Thei Zaza is originally from Greece and is a PhD candidate at the Aerospace Department at University of Bristol.
What is your specific area of research?
I am working on a fleet of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles and I have designed different techniques to optimise their routes considering loitering and collision avoidance constraints. Mathematical modelling and software design have interested me from a very young age, as I come from an ‘Engineering’ family.
What inspired you to leave home and come study in the UK?
My brother’s courage and willing to study and succeed abroad have always fascinated me and inspired me. He has been my mentor my whole life, supporting me to achieve my goals since I can remember. And now, because of him, after 15 years since I first decided that I wanted to become a researcher in engineering, I am closer than ever to finish the hardest project I have ever been assigned.
Any inspirational words to pass on to budding female engineers?
Engineers do not have a gender. As long as you aim high, you will make it to the top!