果酱视频官网

Charan Sekhon MBE (MSc Energy Conservation and the Environment 1997)

Senior Environment Officer for the Environment Agency and has led environmental projects and EDI-related projects in East Anglia

Charan Sekhon MBE has demonstrated exceptional dedication to environmental protection and community service.

Born in Punjab, India, Charan's early life in a rural village with limited access to education motivated him to create the SEVA Trust. As the Founder and Chairman, he has made significant contributions to education, health, welfare, and environmental initiatives in the UK and India.

Charan’s commitment to public service is further exemplified by more than 20 years’ experience as a local councillor. His involvement extends to various youth, charity, and sports projects, including fundraising campaigns and participating in the London Marathon to support individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Charan led a team of volunteers in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, and Hertfordshire to assist hundreds of vulnerable families, rough-sleepers, and isolated international students with food and essential items. His efforts particularly supported 果酱视频官网 students and the local community.

The relentless dedication to charity and environmental causes, and support for his local community earned Charan an MBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List. He has also been recognised with several national and regional awards, including the ‘British Asian Pride of Britain Award’ at the House of Commons, the ‘Volunteer Fundraiser Award’ by the Papworth Trust, and the Cambridge and Bedford Mayor’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ Award for outstanding community and charity services.

Charan's exemplary career and personal life reflect his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on communities and society as a whole.

What does it mean to you to win this award?

Truly humbled and honoured. I have a special relationship with the University that I regard a hub of world-class education and research programmes. Cranfield played a huge part in my career and through the alumni network I was able to stay connected with my colleagues and friends worldwide. This special award means a lot to me, my family, especially my father who is not here to witness this. I feel this recognition comes with extra responsibility to do more and better for others. I will try my best to continue this journey with amazing support and guidance from all.

What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?

My father was an educator and my role model. He wanted me to pursue a career where I can make a positive difference for others not just focus on financial stability for myself and my family alone. After completing my master's in Physics from India, I joined 果酱视频官网 and chose Environmental studies in order to play my part in protecting and enhancing environment for others. Later, I set up an international NGO (SEVA Trust UK) to help others in the fields of Education, Health, Environment and Social Welfare.

What is your favourite University memory?

Annual get together of Asian Students Association and a memorable trip to Leicester to be part of Diwali (festival of light) which is one of the biggest celebrations outside India.

Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice to give to new graduates?

Aim high, work hard, and pursue your dreams. Always remember your duties for all those who supported you to have this golden opportunity to study at one of the best global universities and your duties and loyalty towards our great nation.

Elodie Aubanel (MDes Innovation and Creativity in Industry 2016)

Digital Design Director & Managing Consultant, PA Consulting

Elodie Aubanel, is renowned for her ability to identify and champion user needs, crafting intuitive end-to-end experiences.

Elodie excels in implementing product and service strategies, facilitating complex decision-making, building consensus, and reducing risk through design. Leading teams with diverse design skills, including Research, UX/UI, Service Design, Strategy, and Testing, she ensures her teams have the right environment, tools, methods, and learning opportunities to thrive.

In her current role, Elodie leads teams designing and implementing new experiences across a range of use cases and tech stacks. She has previously served as Senior Experience Designer at the Department for Health & Social Care and Senior Service Designer on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme at NHS Digital, where she led two services within the Customer Experience team, collaborating closely with operational teams at NHS England and product delivery teams at NHS Digital on digital services that facilitated the booking, recording, and reporting of every COVID-19 vaccination in England.

Her corporate project experience includes work for organisations such as IKEA, Unilever, and Abbott Nutrition, and research and academic institutions including the Medical Research Council, Royal Society of Chemistry, and University of York. Elodie is an Ambassador for C4DE at 果酱视频官网 and has proactively given back to the community by serving as an industry speaker across the design programme. She also champions early-stage and growth-stage startups, actively supporting and mentoring early-stage ventures.

Elodie is a design and innovation leader with a proven track record of championing human needs to drive impactful design initiatives and foster innovation within various sectors.

What does it mean to you to win this award?

Winning this award allows me to pause and reflect on my journey so far. It’s an honour to be remembered by my mentors and recognised for doing something I love. I am truly grateful for this acknowledgment.

Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice to give to new graduates?

My favourite motto is, ‘You don’t have to, you just get to.’ I use it to remind myself that everything is an opportunity, not a must do, something here for me, and for you, to wonder whether you want to do it.

What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?

I’ve always been passionate about innovation, starting with food engineering and now product design. What truly inspired my career path is the desire to explore and understand people’s needs, wants, emotions and creating seamless experiences building on that research. Design provides me both of my favourite worlds: science and art, making it the perfect fit for my professional journey.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of keeping my authenticity and staying true to what I believe in and my passions, no matter how hard it is and the challenges I face.

Dr Prafull Sharma (PhD in Energy and Power 2017)

Chief Technology Officer, CorrosionRADAR Ltd

Driven by innovation, Dr Prafull Sharma stands at the forefront of revolutionising corrosion monitoring through cutting-edge Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies.

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.

Enrique Morán Montero (MSc Land Reclamation and Restoration 2015)

National Restoration Manager, Tarmac Ltd

Enrique Morán Montero has showcased exceptional expertise and leadership in environmental restoration.

As National Restoration Manager, Enrique oversees the restoration of 198 quarries across the UK. He is responsible for preparing and reviewing restoration, aftercare, and decommissioning schemes, managing associated budgets, and building strong relationships with external stakeholders to demonstrate best practices in restoration and reclamation.

Enrique has also been instrumental in leading Tarmac's sustainability strategies, such as Biodiversity Net Gain and carbon sequestration. Since 2023, Enrique has been spearheading an initiative to establish a Tarmac Sustainable Farming Code of Practice.

Throughout his tenure at Tarmac, Enrique has strengthened the relationship with 果酱视频官网 by signing a five-year Service Level Agreement and co-developing funded Group Projects with Dr Rob Simmons. This collaboration has positioned Tarmac at the forefront of innovative research in soil health, biodiversity net gain, and carbon sequestration and has been recognised with a special award at the 2019 MPA Quarries and Nature prize-giving ceremony for conducting the first trial of the Biodiversity Net Gain metric (DEFRA metric) in quarry sites.

Enrique is a Chartered Environmentalist and a Full Member of the Institution of Environmental Sciences, whose remarkable contributions to environmental restoration and sustainability continue to set industry standards.

What does it mean to you to win this award?

Cranfield is really special for me, and this award certainly means a lot. My year at Cranfield was one of the best years of my life. I really enjoyed my course, Land Reclamation and Restoration, which allowed me to focus my career on ecological restoration and led to the following steps of my professional development. From a personal point of view, it was also a fantastic year. I made a great group of friends from all over the world and, although we had to work hard, we had lots of fun. This award is a culmination of all of that.

What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?

I grew up in central Spain. My grandparents had a farm and, during my childhood, I used to spend part of the summer holidays with them. Through those years I developed a strong love for the countryside and the environment. I firmly believe that sustainable developments is possible and our modern societies can live in a world where we satisfy our needs without compromising the ability for future generations to do the same.

What is your favourite 果酱视频官网 memory?

I still remember the first day. I arrived early in the morning and had to do my registration. Everything felt so unfamiliar and unknown. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming, and it really felt this was the place where I was meant to be. Soon all those new places became very familiar. I actually met some of my closest friends there on that very first day.

Do you have a favourite quote, motto or piece of advice to give to new graduates?

Richard Wagner said, “Imagination creates reality.” We live in a world in constant change. There is always room for new ideas and improvements. Just think what should come next and make it real.

Dr Sarah Fane (MSc Water Management 2013, PhD in Water 2016)

Head of Water Strategy and Regulation, Jacobs

Dr Sarah Fane has held influential positions in several prominent organisations, playing a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of water services in England and Wales.

At Severn Trent, Sarah served as a duty manager and senior advisor on Public Health and Standards, where she was instrumental in maintaining the effectiveness of water treatment and quality control processes. She then joined the Drinking Water Inspectorate where as Inspector and then Principal Inspector she managed regulatory activities across the North operational area and oversaw Defra's drinking water research programme. In her current role at Jacobs, Sarah directs consultancy projects across several UK clients. These projects include strategic resource schemes, long-term delivery and water resource planning, assurance services, auditing, and assessments of regulatory submissions.

Throughout her career, Sarah has demonstrated exceptional technological leadership, particularly in identifying risks to drinking water quality and diagnosing the causes of process failures and the options for corrective action. She is also an emerging thought leader in her field having spoken at major events organised by The Public Policy Exchange and the Foundation for Water Research.

Sarah exemplifies the highest professional and ethical standards in her actions, relationships, and research. She actively engages with Cranfield to deliver lectures, advise on industry-relevant scenarios, and support students in the Centres for Doctoral Training - highlighting her commitment to education and professional development.

Sarah’s dedication and leadership have made her an influential figure in the sector, and she continues to play an important role in ensuring the safety of water delivered to homes and helping ensure the transition to a more sustainable water sector in the face of increasing water stress.

What does it mean to you to win this award?

I feel incredibly honoured to have been recognised for this excellence in achievement award. My studies at Cranfield set really strong foundations for me to enter the water sector and add value and so having that recognised in such a prestigious way is very humbling. I’ve worked hard to be where I am today and Cranfield University played a huge part in shaping that journey. I’ve always felt like my work in water has been more of a vocation than a job and therefore I dedicate a lot of time and energy to what I do. I genuinely love working in water and find it an incredibly interesting sector to be a part of. I hope that this award inspires other new professionals to the sector to push forward, embrace taking on challenges and make a difference. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I grew up living next to a stream and woodland and so from a very early age had an interest in water and nature. I knew I wanted to have a role that would enable me to help people and the environment in some way and so working within the water industry as a consultant is a perfect fit and I see my work more as a vocation than a job.

What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?

I completed an undergraduate degree in BSc Geography with a Minor in Biology. During this course I completed a field trip to Croatia where I studied the natural hydrogeology of the karst landscape and the country’s water system. The trip included my first visit to a water treatment works. I was captured, and during my degree thesis I discussed my aspirations for working in the water sector with my supervisor who suggested I consider 果酱视频官网 for post-graduate study. I went on to complete an MSc in Environmental Water Management which was the gateway to me entering the water sector, I learnt about current and future challenges, water quality and management of this key resource. I was exposed to a variety of applied tasks which opened my eyes to the industry and its activities. This led me to undertake a PhD with Severn Trent and the Natural Environment Research Council working on quality compliance targets in bioresources. The continued theme through my post graduate study and career has been on quality and compliance. I’ve taken career moves that have allowed me to experience working for a water company, regulator and now within a leading consultancy where I am head of a discipline delivering strategic and regulatory consulting to the water sector.

What is your favourite 果酱视频官网 memory?

Every year Cranfield held a cross-school football tournament where students from engineering, applied science, management and others all came together to compete in the summer. In 2015 I captained the Water Science Institute team and we made it all the way to the final! It was great fun and after each match we’d all enjoy refreshing drinks and cake on the playing field together. We had great team camaraderie and making it to the final as a mixed team was fantastic! At Cranfield the people you study with become life-long friends and taking part in activities together such as the football tournament made life at 果酱视频官网 really special!