Chevening Scholars

Cynthia Isimbi

Advanced Air Mobility Systems MSc

Rwanda

I applied for the Chevening Scholarship at a point where my professional journey and sense of responsibility clearly converged. After several years working in Rwanda’s aviation sector, contributing to the development of drone regulation and witnessing how innovation can improve safety, efficiency, and access, I came to a clear realisation: vision alone is insufficient. To contribute at that level, I made the deliberate decision to pause my professional trajectory and invest in the skills, perspective, and leadership capacity needed to design and contribute to the growth of future aviation systems responsibly.

I was intentional about the type of scholarship I pursued. I did not seek support focused solely on academic attainment; I wanted a programme that treats leadership as a responsibility, values public service, and expects scholars to translate learning into national impact. Chevening stood out because it does exactly that. I had applied before and was unsuccessful, but I applied again with greater clarity and conviction.

Receiving the Chevening Scholarship was deeply humbling, and I am honoured to be entrusted with an opportunity that carries both privilege and responsibility. During my year as a Chevening Scholar at Cranfield, I aim to deepen my ability to design, analyse, and help regulate complex aviation systems. Beyond the classroom, my goal is to engage fully with the Chevening network and the broader global aviation community.

Chevening did more than fund my studies; it believed in my vision and invested in it. The scholarship sharpened my long-term goals and strengthened my resolve to return home and apply what I am learning to support safer airspace operations, build local expertise, and help shape policies that enable innovation without compromising public trust..

Naveen Mullapudi

Computational Fluid Dynamics MSc

India

Growing up in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, India, engineering was more than just a subject—it was how I made sense of the world around me. Surrounded by vast paddy fields, water was part of everyday life, and those quiet observations sparked my fascination with fluid behaviour and the power of engineering to shape it. That curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Warangal.

After graduating, I began my professional career at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), where my work focused on the design and development of liquid circulation units and pumps for aerospace and thermal power applications. It was during this time that I realised the limitations of relying solely on empirical methods and the need for a deeper, physics-based approach through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

When exploring postgraduate programmes in CFD, Cranfield University immediately stood out. The MSc in Computational Fluid Dynamics offered a rigorous and focused programme covering grid generation, turbulence modelling, and numerical methods, within a unique environment where research, industry, and practical engineering come together seamlessly. Studying at Cranfield has been intense, challenging, and deeply transformative. Hands-on coursework, high-performance computing, and working alongside classmates from diverse countries have encouraged critical thinking and collaboration. As a Chevening Scholar, I’ve become part of an inspiring global community of future leaders.

Looking back, the journey from a curious child in a small town in India to a Chevening Scholar at Cranfield has been truly extraordinary. Chevening and Cranfield have not only sharpened my technical skills but also broadened my perspective on what is possible when ambition meets opportunity.

Edwin Varela

Forensic Investigation MSc

Belize

My motivation for pursuing this scholarship stemmed from my vision of studying at Cranfield University, an opportunity I believe no other institution can truly match. Cranfield’s strong reputation and deep-rooted partnerships with leading industries inspired me, and I knew that the Chevening Scholarship would be the gateway to making that ambition a reality.

Some of my goals here include building meaningful friendships with people who share similar ambitions; connections that I hope will last a lifetime. Beyond my personal journey, I also aim to become a bridge for students back home in Belize who aspire to study at Cranfield University. Another major goal for me is completing my thesis, which represents my most significant academic milestone and is central to my purpose here.

My most meaningful highlights so far come from the projects I’m involved in across the societies and groups I’m part of. Every single day, I’m contributing to something exciting. There is truly never a dull moment on this campus, and with such a wide range of opportunities, there’s a place for everyone.

I see this as so much more than a scholarship. It is truly a life-changing experience. Pursuing a Master’s degree in Forensic Investigation and learning from lecturers at the Cranfield Forensic Institute and the Defence Academy has been incredibly inspiring. Being here has pushed me to grow, encouraged deep self-reflection, and helped me recognise the potential I hold, as well as how much more I can contribute to the world.

Chevening has brought me several steps closer to achieving my long-term ambitions and has inspired me to explore ways of creating similar opportunities for others around the world. I want students back home, and across the globe, to experience what it feels like to study at Cranfield University and to be transformed by the opportunities it offers.

Rashaunda Cooke

Forensic Investigation MSc

British and Turks and Caicos Islands

I first learned about the Chevening Scholarship through a cousin who is a Chevening alumna. She consistently encouraged me to apply, and when I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Forensic Investigation at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, I was determined to take that step. Although I was uncertain about the outcome, I remained hopeful and committed throughout the application process.

Receiving the Chevening Scholarship was both humbling and deeply gratifying, and I remain sincerely grateful for such a prestigious opportunity. Arriving at Cranfield and beginning my academic journey has been a truly rewarding experience. From orientation to the present, the staff, lecturers, and fellow students have been exceptionally supportive, fostering an environment that encourages both academic excellence and personal growth.

The knowledge and skills I am acquiring are enabling me to broaden my capabilities and deepen my understanding of my field. Moreover, the Chevening experience has provided valuable exposure to leading professionals and perspectives, strengthening my confidence in my abilities and in my future aspirations.

To prospective scholars, I offer this advice: pursue this opportunity with determination and purpose. The Chevening Scholarship has the potential not only to transform your career, but also to shape your outlook and ambitions in profound and lasting ways.

Find out more about our Chevening Scholarships or visit the Chevening website.