Simone Chellini MSc Aerodynamics and Computation, BEng Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2022

Southampton is well known in the sector for its research expertise and by its world-class facilities that are accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Why did you choose to come to Southampton?

Southampton combines academic prestige with a truly authentic student experience. In my third year I was able to use almost all the engineering facilities, which contributed to a really exciting project I worked on. After an amazing undergraduate experience, I decided to remain in Southampton and continue with a Master’s in Aerodynamics.

What do you enjoy most about your course and Southampton?

I really enjoyed working on my third year individual project, where I gained practical and research experience. As well as this, being able to have an impact on the new engineering facilities was definitely another  highlight of my course at Southampton. Southampton is well known in the sector for its research expertise and by its world-class facilities that are accessible to undergraduate and postgraduate students. As a postgraduate student, I was able to take advantage of the jet propulsion laboratory, the R.J. Mitchell wind tunnel, the new boundary layer wind tunnel and water flumes.

What other activities have you taken advantage of while at the University?

During my time at Southampton I was able to join different societies such as the Formula Student team and the Italian society. I used the Careers service a lot, from the many employability events, which helped me build my CV. I also worked as a student ambassador, helping at Open Days, and first-year tutor for two years.

What do you think you have gained from your studies that you wouldn’t have developed without them?

I carried out experimental research work during my undergraduate degree at Southampton, which shaped my desire to pursue a career in research, and continue with my master’s study. The academic skills that I learnt during my undergraduate degree were life changing and helped me to build a professional network.

If you did a placement: Please tell us where, and what your job title was. How did the skills you develop on placement help prepare you for your career and the rest of your degree? What did you enjoy most about it?

My third year project led to a placement with the Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics research group, where I helped with the realisation of new experimental equipment for the brand new facilities.