“If I can’t fly one, I’ll make one”: How Aeronautical Engineering student Kaba is helping to inspire the next generation of STEM learners

When Khadijatul Kubra Kaba arrived in Wales from Bangladesh to study aeronautical engineering, she didn’t imagine that she would one day become one of the university’s most active STEM ambassadors.

She certainly didn’t see herself leading workshops, speaking at careers events, or inspiring school pupils to pursue science and engineering. Now, in her third year of study, she is doing all of that, and more.

Her journey into engineering began with a childhood dream of becoming a pilot. But, after her parents raised concerns about the risks of flying, she decided to stay close to aviation another way. I told myself, ‘If I can’t fly one, I’ll make one,’ she said, and decided to pursue a career in aeronautical engineering

Being involved in aeronautical engineering isn’t the only benefit that Kaba has found at the University of South Wales (USW).

Coming from a country where Bengali is the dominant language, Kaba, who’s 23 this year, studied in English-medium schools but rarely had the chance to use English in everyday life. Arriving in the UK meant learning to express herself with confidence — something she openly admits wasn’t easy at first. But, becoming one of the University’s Student Ambassadors changed that.

The Ambassadors act as the faces of the University during Open Days and Applicant Days, during which Kaba regularly speaks with prospective students and their families, sharing her experience and helping them get a better understanding of life on campus. It’s a role, she says, which has brought her personal growth.

“Being the focus during prospective students’ visits to USW means I have had to develop a rapport with people from all backgrounds,” she said. “This has obviously helped to improve my English, but has also given me greater confidence in public speaking, stronger communication skills, and experience in teamwork and leadership.

"My journey as a STEM Ambassador began through my involvement in the IMechE UAS Challenge, which includes a requirement to carry out STEM outreach with local schools.

“While taking part in the competition, I led my team as Head of STEM where I was responsible for planning and delivering outreach activities to students to engage them with engineering and STEM subjects.

“Through this role, I discovered a passion for outreach and education, which motivated me to begin my journey as a STEM Ambassador"

Alongside her Ambassador role and her studies, Kaba also works as a paid STEM Intern with the University’s STEM Outreach team, helping to organise and deliver workshops, create materials, while representing the university at STEM events at a number of local schools. In fact, the STEM Outreach team worked with 1,930 pupils in the first term of this academic year last autumn, delivering 62 workshops at a totals of 27 schools.

And, Kaba said, despite her initial worries about being in front of a large group of young learners, it has given her a better understanding of the benefits of the outreach work.   

“I was so nervous - my hands were shaking,” she said. “But once I started speaking, I just went with the flow. The kids’ eyes lit up. I used to be like them - but no one ever nurtured my interests the way I can now for them. It made me realise teaching might be something I want to do in the future.”

As if her studies, and roles as an Ambassador and Intern, weren’t enough, Kaba also offers support to aeronautical engineering students who are settling into life at the USW. And, before many of them arrive at the University, she’s part of a group which sends handwritten postcards to incoming engineering students, congratulating them on their offers and reassuring them about their future at the University.

“It’s a small gesture, but I want them to feel welcome before they even arrive,” she said.

Looking to the future, Kaba is unsure of her plans following graduation, and where she in the world she will continue her career. But her USW experience has helped her build valuable soft skills alongside her academic progress.

“I have discovered new skills through my different roles at USW,” she said. “Alongside my studies, I have been able to build my confidence and discovered a growing interest in outreach, so there may be options in teaching in future – the University experience has really given me a lot of ideas for the future.”  

Laura Roberts, STEM Outreach Officer at USW, paid tribute to Kaba.

“When I first met Kaba as part of the IMechE Drone team, Little Red Dragon, she was quiet but enthusiastic,” Laura said. “She took the lead on a workshop, visibly shaking, but did an amazing job.

“Kaba made sure she shadowed me when I was delivering a STEM workshop so that she could see how they should run and then took that on board to improve her own delivery style.

“As the STEM Intern with me this year, she is invaluable in helping workshops run smoothly, keep the STEM kit organised, and also supports multiple workshops each week.

“I will be sad to see her leave when she graduates, but also know that her knowledge and skills will help her to succeed in the next step of her STEM career.”