We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Cranfield Design, Energy, Environment and Water Alumni Awards.
These awards recognise the exceptional achievements of our design, energy, environment and water alumni while showcasing the global impact of Cranfield University.
Meet the 2024 Distinguished Water, Energy and Environment Alumni Award Winner
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
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 Cranfield University 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 inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
My father, who was an educator, was my role model, and his values have always inspired me. He encouraged me to seek a career that made a positive impact on others rather than focusing solely on financial stability. After completing my Master’s in Physics in India, I joined Cranfield University to study Environmental Sciences, motivated by a desire to contribute to protecting and enhancing our environment. Later, I founded an international NGO, SEVA Trust UK, with the aim of helping others in education, health, the environment, and social welfare. This work has been my way of honouring my father’s vision.
What is your favourite memory from Cranfield University?
One of my fondest memories is the annual gathering of the Asian Students Association and a memorable trip to Leicester for the Diwali celebrations, one of the biggest and most vibrant festivals outside of India.
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or piece of advice for new graduates?
Aim high, work hard, and pursue your dreams. Remember the people who supported you to reach this point, and the value of the education you’ve gained at one of the world’s top universities. Embrace your duty, not just to your career, but to the community, and remain loyal to the values that guide you.
Finally, what does it mean to you to win this award?
I feel truly humbled and honoured. Cranfield holds a very special place in my life; I see it as a hub of world-class education and research. The University played a significant role in shaping my career, and through the alumni network, I’ve been able to stay connected with colleagues and friends worldwide. This award means so much to me, especially to my family — and to my father, who, though no longer with us, would have been so proud of this moment. This recognition brings a responsibility to do even more, to strive for better, not just for myself but for others. I’ll keep pushing forward on this journey, with the wonderful support and guidance I’ve received along the way.
Meet the 2024 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Design Engineering Graduates Winner
Elodie Aubanel (MDes Innovation and Creativity in Industry 2016)
Digital Design Director & Managing Consultant, PA Consulting
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 Cranfield University 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.
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or piece of advice for new graduates?
My favourite motto is, “You don’t have to; you just get to.” It’s a reminder that everything is an opportunity, not an obligation—it’s about realising that each moment offers a choice and asking yourself if it’s something you want to do.
What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
I’ve always been passionate about innovation, starting with food engineering and evolving into product design. What truly inspired my path was a deep desire to explore and understand people’s needs, wants, and emotions, and then create seamless experiences based on that insight. Design gives me the best of both worlds—science and art—making it a perfect fit for my professional journey.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of staying authentic and true to my beliefs and passions, no matter the challenges that come my way. It isn’t always easy, but keeping that integrity has been worth it every step of the way.
Finally, what does it mean to you to win this award?
Winning this award gives me a moment to pause and reflect on my journey so far. It’s a true honour to be remembered by my mentors and to be recognised for doing something I genuinely love. I feel deeply grateful for this acknowledgement.
Meet the 2024 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Energy and Sustainability Graduates Winner
Dr Prafull Sharma (PhD in Energy and Power 2017)
Chief Technology Officer, CorrosionRADAR Ltd
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 Cranfield University 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 is your favourite Cranfield University memory?
My favourite memory has to be the late-night brainstorming sessions with my fellow PhD students, powered by endless coffee and the occasional pub trip. The camaraderie and intellectual energy during those nights were fantastic. Another standout moment was during Start-Up Weekend, hosted by the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship. Dr Shailendra Vyakarnam, the former Director, encouraged me to explore the entrepreneurial side of a technical idea. This was where the initial spark for CorrosionRADAR, a Cranfield spin-out, began. We eventually filed a patent, with strong support from the SWEE department, and co-founded the company with Professor Emeritus Hoi Yeung, Cranfield alumnus Dr Mehrdad Silatani, Dr Chiraz Ennaceur, and key backing from Professor Tom Stephenson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation. I often wonder if the campus coffee shop knew they were hosting the birth of a future global company! Those experiences taught me the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when passionate minds come together. Who knew caffeine could be such a powerful catalyst for innovation?
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or piece of advice for 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 alive, and embrace the unexpected—some of the most rewarding paths come from detours. Don’t shy away from risks or mistakes; they’re essential steps toward innovation. Stay curious, stay bold, and never underestimate the impact of a good cup of coffee. And if you ever feel lost, know that it’s okay to wander a bit—those moments often lead to exciting new paths.
What are you most proud of?
I’m immensely proud of our team at CorrosionRADAR, which has grown to over 30 members, serving clients across the globe. Watching it grow from an idea during my PhD at Cranfield to a company making a real impact in corrosion management has been incredible. We’ve secured over $14 million in investments from some of the largest energy companies worldwide and are expanding rapidly. It’s deeply fulfilling to know our technology, born at Cranfield, is helping industries globally to predict and prevent leaks, which is especially vital as the world transitions to new energy and builds new infrastructure. This journey has been a rollercoaster, with many challenges, but each has been a learning experience. I’m grateful to my PhD supervisor, Dr Liyun Lao, who trusted my instincts, our mentors and early believers, and our visionary customers and investors who have all contributed to this success. It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who share a vision to transform corrosion management.
Finally, what does it mean to you to win this award?
Winning this award from Cranfield University is truly humbling and feels like a nod from my favourite teacher—only with more prestige and, thankfully, a lot less glitter! This recognition not only celebrates my journey and achievements but also honours the immense support and inspiration I’ve received from mentors, colleagues, and the Cranfield community. It fuels my motivation to keep innovating and contributing to the field of corrosion management. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Cranfield University on a global stage and hope this recognition inspires future graduates to pursue their passions with equal zeal.
Meet the 2024 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Environment and Agrifood Graduates Winner
Enrique Morán Montero (MSc Land Reclamation and Restoration 2015)
National Restoration Manager, Tarmac Ltd
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 Cranfield University 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 inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
Growing up in central Spain, I spent part of my childhood with my grandparents on their farm during the summer holidays. Those experiences fostered a deep love for the countryside and the environment within me. I firmly believe that sustainable development is not only possible but essential; our modern societies can thrive in a way that meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
What is your favourite Cranfield University memory?
I vividly remember my first day at Cranfield. I arrived early in the morning for registration, and everything felt unfamiliar and a bit daunting. However, everyone was so friendly and welcoming that I immediately sensed I was in the right place. Before long, all those new surroundings became familiar, and I even met some of my closest friends on that very first day.
Do you have a favourite quote, motto, or piece of advice for new graduates?
One of my favourite quotes comes from Richard Wagner: “Imagination creates reality.” We live in a world that is constantly changing, and there is always room for new ideas and improvements. The key is to envision what should come next and take the initiative to make it a reality.
Finally, what does it mean to you to win this award?
Cranfield holds a truly special place in my heart, and receiving this award means the world to me. My year at Cranfield was one of the best of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed my course in Land Reclamation and Restoration, which not only allowed me to focus my career on ecological restoration but also paved the way for the next steps in my professional development. On a personal level, it was an incredible year; I formed lasting friendships with a wonderful group of people from all over the globe. Despite the hard work, we managed to have a lot of fun. This award is a culmination of all those enriching experiences.
Meet the 2024 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Water Graduates Winner
Dr Sarah Fane (MSc Water Management 2013, PhD in Water 2016)
Head of Water Strategy and Regulation, Jacobs
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.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up next to a stream and woodland, I was captivated by water and nature from a young age. I knew I wanted a role that would allow me to help both people and the environment. Working as a consultant in the water industry turned out to be the perfect fit—it feels much more like a vocation than just a job.
What inspired you to pursue the career path you eventually chose?
I completed an undergraduate degree in Geography with a minor in Biology, and during that time, I took a field trip to Croatia where I studied the natural hydrogeology of the karst landscape and the country’s water systems. This was also my first visit to a water treatment works, which had a profound impact on me. As I worked on my degree thesis, I spoke with my supervisor about my career aspirations, and they suggested Cranfield University for postgraduate study. I went on to complete an MSc in Environmental Water Management, which truly opened the door to the water sector for me. I learned about water quality, the current and future challenges in water management, and participated in a range of applied tasks that brought the industry to life.
This path eventually led to my PhD with Severn Trent and the Natural Environment Research Council, where I worked on quality compliance targets in bioresources. Quality and compliance have been central themes in my career, guiding me as I’ve worked in different roles for a water company, a regulator, and now, as head of a discipline in a leading consultancy. Today, I deliver strategic and regulatory consulting to the water sector, and each career move has given me new perspectives on the industry and its vital activities.
What is your favourite Cranfield University memory?
Every year, Cranfield hosted a cross-school football tournament where students from engineering, applied science, management, and other disciplines would come together to compete in the summer. In 2015, I had the privilege of captaining 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 gather on the field to enjoy refreshing drinks and cake together. The camaraderie was incredible, and reaching the final as a mixed team was a fantastic achievement. The friendships I made at Cranfield are lifelong, and participating in events like the football tournament made my time there truly memorable.
Finally, what does it mean to you to win this award?
I feel incredibly honoured to receive this award for excellence in achievement. Cranfield provided a strong foundation for my career in the water sector, and to have that contribution recognised in such a prestigious way is very humbling. I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and Cranfield played a huge part in shaping that journey. I’ve always felt my work in water is more of a calling than a career, so I dedicate a lot of time and energy to it. I genuinely love working in this sector and find it fascinating. I hope this award inspires other new professionals in the water industry to keep pushing forward, embrace challenges, and make a real difference.
