The Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Aerospace Graduates

Ziad Jreijiri (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2015)

Co-founder and CEO, Oreyeon LDA

Ziad Jreijiri is the Co-founder and CEO of Oreyeon LDA, a start-up developing solutions to enable the aerospace industry to optimize its security using artificial intelligence.

Ziad completed his bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2014 at the University of Balamand in El-Koura, Lebanon before attending Cranfield University to complete his MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design degree in 2015. Ziad has also completed an Immersive Entrepreneurship Program at Draper University in 2019.

Ziad returned to the University of Balamand as a lecturer, delivering modules covering Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aeroplane Systems, Materials, Hardware, and Maintenance Practices, as well as visiting the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi in Vietnam, delivering modules on Aeronautics as a joint project between Airbus and Vietnam Airlines.

Prior to this, Ziad joined a young start-up company working on EVTOL UAVs (fixed wing) and discovered his passion for aviation and entrepreneurship. Ziad found enjoyment in fast-moving environments and wondered why the aviation industry was slow to adopt deep technology solutions. To address this gap in the market, he co-founded Oreyeon in 2019 which has continued to grow over the years to a team of almost 40 people with Tier 1 customers worldwide.

Ziad said: "For years since I graduated, every time I told someone I'm a Cranfield alumnus and saw their reactions, it gave me a sense of pride to see and hear what they had to say about Cranfield University. It feels to be recognised by the same institution that has given so much to its students and alumni, and for me, to be able to pay it forward in little ways."

Dr Siti Juita Mastura Binti Mohd Saleh (PhD Aerospace Vehicle Design 2016)

Senior Lecturer, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

In a complex-ridden aerospace industry dominated by men, Dr Siti Juita Mastura Mohd Saleh is one of the women who is at the forefront of its development. She is currently a lecturer in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), a tenured position held since she was awarded a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University in 2016.

Siti was one of the first female Malaysian's to be certified with a professional drone pilot license, RePL, by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia, and her illustrious career with drones began with the development of an Autonomous Parcel Drone for Pos Malaysia. Reflecting on the opportunities that come with the advancement of drone technology, Siti's interest branched towards the development of autonomous agricultural drones, and the experience and background she gained in Aircraft Structure during her PhD led to her appointment as the Head of Structure Unit for Malaysia’s biggest Cargo Drone Project.

Siti is involved as a lead consultant in many projects at national level, such as supporting the National TVET Agenda for Aerospace and Automotive Industries with the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia. Her understanding of the importance of education and human capital development has also led to Siti supporting the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia in promoting safety management in the Aerospace Industry. In addition, as a co-founder of the UTHM spin-off company known as Avitex Solution, she has conducted numerous training programmes for government agencies and industries on drone operation safety.

Siti is passionate about promoting equality in experiencing the technology, which has led to her running community engagement programmes in conjunction with Youth With Disabilities and Aborigines.

Marcos Acín González (MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design 2014)

Stress Analysis Expert, NASA AMES Research Center

Marcos Acín González grew up in Leon, Spain, and went on to study Aerospace Engineering in Madrid, Valencia, and ultimately Cranfield.  At Cranfield University Marcos studied an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design (2013-2014) as part of the Erasmus European Partnership Programme.

Following the completion of his studies, he was awarded a National Award for Excellence in Academic Performance by the Spanish Minister of Science, former astronaut Pedro Duque. The Airbus Group, University of Valencia, and the regional government of Valencia also recognised Marcos’ outstanding academic performance.

Since graduation, Marcos has worked for several engineering companies around the world including Strand7, Rolls-Royce, Applus IDIADA and NASA. Marcos’ main expertise is in Structural Analysis using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for product development and innovation. During his time at Rolls-Royce he contributed to the development of the Ultrafan engine, the next generation in aircraft engine technology. At Applus IDIADA he specialised in car crashworthiness and occupant safety working for top OEM automotive companies. Most recently, within the NASA Advanced Supercomputing department based at AMES Research Centre in Silicon Valley, he has been researching and developing new thermal protection materials for atmospheric re-entry missions.

Currently, he is pursuing an Executive MBA to expand his business acumen and make further progress in his career.