Engineering student Gilles wins outstanding project award
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AN engineering student at North Highland College UHI has received the Outstanding Student Engineering Project of the Year award from the Institute for Engineering and Technology (IET).
Gilles Favier, from Belgium, was presented with the award by John Blacklock, the Thurso area chair of the IET, along with Dr Peter Hylton, curriculum leader for mechanical engineering.
Gilles's project explored options for optimising the use of renewable energy sources near his home on the small island of Sanday, Orkney.
Dr Hylton said: "Gilles's project is an example of how our engineering degree students at North Highland College UHI can focus on issues which are unique to Scotland's far north.
“The fact that he completed his degree while living on Sanday and travelling for work on a project with the Red Cross in Africa emphasises how the flexible nature of our degree programme can work for students in unique situations.
Gilles's project is an example of how our engineering degree students can focus on issues which are unique to Scotland's far north.
“I am extremely happy that he has decided to continue his studies with us through the University of the Highlands and Islands’ new MSc in engineering degree."
Gilles has completed his BEng (Hons) in mechanical and energy engineering with a first award and will be one of the first students to study on the fully online MSc engineering degree.
While completing his degree, Gilles also studied topics in sustainable energy solutions and history and archaeology with the university.
Gilles said: "I would like to thank the whole academic body for the availability and professionalism they showed during my entire programme.
"The flexibility that North Highland College UHI offers its students, including the ability to follow all courses online, is one of the main reasons why I decided to study with the UHI.”
