Manifesto for School Representative of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (SMAE)
Candidate: Colm Daly, 4th-year Aerospace Engineering Student
Slogan: Propelling Ideas Forward!!!
Mission Statement
Every student’s time at SMAE should be filled with opportunities to grow, discover new interests, and build the skills needed for the future. I want to ensure that these opportunities are afforded to students, giving them the chance to fully develop their careers and pursue their goals. Whether through better access to training programs, improved communication, or stronger project support, I want to advocate for positive changes that empower students to take charge of their academic and career paths.
SMAE is evolving, and with the rapid growth of the space and engineering sectors, it's important that the curriculum and opportunities available keep pace. I want to push for more space and rocketry content, promote research visibility, and make it easier for students to tailor their degrees through flexible module choices.
Having gained valuable hands-on experience and developed teamwork skills through student-led projects, I understand how important these opportunities are for student growth. I want to advocate for SMAE to provide greater support for such initiatives, promoting student success through stronger collaboration with faculty and industry.
As your student representative, I am committed to “propelling ideas forward” by ensuring students stay informed and engaged. I will provide clear, regular updates on developments, research achievements, and opportunities through bi-weekly newsletters. Together, we can build a stronger, more dynamic SMAE where students are equipped to excel!
Manifesto Points
1. Highlighting and Expanding Career Opportunities
Goal: I want to promote training and funding opportunities (ESA training courses, EPS scholarships, Spinternships) and ensure students are aware of them and apply for them. These opportunities help students develop their careers and skills, and I want to make sure they don’t miss out.
Actions:
- Work with the Careers Office to keep students updated and informed on key opportunities
- Share testimonials from students who have participated in these programs to provide advice and insights.
- Highlight current opportunities in my bi-weekly newsletter and encourage students to apply.
2. Promoting the Inclusion of Space and Rocketry Content in the Curriculum
Goal: I want to advocate for the inclusion of more space and rocketry content in the curriculum, through the introduction of space and rocket-related examples and questions in classes, assignment tasks, and eventually dedicated modules. There is growing interest in these areas within SMAE, and I want to champion this demand. With the Northern Ireland space industry on the rise, SMAE should play a key role in preparing a workforce to meet this sector's needs.
Actions:
- Encourage lecturers to incorporate space and rocketry examples into tutorials and assignments.
- Advocate for an increase in the number of space and rocketry-related topics available for bachelor's and master's dissertations.
- Promote the introduction of dedicated modules for space engineering and rocketry.
3. Advocating for Increased Support for Student-Led Projects
Goal: I want to advocate for SMAE to increase support for student-led projects. These initiatives provide hands-on experience that employers highly value. By increasing support, students can develop practical skills and have greater opportunities to showcase their work.
Actions:
- Advocate for both institutional and external support of student-led projects.
- Encourage SMAE to promote these projects through media and social media platforms to raise awareness and recognition.
- Support initiatives that provide students with opportunities to present and gain recognition for their work.
4. Strengthening Communication through Bi-Weekly Updates
Goal: I want to improve transparency and communication between the student council and students regarding developments within SMAE. To achieve this, I will send out bi-weekly newsletters to keep students informed about key updates, news, and important information.
Actions:
- Send bi-weekly newsletters with updates on student council activities, SMAE developments, training and funding opportunities, and research achievements.
- Provide opportunities for students to share feedback and suggestions.
5. Promoting Research Awareness
Goal: I want to raise awareness of the ongoing research within SMAE and recognize the achievements of both faculty and students. Many students may not be fully aware of the research being conducted in the school, and improving visibility will help promote greater engagement and a stronger sense of community.
Actions:
- Promote ongoing research projects and significant breakthroughs through existing channels and events.
- Highlight research achievements in my bi-weekly newsletter to keep students informed and engaged.
6. Expanding Module Options
Goal: I want to advocate for students to have greater choice and flexibility in their degree. Providing more module options within each year will help students tailor their degrees to better suit their needs, interests, and career aspirations.
Actions:
- Advocate for increased flexibility and a wider range of elective module options.
- Gather student feedback through surveys to understand preferences for new module offerings.
7. Increase Support for MATLAB and Technical Skills
Goal: I want to advocate for more resources and support to be made available for students.
Actions:
- Advocate for more resources and support for MATLAB, including additional tutorials and workshops.
- Encourage collaboration with lecturers to create and provide online learning materials.