Electronics Weekly
Beginning our series on the latest EW BrightSparks of 2024, we profile Millie Craig, both a student at the University of Glasgow and an intern at Astroscale.
Achievements
Millie was nominated by Jack Tufft who himself is a previous winner, so knows what it takes to be an EW BrightSpark. Specifically, he also knows what it is like to be in the GU Rocketry team. This is the University of Glasgow’s student-led rocket development programme (right), having trod that path himself (he was actually the founder of GU Rocketry)…
Jack told us:
“GU Rocketry is a student-led team that designs, develops, and manufactures rockets and their propulsion systems. Millie has been leading GU Rocketry for the past year and has led the student team from strength to strength.”
“Now with over 100 members, the previous year has seen the first successful test of a student-designed rocket engine in Scotland. This feat has made GU Rocketry stand out to industry, with Millie securing a host of sponsorships for the team to increase future design complexity. The second version of this engine [was tested] this summer and Millie’s leadership has pushed the team to achieve this goal.”
Having previously held these responsibilities himself, Jack testified how difficult it can be to ensure the progression of the project while also balancing your academic output.
This – coupled with the responsibility of having the executive say on project milestones, finances, and technical oversight – can lead to a very challenging period at university, he told us. These factors, along with her noted technical knowledge, make Millie an excellent candidate for the EW BrightSparks award.
Note that GU Rocketry are the Scottish Student altitude record holders.
As for Astroscale, Jack told us Millie began her intern role at the UK arm of Astroscale in July, which he describes as a very promising internship and she has also been completing her Masters project with them.
She has been busy applying her Aerospace Systems degree to satellite applications, a role in which she is confidently expected to excel.
Community
In terms of volunteering, community work or STEM outreach, Millie has already excelled.
For example, she has set up a STEM engagement team within GU Rocketry that is focused on getting the next generation of engineers excited about space.
These outreach days visit local primary schools and high schools with presentations from GU Rocketry technical members. There are also rocket-building workshops, and hands-on time with previously flown rockets.
Millie has acknowledged how these outreach days are extremely important to her and that they help showcase the good work that the student project is doing.
Additionally, Millie’s new social media focus within the project has attracted multiple sponsors.
This in turn has helped increase the quality of students within GU Rocketry. It has also opened up the STEM community to these students, helping them explore what direction they want to take in their careers.
Jack concluded:
“I believe that Millie’s contributions to STEM in general will have certainly changed the trajectory of many individuals. I feel that this award would be befitting for the work she has put in over the past year.”
Congratulations to Millie!
See also: Elektra Awards 2024 – The Winners
