The Shell STEP scheme has again proved a route to success for a Sussex student. Gordon Marsh, who's studying Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence in COGS, took first place in the regional finals of the STEP awards and went on to compete in the National Finals, beating 1,500 other students.
Gordon's work placement was with the Flight Data Company at Heathrow. All commercial aircraft are fitted with a flight data unit, or 'black box', and after an accident, analysts can determine the cause using data encoded in this box. But FDC attempts to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The company have been able to detect incremental change in a plane's safety well before the critical point where an accident may be likely to occur.
Gordon's prize-winning invention involved changing the way the data in the black box is analysed, making the whole process automated and computer-controlled. Because of the software he designed, FDC will save three days of labour every month, as well as saving up to £22,000 a year. Most importantly, though, the software will reduce accidents by cutting out the margin of human error - "in a small way, I'm glad I've done my bit to make flights safer," says Gordon.
Being a third year, employability is at the forefront of Gordon's mind - "being at COGS really helped me get the placement in the first place because I had the skills they were looking for". As he points out: "all employers are looking for experience, and now I've really had a chance to gain some self confidence and prove that I can succeed in the workplace. The company have even offered me a job for next year."
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Friday October 16th 1998
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