UEL student wins prestigious scholarship

David Konya, a first-year bachelor’s student studying aeronautical engineering at the University of East London, has won a prestigious Coachmakers  Sir Sydney Camm scholarship.  

The scholarship is worth up to £2,500 and is aimed at supporting undergraduates studying aeronautical engineering. It’s awarded by the livery company, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers. The company promotes excellence in the aerospace, automotive and rail industries, as well as the traditional crafts of coach and carriage building and harness making. The award was established in 2012 in memory of Sir Sydney Camm, the aircraft designer responsible for the World War Two fighter plane, the Hurricane. 

Professor David Tann, UEL’s Dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, said the award reflected Mr Konya’s hard work and passion for his subject. He added, 

David winning this prestigious scholarship demonstrates our academics’ dedication to students and the invaluable support from industry leaders. This underscores the commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers.”  

David has long had a fascination with aircraft technology. At his school, the London Design and Engineering University Technical College, he got the highest marks awarded in his aviation course. That helped him win his place at UEL to study aeronautical engineering. While at school, he also met aviation expert Simon Witts, who encouraged him to consider applying for the scholarship.

David explained that his faith helped him through the application process. He said, “Everything that I achieved is because I put my faith in Jesus and I am thankful for God who sent me the perfect people at the perfect time - Simon Witts and (UEL Senior Lecturer) Thamo Sutharssan.”