Cranfield University is delighted to announce the winners of the Design, Energy, Environment, and Water Alumni Awards 2023!
The Cranfield Design, Energy, Environment and Water Alumni Awards recognise the exceptional achievements of the School of Water, Energy and Environment (SWEE) alumni while providing Cranfield with an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those in the design, energy, environment and water sectors who exemplify the values of the University. The awards also allow us to showcase the impact of Cranfield globally and highlight the accomplishments of individuals who may serve as role models to other alumni, students, and potential students.
Professor Chris Fogwill, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the School of Water, Energy and Environment said: “Our 2023 alumni award winners are innovators and leaders in their fields. They are an inspiration to our students and their fellow alumni having made real impacts in their areas of expertise since graduating from the School. We are exceptionally proud of their achievements, and these awards allow us to celebrate their success.
“My congratulations go to all our 2023 alumni award winners, and I hope they provide an inspiration to all past, current and future students across the School and at Cranfield.”
Congratulations to all our 2023 winners!
The winner of the 2023 Distinguished Water, Energy and Environment Alumni Award is Peter Vale (MSc Water Pollution Control Technology 1995).
Working at the interface between research and solution delivery Peter Vale is an exceptional leader who ensures that innovative technologies help solve water treatment and resource management challenges.
Peter is currently a Carbon & Circular Economy Architect at Severn Trent and has played a formative role in the implementation of many technologies which are now to be found in operation worldwide. His leadership of the wastewater research portfolio at Severn Trent has seen the development of the tools and technologies required to make the idea of energy-neutral wastewater treatment a reality. Delivering this vision has involved taking an international view of the innovation landscape. Consequently, Pete has become a genuine influencer and thought leader within the European water sector, having played a prominent role in several EU-funded projects
The 2023 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Design Engineering Graduates is awarded to Barry Waddilove (MDes Design and Innovation for Sustainability 2014).
Barry Waddilove is a design and innovation leader with broad insight into international product development gained through various design roles across Europe, Hong Kong, Canada and the US.
Barry champions design thinking and has worked for the UK Government as a design innovation advisor and also for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation as an academic researcher exploring the role of system thinking in Circular Design. In his current role as Head of Circular Economy & Partnerships at Electrolux, Barry leads work across seven global design studios to drive synergies and knowledge around sustainability and circularity, while also building additional value from extended use of materials, products and services. He is also a Fellow of the RSA and speaks at global sustainability events.
Alissa Cotton (PhD Low Carbon Energy Technology 2013) is awarded the 2023 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates.
Dr Alissa Cotton is currently Policy and Advocacy Lead for Shell’s Low Carbon Fuels business with a specific focus on sustainability and the implementation of low-carbon energy technology.
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. Alissa 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.
The winner of the 2023 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Environment and Agrifood Graduates is Dr Siobhan Gardiner (PhD in Environment and Agrifood 2017).
Dr Siobhan Gardiner is an expert in environmental sustainability who helps accelerate the development of new and innovative concepts to reduce the impact of business on climate and the environment.
Siobhan is currently the Global Director, Climate & Nature at ALDI SOUTH Group and has won several awards for her work on sustainability action and innovation around the world. In addition to speaking at high-profile events, Siobhan speaks at school events to help girls and underrepresented groups who enjoy science not to be put off by stereotypes, and to understand the broad range of exciting career opportunities available in STEM. In 2018, she was highlighted as a leading innovator by the Biosciences & Biotechnology Research Council (BBSRC).
The 2023 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Water Graduates is awarded to Dr Comfort Kanshio (MSc Community Water and Sanitation for Development 2015).
Comfort is a water, sanitation and hygiene advocate with over seven years of experience accrued from government and non-governmental organisations, and the private sector.
Comfort is currently Policy Officer - Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene at African Ministers Council on Water. Her role means that Comfort works extensively with international development partners including the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the African Development Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Vision and the African Water and Sanitation Association to ensure that the SDG6 becomes a reality. Comfort has achieved international visibility and has influenced policy formulation and reform across different African regions.