing the real impact of those decisions. It’s in these practical settings that I’ve gained the confidence to solve problems and test my ideas under real constraints. I’ve also had the chance to refine important skills like project management, risk assessment, and team collaboration.

In the classroom, I can learn the theoretical concepts behind aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics, but it’s when I’m physically building or testing components that I can see how these individual subsystems interact within a larger system.

What elements of your course have you found useful?
I have really enjoyed the recurring Design, Build and Test module, which closely simulates real-world engineering processes and has introduced me to essential skills for the aerospace industry. Throughout it, we’ve tackled complex design projects, from concept through manufacture, applying systems engineering to integrate aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, avionics, and control.

The hands-on experience with CAD and structural analysis in this module has been incredibly useful, especially as I’ve applied those skills in other projects. I also valued the use of simulation tools for predicting aircraft performance, as we developed digital twins for prototype components.

This module also offered experience in project management, risk assessment, and teamwork, which, as we know, can have its ups and downs. This experience taught me that it’s okay to ‘fail fast’ and recover.

Any particular skills or knowledge you've gained?
I find Advanced Materials fascinating, especially in how they contribute to more sustainable aerospace technologies. Through various modules, I’ve gained experience with the latest manufacturing technologies and materials used in aerospace.

One of the most interesting skills I’ve developed is in metallic 3D printing and additive manufacturing. I’ve learned to design complex, lightweight structures that reduce waste and offer more design flexibility without compromising strength, which is crucial in high-performance applications.

What can you tell us about studying Aerospace Engineering at Sheffield?
One of the best things about studying in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering at Sheffield is the culture of innovation. The School really encourages new ideas, and lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also approachable and supportive. They’re always ready to help, whether it’s giving extra guidance on projects, providing research opportunities, or offering technical advice, which has been invaluable to my learning.

There’s also a great sense of community among students. We’re all passionate about engineering and there’s a strong focus on collaboration, which has helped me develop important teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Finally we have access to world-class labs and facilities, and the university has strong connections with the aerospace industry. We are often offered opportunities to work on real-world projects that tackle current industry trends.

Have you used any of our University careers support? 
I have used the Career Connect service and it has been incredibly helpful in both securing my current position as a student ambassador and exploring graduate opportunities. It's given me access to a wealth of resources, including a range of events that focus on employability, skill development, and networking with potential employers. These events, both virtual and in-person, have allowed me to look into the industries I’m interested in and connect with professionals in those fields.

The platform also hosts a variety of vacancies, from internships to graduate roles, which has enabled me to find relevant opportunities to apply for. The mySkills feature has been a great tool for reflecting on and tracking the skills I’ve developed throughout my academic journey and extracurricular activities, helping me to better showcase my strengths when applying for roles.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?
As a woman in engineering, I've found that the aerospace field is full of opportunities to break boundaries and make a real impact. My experience at Sheffield has been incredibly empowering, and I’ve learned that gender is not a barrier to success in this industry. In fact, the diversity of perspectives is something that enriches engineering, helping to drive innovation and creativity. Through projects like Sunride and the support from my lecturers and peers, I've gained the confidence to push my limits and pursue my dream career.