MARK RICHARDSChase Terrace Technolgy College

DANIEL STATHAMKingsmead Technolgy College

KATIE WINKLECardinal Griffin Catholic High

School

JOSEPH DODGSONNetherstowe School

PAUL PLESTEDThe Friary School

ALEXANDER BLANAZSCardinal Griffin Catholic High

School

MICHAEL ARDRONThomas Alleynes High School

ZOE MALPASSir Graham Balfour High School

HARRY GLOVERThomas Alleynes High School

ELIZABETH CAMPBELLSt Joseph’s College

Successful StudentsAcademic Year 2011-2012

Mark Richards: studying Aerospace Engineering at Coventry University

Firstly I would like to thank the M6 Toll representatives that presented me with the personal cheque at my school on Wednesday 4th January 2012. It was an evening that sparked the beginning of a new range of experiences that the money has provided for me.

Coventry UniversityI have now finished my first year at Coventry University Studying Aerospace Technology BEng achieving a 2-1 class degree. Throughout my first year of University, I have used part of the scholarship fund to help assist me in my study by purchasing equipment such as work boots and overalls, which were needed for me to work on the RAF Harrier that we are lucky to have in our engineering building. Along with the equipment I have also purchased a PC engineering design program called CATIA, which has allowed me to gain valuable digital technical drawing skills that will be important during my second year of university and future career.

Trip to RomaniaAt Coventry University I became friends with Kulik Arpi who was an international student on my course. After sharing a common interest in flying and aerospace, he invited me to visit Romania in June 2012. Using money from the scholarship I paid for my flights and then took advantage of the fact that he was a professional glider pilot, his father was a rock climber and his brother a skydiver. Over 10 adventure filled days I gained hours of experience flying in gliders and light aircraft, completed a number of AFF Skydives and climbed various mountains. The experience partly funded by the scholarship, allowed me to see this beautiful part of the world and enjoy what it has to offer an adrenalin junkie such as myself.

Visit to H.G RidderMy main use of the scholarship money this year has been to fund a trip to Germany to visit an advanced water jet cutting manufacturing firm. I first met the company owner, Dominik Ridder, at the NEC during the MACH 2012 exhibition, where I first became interested in water jet cutting technology. After a few e-mails were passed, I asked if I could visit the firm in Germany, which I did in July of this year. Using the money to pay for my flights, transport and accommodation, I was greeted at Hamm Rail station and taken to the company, where I enjoyed a detailed tour of the firm and also gained knowledge of how an international business operates successfully to become a leading force in the German Engineering sector.

Future plans Over the past year I have competed in, and won, several lecture competitions, including the N.E. Rowe Junior Lecture competition and the Present around the World competition, hosted by the Institute of Engineering Technology. While presenting at these lectures, I met a wide variety of professional bodies who have thus allowed me to begin presenting my lectures to large groups of secondary school and University students. One of these recently was held at Wolverhampton College, where I gave a presentation on flight to around 90 secondary school pupils, helping them gain an interest in the world of science and engineering. Becoming a member of the regional council of education for the IET and registering as a STEM ambassador will allow me next year to visit more schools in the Coventry and Warwickshire area to present my talks to.

Currently the remaining funds from the scholarship have been placed in an ISA ready to be used when a suitable opportunity arises. A possible use would be to help provide more visual aids to my presentation in the form of props to further add more substance to my talks.

Vote of ThanksOnce again I would like to thank the M6 Toll for choosing me as a successful recipient of the scholarship scheme, the funds have not only helped me become more professional in my studies but also allowed me to gain valuable experiences that I would not have otherwise been able to achieve.

Daniel Statham: studying Aviation Technology at University of Leeds

Before going to university I was nervous about being away from home in a new large place and about meeting new people and making friends. But I didn’t need to worry as I have made many friends and get on with everybody on the course. I have learnt so much about communicating with new people and living independently and looking after myself. It was difficult at first, but became easier as the year went on.

In the first semester I lived in student halls, but I moved to a house with three other people from my course in January for semester two as it was cheaper and more comfortable, and we have more in common.

I have been a member of the Aviation, Debating and Enterprise Societies, where I have met new people and listened to alumni who have given their advice on how to become a pilot or set up your own business. I found this very interesting and a good way to network. I have socialised with like-minded people, which was great.

I have been one of the course reps for the 1st year Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies course. This is a role which enables me to represent the views of the members of my course in meetings with the university staff.

I also was the Vice President/Treasurer for Henry Price, my halls of residence, even when I moved out – they still required my help! What I am most proud of organising in this role was a Spring Ball that was held in March this year. 150 guests attended and there were ballroom dancers, circus performers, a DJ, a photographer and blues and jazz singers. It was a new experience as I had to approve all expenditure and deal with health and safety forms, but I am glad I did it as I learnt so much from doing this.

In the second semester, I managed to get myself a term-time part-time job. I am employed by the university Alumni and Development department to telephone fundraise. I call alumni and chat to them about their time at the University of Leeds, and then ask if they would like to donate to help others follow in their footsteps and become as successful. T\he money they donate funds scholarships and tops up hardship funds.

I am incredibly grateful to Midland Expressway for the £2000 scholarship they awarded me. I put the money towards my Private Pilot’s Licence, which I completed this June. It was a fantastic experience. The training was enjoyable but hard work and intense. The best part was flying alone on the solo qualifying cross country navigation exercise from Sherburn-in-Elmet to Nottingham to Wickenby and then back to Sherburn. I was so pleased that I didn’t get lost and handled talking on the radio correctly too. At the start of the four weeks there seemed a lot to learn, but it was amazing how quickly myself and the other seven people on the course learnt the skills required to succeed. Once I have received my licence from the CAA, I can command a single-pilot single-engine aircraft and can carry a couple of passengers.

The next step is for me to do my Air Transport Pilot Licence theory exams and then to do my commercial pilot training.I would be happy to continue the relationship with Midland Expressway through writing articles or doing talks, if this would benefit you.

Katie Winkle: studying Mechanical Engineering at Bristol University

The Transition from High School to University The hardest thing about first year was getting used to university teaching – which is nothing like being at high-school! Here you really have to take control of your learning, ensuring you keep up to date with problem sheets, do the extra reading etc. This seemed a lot to manage at first, but once I got used to it I really enjoyed this approach to learning. Course, Progress & ExamsThis year I have studied 8 modules, covering everything from Thermodynamics to Electronics, and although I found some modules harder than others, I can honestly say I enjoyed all of them! To give some examples; I found Fluids particularly difficult, enjoyed Electronics much more than I thought I would and found Computer Based Modeling much easier than I expected. The highlight of first year however has to the Design & Make Project set as part of the Design & Manufacture module coursework. For this project we were put into groups and had to design an electronically controlled plastic cup dispenser/vending machine. No liquid is transferred but the filling process is simulated by a 10 second delay during which the cup is hidden from the ‘customer’.

I was elected team leader by my group (after a ‘The Apprentice’ style vote) and loved organising my team; splitting the work load, setting deadlines and producing our final design submission. It was a fantastic experience to work from a design specification to a set budget (£100) and gave us a taste of industrial design. After the exam period we then got to manufacture our vending machines during a 5 day ‘build week’ and present them to an industry professional and a member of the IMechE. The photos show myself working on the electronics and our final machine.

I recently received my exam result and am pleased to say I passed every module and got an average end of year mark of 64%, i.e. a 2:1.

Extra-CurricularAs you may know, the day I received my scholarship I had been in school to give a talk about pursuing STEM careers, with a focus on engineering. I gave my talk to 80 girls from year 9; I had a great time and got some really good feedback. This lead me to a job with the university as a ‘Realising Opportunites E-Mentor’ where I mentor Year 12’s from disadvantaged backgrounds via email. In October this year I will also be working with the university as a ‘Peer Mentor’, mentoring a group of first year engineers to ensure they cope with the transition from high school to university.

Earlier this year I was successful in gaining a place on the Jaguar Land Rover Women in Engineering Sponsorship Scheme; meaning I will be working with the company on a 3 month placement over the summer, as well as each further summer whilst at university. After graduation I will then have the option to apply for a fast-track to their graduate scheme. On a more social note, I have been appointed secretary of the university rock and alternative music society, RockSoc, and have joined the Robogals society; running Lego robotic workshops for primary school children to engage them in science and technology.

ScholarshipMost importantly, the scholarship allowed me to resign from my part time job at BHS; I cannot express how important this has been to my academic & social progress. Looking back, if I hadn’t given that job up I simply wouldn’t have made it through the exam period with all of the required revision and coursework deadlines etc. The scholarship money also allowed me to put a deposit on a house for next year, and makes up the rent & living costs that my loan doesn’t cover. I cannot thank you enough for your generous support.

Joseph Dodgson: studying Civil Engineering at Nottingham University

After my first year of university I can most definitely say that it has been a wise choice to carry on to further education; the university, the course, the new people, everything about university life has suited me perfectly and, if my final grade for first year is anything to go by, I have flourished.

The course itself has tied in a lot of mathematics I learnt throughout school with civil engineering, and has been fascinating. Hydraulics, Geotechnics and Structural Mechanics have all been very interesting modules in which I have excelled.Receiving the scholarship has enabled me to do more than others in my first year at university; I have taken many opportu-nities which have made this year so much more enjoyable- for this I am extremely grateful.

Academic books I purchased this year have helped a lot with learning the content of the course as well as developing further knowledge around subjects above and beyond what was expected. One book which has been particularly helpful is ‘The New Penguin Dictionary of Civil Engineering’. It outlines all civil engineering terms which is incredibly useful when first studying an unknown subject.

During my second semester I went on a 5 day surveying field trip to Swanwick in which I was able to apply the surveying knowledge and skills learnt in lectures to set out points for a building and topographically surveyed the local area. The trip was a great opportunity to bond with peers on the same course as me at the same time as improving my surveying knowl-edge and skills.

I have been able to attend a number of site visits to see where the engineering I am learning is being put into practice, whilst also speaking to on-site engineers about their experiences, advice and recommendations. At site visits I have seen sheet piling, formwork, concrete casting and many more civil engineering methods used, all of which I would have never seen without being on site.

Aside from the educational aspect, I also became a member of 6 different societies through the University of Nottingham’s ‘Student Union’ including Chess, Renewable Energy and Yoga. During the past year I have played games for the University chess team, discussed ideas for introduction of various eco-friendly electricity generators and discovered a new way to un-wind from studying (whilst getting fit!)

Overall the scholarship from Midland Expressway has not only made my first year at university one of the enjoyable years of my life, but it has given me the chance to take up opportunities and make the very most of my academic studies. I cannot thank them enough!

Paul Plested: studying Marine Biology at Lancaster University, Blackpool Campus

Once I arrived in Blackpool, where I would be studying at the palatine campus at the Blackpool and Fylde College for Lancaster University. I found that starting university was a fairly nervy experience but that was soon overcome as I found a great group of friends and found that the lecturers were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional. However at first I had a bit of a problem finding accommodation. First I was stopping in a hotel but this was a short stay as I soon moved to a friend’s house while I looked for a flat which was finally found a few weeks later. By this point I came to realise how great student life truly was.

On my course of Marine biology and coastal zone management a wide range of areas of study has been covered. This includes micro biology, Taxonomy and ecology, Coastal Geomorphology, Artificial marine ecosystems where we had to design a set up for a tank for an individual species or a community of species, we also designed a poster describing details such as reproduction, life cycle, taxonomy and ecology & distribution. Generally all subjects have been thoroughly enjoyable especially as many of the reports required field work. From this we have been to several stunning locations to collect important data. We have been on two trips where we have actually stayed for either the weekend or the week. The first was Anglesey in Wales but the best trip was Knoydart, Scotland, where we stayed for a week. Here the students from the course split up into two groups on one day as we went on a couple of ribs, (high speed inflatable boat), for the day to spot the wildlife and enjoy some of Scot-land’s finest scenery. On this Journey we were lucky to spot a pod of common dolphins, a couple of porpoise(Believed to be harbour porpoise.), Sea Eagles, Puffins and Harbour Seals.

The course that I am participating in requires at least 60 hours voluntary work. I however completed much more. First I did four days with the Lancaster wildlife trust where we cleared invasive species like Buck Thorn and completed shell surveys on the St Ans sand dunes/beach. The majority of work experience though was working at North West Aquatics a Marine and tropical aquatics shop. Here I have worked three times a week since December and it has benefited me greatly. I now know how to frag corals, maintain a marine tank and much more.

Overall I would recommend university to anybody that gets the chance as from personal experience and ex-students that I have spoken too I can say that this is the most enjoyable part of life. Not only this you will also have a greater chance to be employed in the area that you enjoy most, and your course will enable you to look at subjects which you may not of even covered before which you will enjoy more, as I found out once I began to study cnidarian’s like corals and anemones. For now I believe I will be completing my dissertation on cnidarians which I would of never considered.

I would like to say thank you to the m6 toll as the scholarship that was granted has enabled me to take advantage of a wonderful educational opportunity. When I go back to university I am going to be looking at starting a diving course. I also intend to set up a reef tank as this will help me with my dissertation as I will have a tank for my study of invertebrates and cnidarians.

Elizabeth Campbell: studying Physics at Imperial College, London

My first year studying Physics at Imperial College London has been a challenging one, but also incredibly rewarding. I have extended my knowledge of physics and my ability to apply mathematics to real world problems has improved tenfold. This year I studied the mathematics modules; Vector Calculus, Functions, Linear Algebra and Complex Analysis. The physics modules were Mechanics, Special Relativity, Quantum Physics, Electronics, Electricity and Magnetism, Structure of Matter and Vibrations and Waves. My favourite course was by far the Special Relativity; I loved the real world implications of the theory and found the problems engaging.

Next year I am looking forward to studying my first astrophysics module, which is called Suns, Stars and Planets. Astrophys-ics is the reason I wanted to study physics, so I cannot wait to begin learning more about the subject.

At the end of the third term, I did a project entitled “Transformation Optics: Maxwell’s Fish Eye” which involved modelling a lens using computer programming and controlling electromagnetic radiation by designing metamaterials. Transformation optics is the practice of controlling electromagnetic radiation in novel ways. Using metamaterials, optical properties can be designed to fulfil any function. We will mention a few of these such as negative refraction, cloaking (invisibility) and various lenses. This resulted in a presentation given to school children and academics from our department, and also a report. In theory the lens that we made could be used as an invisibility cloak!

Outside of the curriculum I have had a fantastic time living at university. I joined the Surf Society, the Skate Society and the Chamber Choir. I learnt to rollerblade, played several gigs in some famous venues (including the Troubadour, where Bob Dylan once played), went surfing several times with my friends, and performed some amazing pieces of choral music.

I am now secretary of the Skate Soc, social secretary of the Surf Soc, and I was recently voted the LGBT welfare officer for the entire students union.

This summer I moved into a shared house in Battersea with my friends from my course and intend to work at the Olympics and explore more of London!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Imperial and can’t wait to begin my second!

Harry Glover: studying Chemical Engineering at Cambridge University

The first year of any university student is usually one designed to vastly expand knowledge boundaries, create lifelong friends and take that giant leap to a self-sufficient lifestyle away from home. This wasn’t too far from my first year experience when reflecting back over the last nine months of studying Engineering at Cambridge, with the intent of achieving an MEng in Chemical Engineering upon graduating after four years.

Firstly, in contrast to most other students in the UK, Cambridge first years only really experience a 3 day fresher’s ‘week’. Succeeding this, the words “thrown into the deep end” describe exactly the immense work load and hours required by the Engineering Department thrust upon us even in week one of my Engineering degree. This ran parallel to a marked coursework project ‘Lego Mindstorms’ in which teams of three had to design and program ‘Lego Mindstorms’ displaying some sort of engineering principle. This was highly enjoyable as an icebreaker task with endless project ideas, ours being a complex semi-automatic sequential derailleur system for a bicycle (right). Initially we had wanted to recreate the system already in use, however due to gear difficulties we were forced to completely redesign an alternative clutch transmission (with much stress) earning us a ‘top 5’ prize out of 120 teams! This set the standard I wished to achieve for the year, aiming for high marks in both coursework and exams.

My first and second terms were very intense. Each week scheduled around 33 hours contact time, with an additional 35 hours (approx) self-study work to be carried out. Since all engineering courses at Cambridge share the same first year, a broad range of subjects were studied from (Thermofluid) Mechanics to Materials Engineering and from Linear Circuits to Microprocessors. Alongside these studies ran a yearlong Maths course with a strong engineering influence. Other major coursework projects involved designing and manufacturing a mild steel cantilever structure to withstand 2.7kN force a set span from the supports and designing and building a fully functional radio entirely from circuit components covering resonance and transistor theory in depth beforehand. Both projects were paramount to the understanding of lectures and highly enjoyable albeit very tricky. However, my lab group was once again recommended for an award for our cantilever project and the succeeding full engineering report.

It is safe to say my first year was challenging. The exam periods especially were extremely stressful if the terms were not intense enough themselves; however at the UK’s top university I was not expecting an easy degree! The Midland Expressway Scholarship has benefitted me massively this year and will continue to do so in years to come. Not only did the sponsorship contribute towards tuition fees and accommodation, but allowed me to escape the prospect of a student loan this year and enjoy any (scarcely) spare time relaxing with friends – imperative for a Cambridge student to avoid almost certain exhaustion! Also, having the funds to travel home for a weekend midterm was especially relaxing since as beforementioned, the first year away from home is daunting. This calmer state of mind allowed me to focus harder on my work and function effectively and efficiently, especially when exams were fast approaching.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year studying Engineering. Since taking a much needed holiday after exams, I have been rewarded for my hard work with a Class I (first) for my first year which I am absolutely thrilled about. This means I performed within the top 17% of students at Cambridge University’s Engineering Department, rated by some as the best in the world, which was above my initial target of achieving a II:1. From here on I switch to the Chemical Engineering department, and cannot wait to get my teeth into my favourite engineering discipline, chemical engineer-ing. I would once again like to express my gratitude towards the Midland Expressway Scholarship, and my thanks for helping me achieve the top grade possible for a UK engineering student with the sponsorship.

Alexander Blanazs: studying Chemistry at University of York

The first chapter of a new life… The idea of going to university was terrifying. Moving away from my friends, my family and the place I called home was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The fear of the unknown was almost unbearable. Going somewhere to live, alone, where no one knows anything about you is daunting yet the best feeling ever. There are no expectations. You can be who you want to be and do what you like. Although being a time for academic progress, I feel I have learned more about who I am, than I have chemistry. My enjoyment for chemistry began to thrive. Despite the rammed timetable and endless lecture notes, after a few weeks I soon began to realise that life felt like something I had dreamt of. I had found myself in a lovely picturesque city, studying a subject that I love with a group of friends that mean the world to me. I see my friends as more than friends; my friends are my family; York is my home.

Initially I found the change in lifestyle and learning style quite difficult to fit in to but with time and perseverance I began to feel comfortable. The most difficult part of first year was by far the change in learning style. Not being able to discuss topics with a teacher as it is being taught was quite difficult to get used to. One of my favourite bits was the project we carried out at the end of the year titled ‘Analysis of a Night Out’. We looked at sugar, alcohol and caffeine content of drinks and fat, salt and protein content of fast food. The photo on the below left shows me using a gas chromatograph to quantify the amount of alcohol in drink samples and the photo below right shows me using a separating funnel in a fume hood to extract and clean a caffeine sample obtained from a cup of coffee. I also enjoyed doing an independent research project on macromolecules. I focused on the use of biodegradable, edible films that can be used to protect food, fruit in particular, from going off without the need for excess packaging, which would otherwise go to landfill.

I have tried as much as possible this year to make the most of any opportunities I have been given. I became a member of the University Choir, which enabled me to perform in York Barbican and York Minster. I also joined a group called the ‘Tea and Coffee Club’. The role of the group is to bring elderly residents from the surrounding area for a couple of hours each week to sit and talk to students with a cup of tea. Being a member of this club is hugely rewarding. Listening to the stories of elder generations has been such a profoundly moving experience. The elderly members cannot thank us enough for this facility and are always so grateful to just be able to get out of the house and see a friendly face. I have more recently become a STEM ambassador for the university. So far, in this role I have been back to my 6th form and run AS and A2 level revision sessions for students studying Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics. This is something I wish to continue throughout my degree. I am also planning to do a talk at my school, with help from the university, regarding studying at York and studying chemistry in particular. I cannot express in words how much the scholarship that Midland Expressway provided me with has helped me this year. I would honestly say that I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without it. The choir, the Tea and Coffee Club and my STEM ambassador role would certainly have been unfeasible without it. My spare time would have been taken up by the job I would have needed to get. The deposit and first payment required for my accommodation next year both are required before the student finance payments. I do not know what I would have done without having the security of knowing I can fund these sort of things that crop up. I would like to thank you so much for your gesture, and I hope this report allows you to appreciate how much the scholarship from Midland Expressway has helped me in my transition to university, and will continue to do so in the rest of my undergraduate degree.

Michael Ardron: studying Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield University

Overall I am really happy with my decision to study mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield, having found it to be a fantastic city and an excellent university.

Before I started I wasn’t sure what to expect with regards to the style of learning. Overall I have found it more than managable but also vastly different to A levels due to the almost entirely independent style of learning.

The modules which I have enjoyed the most this year have been thermofluids, because of its abstract and theoretical nature and the mechanics as it is a subject which I feel I have natural affinity with. Having taken further maths at A level large amounts of my maths and mechanics modules were familiar territory.

My favourite aspect of my first year at university has been my involvement with Sheffield Formula Racing,the department’s formula student team which is now entering its third year. Although my involvement has largely been manufacturing the chassis and impact altenuators, it has helped given me a deeper insight into designprinciples and important considerations during design, particularly when a design has to integrate into a tight system.

Overall I achieved an average mark of 82.8% across the entire year. This placed me second on my course and third out of all of the first year mechanical engineering students. I take the greatest pleasure from the fact that my best results were achieved in the more traditional engineering modules such as mechanics, maths, thermofluids, materials science and mechanics of solids.

This Summer I have a 5 week internship within the backhoe loader design department, this should be a fantastic and valuable experience.

Next year I am really looking forward to tackling more challenging subjects such as vibrations and heat transfer. I’m fully expecting next semester to be vastly more difficult than what I have experienced so far, although I am rel-ishing the challenge.

Thoughout the next year my formual student involvement will be working within the vehicle dynamics team, being the sole person designing the sterring system along with other performance critical components. I really can’t wait to do some genuine design work and hopefully introduce some exciting new ideas to build on this year’s solid base.

Zoe Malpas: Studying Biological Sciences at Leicester UniversityThis previous year I have been studying Biological Sciences at the Univeristy of Leicester. I have really enjoyed my time so far and have passed my first year at the Univesity of Leicester and cannot wait to go back in October.

The money I have recieved from the M6toll has helped me greatly so far with buying the necessary equipment for my course and living expenses.

The majority of the money that I recieved is being saved to put towards my rent next year. However, I have used some of it to purchase my labcoat and disection kit as well as a few books. I found it particularly useful when my laptop broke 4 days before my last exam as I was able to buy a new one in time to continue my revision for my final exam.

Overall I believe I have managed myself financially quite well and I am truely grateful for the money I have recieved as it has helped me complete the first year of my course. I have been able to have a good and healthy lifestyle whilst studying something I am passionate about.

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