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UEL’s ‘Evil Genius’ sees fourth book published at nineteen

Saturday 11 March 2006

A University of East London (UEL) student is awaiting the publication of his fourth book – at the tender age of nineteen!

Gavin Harper is one of a growing number of students on UEL's Masters in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, a programme run in conjunction with the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales. The programme’s flexible nature allows him to study while working on a range of technical books for US publishing giant McGraw-Hill. 'Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius', largely inspired by Gavin's UEL studies, is due for publication this summer.

Gavin, who lives in Essex but spends a week every month studying intensively in Wales, explained: “I left school at 16 because I didn’t really feel challenged and I’d been invited to take up a position at a leading engineering company. When things didn’t work out, I contacted the Open University and was accepted onto a BSc (Hons) degree in Technology.

“I began the course in 2004, the same year that I decided to have a go at writing. I’d been doing up an old Mini since the age of twelve and had built up a wealth of knowledge which I felt could really benefit people working on advanced motor projects. Luckily, editors at McGraw-Hill saw the potential of my plans and quickly offered me a contract for a book called ‘50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius’.

“It felt wonderful to have my own book published, and I’ve since repeated the trick with two others, ‘Build your own Car PC’ and ’50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius’. I’ve also been very lucky to be accepted onto UEL’s Masters in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies, which is an absolutely fantastic programme. The staff are terrific, the lectures are fascinating, there’s a really diverse student body, and everyone has something different to add to the melting pot of fantastic ideas.

“The technology I’ve learnt through my books has really helped me, and I’ve everything I’ve learnt through the course has contributed to my new book, ‘Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius’. All the students and staff at CAT have been excellent in providing me with information, and both CAT and UEL will feature extensively in the new book.”

Gavin’s books are available through Amazon.com and all good retailers. ‘Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius’ will be published in April 2006.

UEL’s MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies is a unique programme which examines the relationship between human beings and the built environment. The programme is divided into two parts: Environment and Energy Fundamentals, and The Building in an Environmental Context. For further details, call 020 8223 3333

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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