Cranfield University’s second recipient of the annual $5,000 aviation scholarship for women, funded by the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA), has been awarded to Leane Mahe, a student who is studying an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design.
Leane Mahe said: “It is with great pleasure I receive the Cranfield University IAWA scholarship. The IAWA helps to promote women in the aerospace sector, a sector in which they are under-represented. Their association and scholarships are important for the aeronautics world of tomorrow. I am grateful for this opportunity proposed by Cranfield University, where I am studying Master of Aerospace Vehicle Design. I have made such great progress since the beginning of the year and I feel prepared to begin my professional career in the aerospace industry.”
The IAWA was founded in 1988, its core goal is to develop the next generation of female leaders by introducing mentoring programmes, internship programmes and scholarships. The organisation works with universities across the globe to identify candidates and help progress their aviation careers.
Professor Helen Atkinson CBE FREng, Pro-Vice Chancellor, School of Aerospace, Transport Systems and Manufacturing at Cranfield University said: “The Cranfield scholarship will help to springboard the development of women at Cranfield who are passionate about careers in aviation. It is an interesting time in the future of aviation with unique challenges for the aerospace industry. These students will be taking a leading role in the new developments and helping to increase the representation and advancement of women across this hugely significant industrial sector.”
The standard of submissions for the award were high and Cranfield was impressed with two additional applications so, for the first time, awarded two runner-up prizes to Amy Irvine and Astrid Gambet. The two aerospace students were awarded £1,000 each by the University to acknowledge the outstanding quality of their submissions.
Cranfield has specialised in aerospace technology for over 70 years, and it is the only European university with its own airport, its own pilots and its own air navigation services. As members of the ‘Women in Aviation, Aerospace & Defence Charter’ and winners of an Athena Swan Bronze Award it has made diversity a priority and the scholarship from IAWA supports that work.
About Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.
