Continuing our series on the latest EW BrightSparks of 2024, we profile Henry Wall, a UKESF Scholar who is an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Student at the University of Cambridge.
Achievements
In terms of academic achievements, it is clear that throughout his degree at Cambridge Henry has maximised his opportunities as an engineering student. He has consistently achieved First Class Honours, ranking 3rd, 2nd, and 9th among approximately 300 engineering students.
Indeed his work has already earned him several prestigious awards. For example, the David Newland Prize for Mechanics (2024), the Evans Prize (2022), the Engineers’ Prize (2023) and the Derek Taunt Prize (2024). Henry was also the Benefactors Prize Winner (2024) and is a three-time scholarship recipient for Jesus College (2022, 2023, 2024).
One major theme of his work, however, has been around sustainability and the importance of respecting the environment.
For example, Henry has actively pursued sustainable practices throughout his academic career. As Outreach Officer for Cambridge University Robotics, he facilitated educational programs focused on sustainability. A notable initiative was a collaboration with the Cambridge Science Centre, where he organised STEM sessions for children aged 5-12.
These sessions included designing and building RC Electric Cars. Using the Micro:bit platform, children learned about the advantages of electric vehicles over traditional fossil fuel vehicles.
Other activities illustrated the size of electrons versus the universe, to emphasises the importance of respecting our planet and prioritising sustainability.
Henry also organised a university wide Makeathon, providing students with the tools and a platform to innovate and make sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. For example, one team was able to design and make a functional prototype of an autonomous litter picking robot over the course of the day. Note that the students studied a range of subjects, from Engineers, Masters in Business Post-Graduates, to Education students. It highlighted, he told us, a collective desire for a sustainable development in all sectors.
Henry has also been interested in innovative manufacturing solutions. At university, as Treasurer of the Cambridge University 3D Printing Society, he focused on developing low-cost, low-waste manufacturing solutions. This experience, he shared, taught him the importance of innovation in traditional manufacturing processes, which is essential for achieving sustainability in engineering practices.
In terms of professional experience, Henry’s passion for green energy alternatives led him to an internship with Aurata Technologies in the summer of 2023.
This company specialises in hydrogen-powered solutions for transportation. And his key contributions included developing a Custom User Interface.
Specifically, he created a tool that recommends the optimal balance of plant solutions for fuel cell-powered vehicles based on user inputs and simulation data. “This tool lowers the barriers for transportation companies to adopt hydrogen technology, making the transition to greener freight more attractive,” said Henry.
Additionally, as mentioned, he holds a UKESF scholarship, sponsored by Multiple Access Communications. Completing a summer internship there, he tackled the hardware acceleration of a standard encryption library. This complex project required collaboration across disciplines, and Henry actively participated as part of a team in all phases
These ranged from from research to implementation, pushing the boundaries of our technological capabilities, he shared.
Finally, during a summer internship at Stellar Advanced Concepts – a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy – Henry contributed to various bio-inspired sensor projects.
These included a Seal Whisker Wake Sensor, a Falcon Feather Stall Warning Sensor, and an Advanced UAV Morphing Wing Projects. What these projects had in common was the use of innovative sensors aim to provide bio-inspired, low environmental impact and low power alternatives to traditional technologies. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint in their respective sectors.
Electronics Industry ViewpointKaren Holland, CEO of XCAM, also shared her viewpoint on Henry’s entry, which she found outstanding.
“Henry stands out for his outstanding academic excellence within the very demanding Cambridge university environment, achieving outstanding grades in his studies as well as having been awarding an impressive number of academic awards.”
“In addition to achieving high grades academically, he finds time to participate in STEM outreach work and organise events such as the Makeathon.”
Community
Henry has devoted a lot of time and energy to helping with STEM activities and events for the wider community.
Throughout his time at the University of Cambridge, for example, Henry has actively promoted electronics and engineering. As the Outreach Officer for Cambridge University Robotics, he dedicated the year to engaging with both university students and the broader community, fostering interest in robotics and sustainability.
One key contribution that Henry shared was around a Makeathon, as mentioned. He organised the university-wide event that brought together students from various academic backgrounds. It challenged participants to develop innovative solutions to open-ended robotics problems with a focus on sustainability.
For example, teams collaborated to create projects such as autonomous litter-picking robots. These showcased how engineering can address real-world environmental issues. The initiative not only promoted teamwork and creativity, he told us, but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling sustainability challenges.
Henry has also frequently been involved with both internal and external Events. As an example, he regularly organises and runs events for the society, including freshers’ events and open days.
He told us:
“These gatherings serve to engage society members with our sponsors, showcase the latest robotics projects, and foster a sense of community among students. Through these events, I aim to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages participation and collaboration, ensuring that all members feel valued and inspired to contribute.”
There are also external Outreach Initiatives:
“One of my proudest achievements is the external outreach events I coordinate. These initiatives aim to share our passion for robotics with the wider community, particularly through partnerships with local schools and organisations, such as the Cambridge Science Centre.”
For example, last winter he delivered weekly STEM sessions for children aged 5-12, where they took part in hands-on activities, such as building their own robots. These ranged from simple creations to more complex models. These sessions not only teach fundamental engineering concepts but also inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds, he shared.
Additionally, the sessions cover topics such as the size of the universe compared to the size of an electron, fostering a sense of wonder about the world and emphasising the importance of scientific inquiry.
Henry has also been volunteering with the First Lego League. This focuses on encouraging secondary school students to learn about robotics and develop essential problem-solving skills. Specifically, he mentored teams as they design and build their robots. This meant guiding them through the engineering process and helping them learn how to overcome obstacles. The experience was incredibly rewarding, he told us, witnessing students grow in confidence and enthusiasm for STEM.
Finally, Henry has been giving back to his secondary school. He has remained in touch with some teachers from the school and offered guided tours of the Engineering Department and Jesus College to prospective Year 12 applicants (one of which has since joined Jesus College as an Engineering student and is now in his second year).
Henry also conducted mock university admissions interviews to students applying to engineering degrees (two of which are now current third year engineers at Cambridge). He himself was the first from his state school to study engineering at Cambridge and he told us he was proud to give back to the community that fostered his love of the subject.
And Henry certainly plans to continue and develop his STEM activities. He told us:
“Through these community engagement activities, I aim to not only share my knowledge of engineering and robotics but also to empower others to explore these fields. The joy of seeing children and students engage with STEM concepts, build their confidence, and develop a passion for engineering is immensely fulfilling.”
“As I look to the future, I plan to continue these outreach efforts. I aim to expand our collaboration with organisations like the UKESF, enhancing our outreach sessions to reach even more young people.”
Congratulations to Henry Wall!
See also: Elektra Awards 2024 – The Winners
