Source: MoD
AIRCRAFT Engineering Officer Major Oli Morgan has been named as the 2014 Modern Day Visionary by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Vigilance can report.
Major Oli Morgan, from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), has been chosen as the IMechE’s Modern Day Visionary for his work leading the Army’s involvement in the Bloodhound Supersonic Car Project.
Recognition is part of the IMechE’s Vision Awards which showcase talented people who are inspiring change and driving innovation. Winners are assessed for their talent, leadership and a desire to improve the lives of those around them. Oli said:
“I’m immensely humbled to be recognised by the fastest growing engineering institute for my work with Bloodhound SSC. The project’s goal is to inspire a generation into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by building a car capable of 1000 mph.”
As the Army Team Leader on the Bloodhound Project, his role combines leadership of a small team of expert technicians helping to build the supersonic car along with the management and training of over 150 Bloodhound Educational Ambassadors. The project aims to break the Land Speed Record by building a car that uses jet engine and rocket technology, with a design speed of over 1000 mph. Oli said:
“Bloodhound gives kids a unique opportunity to engage with engineering – its science fiction made very real. We can place kids at the centre of the story by mixing educational workshops with informal learning on the internet.”
The REME have championed the Army’s involvement in the Land Speed Record Project with technical teams helping build the Bloodhound car in six month attachments. Volunteer Ambassadors are visiting schools across the country to get kids fired up about engineering.
“This year over 40,000 children have received a lesson on Bloodhound and Army Ambassadors have been a part of this success story. The goal by 2018 is that every child in the country will have had a lesson on the car.”
Head of REME personnel, Colonel Dan Scott said: “Oli Morgan exemplifies the title of ‘Professional Engineer’. His commitment to inspiring the next generation into STEM careers is outstanding and he is making a real difference to the prospects of future British engineers.”
Oli commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 2002, specialising as an Aircraft Engineering Officer before deploying to Afghanistan to lead a REME detachment supporting Apache helicopters on operations.