What did you do before you worked on BLOODHOUND?
I studied Aerospace Engineering at Kingston University and graduated in 2008 with a first class honours. My first and only job before BLOODHOUND was working for the MoD as part of the Eurofighter Typhoon Team, bringing a new helmet into service.
How did you first get involved with the BLOODHOUND Project?
As part of the MoD graduate scheme, I got the opportunity to be seconded to BLOODHOUND for a design placement.
What is your role at BLOODHOUND?
I am currently working on rocket integration; working out how to swap out the half ton, 4m long used rocket motor for a new one between runs and how to keep it secure and safe during runs.
What excites you most about the project?
Everything. I find every part of this project fascinating, from the design of the smallest suspension parts to the huge educational drive that is constantly going on. And of course you couldn’t ask to work with a better team of people, I never find myself not wanting to go to work in the morning!
What are the greatest challenges you will face in building a 1000mph car?
Devising a method of reliably replacing the rocket motor in the six or so minutes that have been allocated. This is a huge juggling act, with a number of processes needing to work together perfectly in order for it to be a success.
One aim of BLOODHOUND is to inspire the next generation of engineers to consider a career in engineering. How do you think BLOODHOUND can achieve this?
Having something exciting to relate school lesson theory to is a valuable part of getting kids hooked on a subject. BLOODHOUND does exactly that, it allows kids to visualise how their own experiments and theory relate to real world engineering.
Were there any engineering projects which inspired you when you were younger?
When I was 13, Thrust SSC broke the sound barrier, which was a huge inspiration. However, I have always been inspired and amazed by even the smallest advances in aviation and space technology and still am!
Why did you decide to become an engineer?
I’ve always had a fascination with the way things work. From the age of about seven or eight I used to dismantle and rebuild pieces of household equipment, from VCRs to telephones, in order to find out what was inside. This developed into larger projects such as cars and model aircraft and eventually led to an education and career in engineering.
Did you ever think you would get to work on such an exciting project?
I have always hoped that I could work on a project of such significance, but I never imagined it would be so early in my career. I’d like to think that this is the first of many, but I’ll have to wait and see!
What career aspirations do you have after 2015?
My main interest is in hypersonic aerodynamics and I hope to move into the space sector and/or study for a PhD in that area.