Dr Jae-Hwan Park from the School of Engineering and Materials Science (SEMS) at Queen Mary University of London visited the Airbus Defence and Space facility in Stevenage to meet his student, David Denis, who was approaching the completion of his one-year industrial placement. The visit provided an opportunity to reflect on David's industrial experience and professional development. Following his placement, David received and accepted an offer of full-time employment from Airbus, marking an important milestone in his engineering career.

A particularly rewarding aspect of the visit was David's reflection on his earlier undergraduate research experience through the QMUL Centre for Undergraduate Research (QMCUR). Under the supervision of Dr Park, David had investigated the transformation of Palace Store over the past 40 years, applying theories of innovation and organisational change to explore how businesses evolve and adapt to changing environments.

David said: "The opportunity to work on innovation and future technologies in the industry I am most passionate about is such an excitement. However, it would not be possible without the work I have completed through QMCUR with Dr Jae-Hwan Park as in-depth economic analysis and research radically changed the way I view innovation. Being a SEMS student, you learn the engineering lens in which to view technology but by adding the economic lens, I have been able to work parallel on business development."

He continued: "I even used this work during my interview stage for my placement when I had to deliver a presentation. The skills I have learnt during my research helped me later write bid proposals, business cases, innovation pitches, and strategic white papers all of which then contributed to driving innovation at Airbus Defence and Space and subsequently work I will continue.".

His experience demonstrates how undergraduate research can provide benefits extending well beyond the immediate subject of study. By engaging with innovation theory, business transformation and organisational change, engineering students can develop broader analytical perspectives and transferable skills relevant to complex industrial challenges.

The visit also offered an opportunity to reflect on future engagement with the aerospace and space innovation ecosystem. Dr Jae-Hawn Park expressed an interest in contributing his expertise in innovation research and ecosystem development to support collaboration between Airbus and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), should suitable opportunities arise.

David's transition from a year-long industrial placement to a full-time role at Airbus Defence and Space provides an encouraging example of how undergraduate research, academic mentorship and industrial experience can complement one another.

His achievement highlights the value of initiatives such as QMCUR in connecting academic research with professional development and preparing SEMS students for careers in leading engineering and technology organisations.

Learn more about our Aerospace Engineering programme.