Alison Gibbings

NASA Academy Research Project:

Opto-Mechanical Development of the James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Science Instrument Module.
Principal Investigator: Brent Bos Code: 551

Academic Experience

• Kingston University, London, England September 2003 - Present Masters of Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Astronautics
• UMEA Summer University, Space Science and Technology - Pass with Distinction , Kiruna, Sweden, August 2006
• St Bartholomew's School, A-levels in Mathematics, Physics, Product Design and Geography, Newbury, England, 1996-2003

Research and Work Experience

• EADS Astrium Ltd JWST-MIRI Team, Systems Engineering Assistant, Summer 2005
  • Worked on the Mid InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) where I gained experience in System Engineering, Project Managment and Product Assurance. I participated in Technical Meets, Manufacturing Readiness Reviews and Critical Design Review preparation
• Facility of Engineering at Kingston University, London, Student Ambassador, 2003 - Present
• HMS Sultan, Gosport, Sea King Helicopters Servicing Trainee

Skills and Certifications

• Satellite Tool Kit with Astrogator
• SolidWorks and CosmosWorks solving Finite Element Analysis and Computational Flow Dynamics
• Visual Basic 6
• Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• ANSYS workbench simulations
• Kayaking, Caning and Sailing skills
• Water sport coaching qualification that includes first aid
• Dingy sailing, Level 2
• Three Star Kayaking and Two Star Canoeing Award
• Full UK driving license

Honors and Awards

• Royal Aeronautical Society Centennial Scholarship - Tony Edwards Award, June 2006
• Kingston University Student Union Volunteering Award for "demonstrating communication, teamwork and assertivemess," 2004 and 2005
• 21st International Scientific and Educational Conference Sponsorship, Russia, September 2004
• International Space Development and Theory Workshop, Russia, September 2004
• United Kingston at International Space Camp Scholarship for Advanced Space Academy, Huntsville, AL, August 2003
• Space School UK, August 2002

Memberships and Activities

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Student Member, 2004 - Present
• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and Space Group, Affiliate Student Member, 2003 - Present
• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), 2003-Present
• Kingston University Student Union, Volunteer, 2003 - Present
• Kingston University Boat Club, Member, 2003- Present
• Kingston University Canoeing Club, Vice Chair
• AIAA Undergraduate Apophis Mission Design competition, MEng Group Design Project, Competitor, February 2007
• International Space School Education Trust and Royal Aeronautical Society Joint Conference, Presenter 'Space for Talent', January 2007
• Int. Astronautical Congress, Valencia, Spain, Attendee, 2006
• UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (UKSEDS) Society, Secretary, November 2005-2006
• UKSEDS Annual Conference Committee - 'New Horizons: A Future of Space Exploration', Member, Jun. 2004- Nov. 2005
• Short-listed for the ESA Student Parabolic Flight Campaign, September 2005
• Course Representative for Aerospace and Astronautics, September 2003-2004

Hobbies and Interests

UKSEDS, space related activities, canoeing, rowing, University squad, flying, air shows, walking, reading, and studying astronomy.

About Me

"Ever since my parents took me to the Kennedy Space Centre when I was a young child, I have been interested in all aspects of space development and exploration. Most of my childhood was spent reading space related books, visiting museums and watching Apollo film clips! My first hands-on experience was through Space School UK. This was followed by gaining a sponsorship to attend the International Space Camp, Alabama. In 2003 I began reading MEng Aerospace Engineering and Astronautics at Kingston University, where I engaged myself in many extra-curricular activities. These include attending the International Space Development and Theory Workshop in Russia; and studying Space Science and Technology at UMEA University, Sweden. I believe that the problems associated with space exploration include a vast range of specialist areas and can therefore be considered truly multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural. Within the space industry I enjoy interacting with a range of students and professionals that have the collective ability to solve a fundamental problem or mission scenario. I have always been motivated by my passion for space and my desire to learn about new concepts and methodologies, which allow for the development of advanced space exploration. Over the years I have always regarded NASA as being in the forefront of the space agencies worldwide. This has continued to the present day with a wide range of NASA mission's; pioneering the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. I would love to be the first women on Mars!"