What this year at Cranfield really meant to me

Every Cranfield journey is unique. In this alumni reflection, Zachea Scicluna shares what her year at Cranfield truly meant, from facing uncertainty to gaining hands-on experience in industry-backed projects.

I’ve been reflecting (and delaying) on what this year truly meant to me, not just on paper, but in all the ways it shifted how I see myself and the world. A year ago, I took a step that absolutely terrified me: new country, new expectations, new everything. But something in me whispered, “Do it anyway,” and I’m profoundly grateful that I did despite all the fear and self-doubt.

The hardest, most important lesson

Apart from all the academic learning, funnily enough I found that my biggest lesson was this:

To always give myself the chance to grow, especially when it scares me. Growth for me felt far from glamorous; it felt like doubt, loneliness, and that silent but nagging thought at the far back of my mind that I’m out of my depth. But trying ultimately took me further than staying where I felt safe ever could.

A deep dive into Advanced Manufacturing

This year was an intense, rewarding deep dive into advanced manufacturing and operations – from Lean and Operations Management to Industry 4.0 concepts. Cranfield’s unique, industry-backed curriculum, supported by OEMs like Airbus and Rolls-Royce, focused on applying advanced knowledge directly to real-world challenges.

Key takeaways and projects:

• Built a strong foundation in Lean Manufacturing, Operations Management and Analysis, Composites, Manufacturing Strategy and Supply Chain Management, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Led a team project with a Green Sand Casting Foundry, using advanced data tools (JMP statistics tool, Design of Experiments, ML algorithms combined with an input interface, Power BI) to diagnose process inefficiencies.
• Worked on-site at Airbus Broughton to design and build a robotic probing cell for automated quality inspection, a true end-to-end engineering experience in an industry-leading operational environment.
• Gained hands-on experience in Cranfield’s leading labs, including the Sir Peter Gregson Aerospace Integration Research Centre.

The people who made the journey meaningful

I’m incredibly grateful for the sincere mentorship, namely from John Patsavellas and Dr. Konstantinos Georgarakis, as well as for the industrial connections and practical experience gained.

To everyone who supported me, near or far, thank you.

To the beautiful friendships that became home, thank you.

Looking ahead

I’m eager to see how I can bring this blend of theoretical and applied knowledge into the dynamic world of aviation and continue contributing to innovation wherever this path leads!