We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences (FEAS) Alumni Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our alumni across aerospace, space, automotive, energy and photonics, environmental sustainability, manufacturing, materials and design.
The Alumni Awards recognise the impact our graduates are making around the world – from industry leadership and innovation to public service and sustainability.
Each year we present two prestigious awards in each of five FEAS thematic areas:
- Distinguished Alumni Award – Recognising alumni who have achieved sustained professional success at the highest levels.
- Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Graduates – Celebrating alumni who have made significant early-career impact within ten years of graduating.
The 2025 winners are:
Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
Aviation
Justin Symonds (MSc Air Transport 1991)
Justin Symonds is a leading figure in global transport and infrastructure. As Non-Executive Director at Newcastle and London Luton airports, and co-founder of Hillbrook Partners, Justin’s vision and expertise have shaped major airport transactions, strengthened competitiveness, and advanced sustainable growth. He is also a committed ambassador for Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é.
Automotive
James Vowles (MSc Motorsport Engineering and Management 2001)
James Vowles is Team Principal of Atlassian Williams Racing and a prominent figure in Formula One. His career includes pivotal roles at Brawn GP and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, contributing to multiple Constructors' Championships. His visionary leadership continues to inspire innovation and progress within Formula 1 and beyond.
Design Engineering
Professor Clive Buckberry MBE FREng (PhD in the School of Mechanical Engineering 1992)
Professor Clive Buckberry MBE FREng is Co-founder and Fellow of Engineering (formerly Chief Engineer and Technology Officer) at Quanta Dialysis Technologies and a leader in medical device innovation. His work developing compact and user-friendly dialysis systems has transformed lives globally and he was a member of the team awarded the prestigious MacRobert Award in 2022 for engineering innovation. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the highest award for an engineer in the UK. His career spans academia, engineering and entrepreneurship, all underpinned by a commitment to healthtech advancement.
Space
Katherine Bennell-Pegg (MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering 2010)
Katherine Bennell-Pegg made history in 2024 as the first Australian woman to have qualified as a professional astronaut. As Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency, her contributions to growing Australia's space capability and leading the Access to Space team continue to elevate Australia’s global presence in the space sector.
Water
Dr Maxine Mayhew (PhD in the School of Applied Sciences 1998)
A transformative leader in the environmental sector, Dr Mayhew has shaped critical infrastructure and environmental services in the UK. Whether steering operations at Biffa or guiding energy policy via government-linked bodies, her career consistently demonstrates a blend of operational rigour, sustainability focus, and sector-wide stewardship.
Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Graduates
Energy
Dr Nimi Abili (MSc Offshore and Ocean Technology 2009, PhD Energy and Power 2016)
As President and CEO of Greater Offshore Limited, Dr Nimi Abili is at the forefront of integrating digital technologies with energy infrastructure to enhance safety, performance, and environmental stewardship. His research into sustainable offshore energy systems and his mentorship of young engineers exemplify a commitment to environmental progress and inclusive innovation.
Environment
Dr Alexandra Cooke (MSc in Land Reclamation and Restoration 2013, PhD in Environment and Agrifood 2017)
As Head of Natural Capital at The Devonshire Group, Dr Alex Cooke leads environmental strategy and nature restoration across 70,000 acres of land, including the Chatsworth, Bolton Abbey, and Compton estates. Her leadership, technical expertise and collaborative approach are driving positive, long-term environmental outcomes across the UK.
Materials Engineering
Dr Sara Hawi (MSc Aerospace Materials 2018, MRes Precision Engineering 2019, PhD Manufacturing Engineering 2022)
Dr Sara Hawi is a materials engineer helping shape the future of sustainable aerospace. Since joining Airborne UK, Sara has advanced to Innovation and Project Manager. Through her technical excellence, dedication to humanitarian causes and public engagement she exemplifies the values of innovation, leadership, and global responsibility.
Safety
Dr Elizabeth Box (PhD in Aerospace 2023)
Dr Elizabeth Box has led groundbreaking studies that have changed how young driver risk is understood and addressed. Her Cranfield PhD focused on ethical, inclusive and sustainable innovation in automated mobility. As Research Director at the RAC Foundation, her work influences national policy and builds bridges between academia, industry and government.
Space
Frank Gallagher (MSc Astronautics and Space Engineering 2018)
Frank Gallagher is a professional with experience in the space and aerospace industry. As Columbus Flight Director at the German Aerospace Center (on behalf of Telespazio Germany), Frank plays a critical role in the daily management and coordination of operations for the Columbus module on the International Space Station.
Professor Dame Helen Atkinson DBE FREng, Deputy-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é, said: “Each of these award winners embodies the values of Cranfield – leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a real difference. From global infrastructure and cutting-edge space exploration to sustainable development and advanced materials, their achievements are both inspiring and deeply impactful. We are incredibly proud to recognise their contributions.”
Congratulations to all our 2025 award winners and thank you for continuing to represent the Cranfield community with distinction.
Our alumni award winners will receive their awards in forthcoming events.