Where are you from? I was born in Bedford, but have been lucky enough to live in numerous cities in the UK and around the world. I’ve been living in Cambridge since 2007.
Education: After 3yrs of schooling in Germany, I came back to Norfolk to do my GCSEs and A-Levels, and then went on to study BSc Technology Management at Liverpool John Moores University. I spent 2yrs in the Officers’ Training Corps whilst studying in Liverpool and also worked in a local cinema, supervising a team of 12 selling drinks and popcorn! In my 30s I re-trained at Leeds College of Technology and became a qualified electrician.
Career: My first graduate job was as a junior programmer for IBM in Cape Town, South Africa, followed by numerous IT roles around the UK and finally ending up in Norway 5yrs later, before deciding that I needed to make more of my creative skills. Since that decision I’ve been an Animatronics student, electrician, engineer controller, model engineer, requirements controller, cycle training manager and a ski rep! So, adding BLOODHOUND SSC to my CV doesn’t look out of place and the project really suits my set of skills.
Interests: I love science, technology and engineering, and now I can combine that with my passion for working with children. I’m fascinated by anything technical and my hobby is scratch-building weird and wonderful projects, which you can see on my webpage: www.haydn-automation.co.uk There you’ll find custom models, kitcars, digital art and the full history of a British die-cast magnesium bicycle called the Kirk Precision.
A surprising fact that others may not know! In 2011 I cycled 576miles in 12 days around the Big Island of Hawaii, a brilliant adventure and one I’d been planning for years! It’s an amazing place and the locals were certainly intrigued to discover a cyclist half way up Mt Kilauea. I didn’t want to come back!
What do you do on the project? My team role is Education Animator & Ambassador Trainer, so I get to do two very different roles all over the UK. I attend school and corporate events talking about the car, delivering presentations and running educational workshops, as well as training future STEM ambassadors to go in to schools on our behalf or to help out at events alongside the team.
How did you get involved? I’ve been following the World Land Speed Record for years and remember watching ThrustSSC break the sound barrier whilst at University. Since 2009 I’ve been a “Gold” 1k Club member and regularly read the project updates from the team, including the one from Richard Noble mentioning that they needed someone highly creative to join the team. After a nerve-wracking 2mths I got the role, initially being told “thanks, but no thanks” and then 4hrs later receiving a very humble apology saying that I had been put in the wrong pile! The rest is history and I’m now part of a very close-knit team.
What have you learned from the project? How helpful and resourceful everyone is!
