Jenna Gaff - MEng Student of Electrical and Mechanical EngineeringI am a student studying for an MEng in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. I am about to enter my fifth and final year. My 4th year placement was with Bloodhound SSC based in Bristol. I am a fan of Formula 1 and all things car related and I also love to dance in my spare time.
1. What technology are you working on right now, and what excites you most about it?
My placement involved working on the pedal assembly for Bloodhound SSC and a cooling system for the auxiliary power unit seen on the car. The pedal assembly was my first experience of designing something real which in itself is very exciting let alone with, Bloodhound SSC driver, Andy Green as your ‘customer’. Overall it is extremely thrilling to be working on the design of these parts as they are for the world's first 1000mph car!
2. What is it like to work as a student at Bloodhound?
It is a fantastic experience to work as a student on the engineering team at Bloodhound. The work that is being carried out has never been done before and to be exposed to it so early on in my career is very valuable indeed. By the same token working with the engineering team has been incredible in many respects. For example, they are more than willing to pass on their knowledge.
3. What are key challenges you are helping to solve right now?
As with everyone on the Bloodhound project, other than daily technical work associated with the aforementioned projects, we are aiming to tackle a shortage in the uptake in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. I help by providing assistance whenever needed at events promoting the project. When promoting the project by default you are promoting STEM subjects while doing so in an inspirational manner.
4. What advice would you give to anyone interested in becoming an engineer?
Choose your subjects at school level carefully (along the lines of maths, physics and technology), go to college/university open days in advance and get as much hands on experience as possible.
5. Which developing technology do you see helping the world in 5-10 years time?
Within 5-10 years I see technology such as the development of algae biofuel helping to create and move towards a 'low carbon world'.