Ieuan Carney
"Space, stars, and the underlying science behind them has always been fascinating to me. I have always had a desire to tinker and build projects. Combining these two passions fitted perfectly into my degree."
Entry year
2018Choosing Surrey
What drew you to the University of Surrey?
The decision to come to Surrey was easy. After speaking to a University representative at my school, it was clear that Surrey was the best option for a space systems career. That coupled with the location made it an obvious decision.
Why are you passionate about your subject?
Space, stars, and the underlying science behind them has always been fascinating to me. I have always had a desire to tinker and build projects. Combining these two passions fitted perfectly into my degree. Hopefully one day I’ll build something that will help us understand space!
How are the facilities on your course helping your studies?
The facilities on my course are phenomenal. The undergraduate electronic labs are a helpful learning environment, and the technicians play a huge part in that! Additionally, having access to a 24-hour computer lab has really helped me.
The Peryton team
When and how did your interest in satellites develop?
Satellites make the modern world go around, and I have always been fascinated by them. Learning about their intricacies has only driven my passion, especially when you learn about the heritage of cube satellites at Surrey. Knowing that a group of students can send a satellite into space and it will work has further driven my ambition.
What is the Peryton Team and what drew you into it?
I joined the Peryton Team at the start of my final year. I joined to use some of the technical and practical skills that I had learned about over the course of my degree in a real-world setting, as well as some of the leadership skills I had gained. This was a way I could combine these skills with the support of my peers and the University.
What does the UKSEDS Satellite Design Competition mean to you and to the Peryton Team?
This was the first year that the University has entered the competition, so the team did not know what to expect. I am incredibly grateful I got to lead the team through this competition; to me, it was the culmination of five years’ hard work as a Surrey student. The highlight for me is us winning the best satellite award at the competition day held by UKSEDS at Airbus Space and Defence. To get to that stage was the cumulation of nine months of hard work for the whole team with multiple stages, including being selected as one of the five teams to actually compete, based on our submission.
What does being in the team mean to you in terms of studies and personal development?
The personal development I have experienced being in the team is second to none. Being able to use the leadership skills and training I have been honing was a personal highlight. From leading weekly meetings, and stakeholder management, I have learnt so much about how to run and lead a project. It helped me cement the skills and knowledge gained throughout my course as I gained a deeper appreciation of how the individual parts fit together when building a satellite.
Do you know what you want to do when you graduate?
I have decided to undertake a PhD at Surrey as my next step and this is mainly down to my involvement in Peryton. I feel like I have a lot more to give and the confidence I have gained from the project has made me realise that a PhD is the right option for me.
