The ISTAT Scholarship helps young people to develop their careers in aviation by offering scholarships to those who are academically qualified. This scholarship will help to reduce their financial stress so that they can focus on their studies, whilst providing a solid foundation for their future careers in aviation.
Ben said, in response to the award: “I feel honoured and privileged to receive such a prestigious scholarship. It will undoubtedly provide me with the confidence needed to succeed in my final year at university and provide a great start to my career in aviation engineering.”
Initially nominated by academics in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering (AAE), the pair had to provide evidence of their commitment to a career in the aviation industry, as well as examples of extra-curricular activities carried out whilst at university. Ben and Kieran will receive $10,000 from ISTAT to support their future endeavours.
Outside of university, Ben competed in the British Model Flying Association Payload Challenge and was part of Loughborough’s Formula Student team. He is currently undertaking a summer internship research project in the AAE Department focusing on the target tracking of drones with Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras.
Ben added: “This Scholarship provides recognition for my endeavours at Loughborough, and the financial support is an added bonus.
"Receiving this scholarship enables me to join a community of industry experts within commercial aviation. This will provide me with fantastic connections and educational opportunities that will help me excel in the future.”
Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue an engineering career within the aviation industry, which he hopes the scholarship will help to support.
Alongside his studies, Kieran is part of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers unmanned aerial system (UAS) challenge team, where he works on the aerodynamics of the aircraft, and an Airbus A320 full systems flight simulator project. He’s also soon due to complete a placement at Rolls Royce.
Kieran said: “The scholarship means a huge amount, especially in terms of joining a network of industry professionals which is an invaluable resource. In addition, ISTAT offers a wide range of developmental opportunities that would also be of great use.
“I feel grateful to the ISTAT committee and the AAE Department for providing me with this great opportunity, I'd especially like to thank the members of staff that have taken the time to aid me in my application for the scholarship.”
Ben and Kieran join a long line of Loughborough ISTAT scholarship recipients, with this being the fifth consecutive year that a Loughborough student has received the award.
More information on ISTAT scholarships is available here.