Oliver Hitchens is a graduate of our Aeronautics and Astronautics / Spacecraft Engineering (MEng) course. He is currently studying for a PhD in spacecraft propulsion engineering at the University of Surrey.
What's the most important thing about what you do?
The space industry is incredibly valuable to climate scientists. Without satellites we would know so little about what causes climate change and how to combat it.
How did you get to your current position?
Passion about my field. Good grades are relatively unimportant.
What challenges did you face along the way?
Self-doubt. I had to choose between something I knew I could do but wasn't passionate about, and something I didn't know I could do but was passionate about. I chose the latter.
Was there a moment you knew the hard work was worth it?
Building rocket engines for a start-up in Germany.
What experiences from your time at Southampton have influenced you most?
Meeting a diverse range of people that I can now call my friends.
What are your future plans?
To contribute something significant to the area of spacecraft propulsion engineering.
What advice would you give someone choosing a university?
Join a uni that has stuff you'll be interested in.
