The Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates: Celebrating early career alumni in the energy and sustainability sector.
The Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates recognises those who have made significant progress in their careers within ten years of graduating from Cranfield. This award recognises those who have the potential to reach the highest levels of success in the future.
Alumni who have won this award will have:
- Demonstrated technological/engineering leadership.
- National visibility.
- Had an early career impact on the sector or industry.
- Demonstrated achievement beyond individual position and company.
- International experience and impact.
- Exhibited role model behaviours and highest standards of business practice.
- Had a relationship with Cranfield since graduation or potential benefit of a future relationship.
Meet the 2024 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates Winner
Dr Prafull Sharma (PhD in Energy and Power 2017)
Chief Technology Officer, CorrosionRADAR Ltd
Prafull has pioneered innovative corrosion monitoring technologies using IIoT. One of his most notable achievements is the development of the CorrosionRADAR predictive Corrosion Under Insulation monitoring system, a groundbreaking invention that has garnered global acclaim for providing a robust solution to a significant industry challenge. His extensive industrial journey is marked by deep expertise in digitalising corrosion management, leading to the creation of numerous inventions that have made substantial contributions to the field.
Prior to his current role, Prafull played a pivotal role at General Electric R&D, where he spearheaded the development of several sensing and non-destructive testing technologies. With a specific focus on asset integrity and automation within the oil and gas industry, his remarkable contributions also extend to the intellectual property realm, boasting over fifteen international patents and innovations to his credit. Driven by a passion for pushing the boundaries of technological advancements, Prafull continues to shape the future of corrosion monitoring and management.
Prafull has also served as a Visiting Lecturer at 果酱视频官网 for over two years, where he lectured on Industry 4.0 automation technology and informatics.
Prafull’s dedication to innovation and his remarkable contributions to industrial technology have made him a leader in his field, continually advancing the capabilities and applications of corrosion monitoring technologies.
What does it mean to you to win this award?
Winning this award from 果酱视频官网 is a humbling experience and a testament to the incredible journey I've had since my PhD days. It's like receiving a gold star from your favourite teacher, but with a bit more prestige and a lot less glitter. This recognition not only celebrates my achievements but also acknowledges the support and inspiration I've received from mentors, colleagues, and the University community. It motivates me to continue innovating and contributing to the field of corrosion management. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be an ambassador of 果酱视频官网 on a global stage, and I hope to inspire future graduates to pursue their passions with the same zeal.
What is your favourite 果酱视频官网 memory?
My favourite memory from 果酱视频官网 has to be the late-night brainstorming sessions with my fellow PhD students, fuelled by copious amounts of coffee and the occasional pub visits. The camaraderie and intellectual stimulation were great. Another moment is Start-up weekend hosted by the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship where Dr Shailendra Vyakarnam (ex-Director of the Centre) personally motivated me to look at the entrepreneurial side of a technical idea. It was during these sessions that the initial seeds of CorrosionRADAR, a spin-out of 果酱视频官网, were sown. Eventually, we filed a patent supported by our department at SWEE, and then this company was co-founded with Professor Emeritus Hoi Yeung, a fellow Cranfield alumni Dr Mehrdad Silatani, and Dr Chiraz Ennaceur and with key support from Professor Tom Stephenson, Pro-VC of Research and Innovation Office. I often wonder if the coffee shop realised they were hosting the birth of a future global company. All those moments taught me the value of collaboration and the magic that happens when passionate minds come together. Plus, who knew that caffeine could be such a great catalyst for innovation?
Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice to give to new graduates?
One of my favourite quotes is from Steve Jobs: "Stay hungry, stay foolish." For new graduates, I'd say keep that hunger for knowledge and embrace the unexpected – those detours often lead to the most rewarding destinations. Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes; they’re the stepping stones to innovation. Stay curious, stay daring, and never underestimate the power of a good cup of coffee. And if you ever feel lost, remember that it's okay to wander a little – that's how new paths are discovered.
What are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of our team at CorrosionRADAR that has grown to over 30 team members now serving a global clientele. Seeing it grow from an idea conceived during my PhD at Cranfield to a company making a global impact in the field of corrosion management is very satisfying. It secured over $14 million in investments so far from some of the largest energy companies in the world and is now in a rapid pace of global expansion. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that our technology, conceived in Cranfield, is helping industries worldwide to predict and prevent leaks especially when the world is transitioning to new energy with a lot of energy infrastructure being built. This journey has been a rollercoaster, with its fair share of ups and downs, but every challenge has been a learning experience. I am grateful to my thesis supervisor Dr Liyun Lao who trusted my instincts and gave me freedom during PhD. Also, our mentors and believers, visionary customers and investors all played a significant role in this journey so far. It's a privilege to work alongside such visionary and talented individuals who share the vision of transforming corrosion management.
Meet the 2023 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates Winner
Dr Alissa Cotton (PhD Low Carbon Energy Technology 2013)
Policy and Advocacy Lead, Shell Low Carbon Fuels
Dr Alissa Cotton has a passion for sustainability and low-carbon energy technology. She is currently Policy and Advocacy Lead for Shell’s Low Carbon Fuels.During her time at Shell, Alissa has led and delivered work on greenhouse gas emissions management and mitigation for Shell’s carbon-critical projects and assets, collaborating across Shell’s Downstream, Integrated Gas, and Upstream businesses. She has developed and delivered global greenhouse gas policy recommendations and positioning for key sustainability topics and has been the Shell representative for several international organisations. In her current role, Alissa has a specific focus on sustainability and the implementation of low-carbon energy technology.
STEM mentoring is important to Alissa, and she has been both a mentor for Shell’s e-STEM mentoring programme for local schools and a mentor for the Oxford University Females in STEM mentoring programme.
Alissa is a Chartered Environmentalist at the Society for the Environment. She volunteers on the Energy Sector Executive Committee for the Royal Society of Chemistry and is a guest lecturer on Cranfield's Energy Supply for Low Carbon Futures MSc. She won the 2013 Royal Society of Chemistry Energy Sector PhD thesis award competition.
