Aimee Gibbard
Mechanical Engineering MEng Placement Year
Aimee completed her placement year with the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team. Now the first female team leader of LU Motorsport, Aimee reflects on how her passion for Formula 1 has shaped her Loughborough journey so far.
"My father owned a classic car renovation business when I was young, so I spent most Saturdays in my pink overalls doing anything and everything to help. As I got older my interest in cars only increased and I spent most of my free time under a bonnet! I fell in love with Loughborough University and applied for the Mechanical Engineering degree course. Loughborough offered me everything I could ask for in a University – a superb degree programme, a fantastic Formula Student team and a beautiful campus.
Outside of the Loughborough bubble, I spend some weekends with a local rally team learning more about Motorsport and the unique way of life that comes with it. I spend a lot of my free time at university with Loughborough’s Formula Student Team – LUMotorsport. In my second year I was part of the Powertrains team, providing me with hands on experience of the engine and drivetrain system, including using the University Dyno. Now back from my placement, I am lucky enough to have taken on the role of LUMotorsport Team leader, which will provide me with a chance to learn more about the business side of engineering – I cannot wait for the year ahead!
The reason I chose my degree programme was to enable me to enter the world of Formula One. I was extremely fortunate to have secured a placement with the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team. Loughborough University goes above and beyond to help their students secure prestigious placements and graduate roles to enable them to get the best start to their career.
Being a female engineer has its challenges, but I absolutely love my career and wouldn’t change it for the world. The world of female engineering is improving and becoming more accessible every day and it’s thanks to the female engineers who came before us. I am inspired by so many female engineers, but in recent years I have been truly inspired by Gemma Hatton. Gemma was carving her career through F1 at a time when I became set on my career path. To see another female working in that environment made me believe it was possible for me too. I was lucky enough to meet Gemma through a Formula Student event dedicated to encouraging women into the field. For women to embark on this amazing journey, I encourage you to get involved in as much as you can – even if you don’t think it would be something you would normally like, you really don’t know until you try it!"