September 21, 2023 - 559 views
Dr Jacob Greene is tasked with designing the fast-jet cockpit system of the future in his role with defence giant BAE Systems.
It was his sport course at Coleg Llandrillo that proved the launchpad for a career at the cutting edge of aerospace technology.
Jacob, from Rhos-on-Sea, had always been a keen sportsman, playing football and competing in athletics as a youngster.
He studied a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Performance and Excellence) at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos campus, achieving a triple distinction in 2013.
Ten years later, he works as a Senior Aerospace Human Factors Engineer for BAE Systems Air, with the challenge of devising a cockpit system that can optimise human performance in a next-generation fast-jet aircraft.
Jacob said: “My specialism within the team is psychophysiological monitoring. This area of research explores how wearable technologies could be used to monitor pilot performance, by capturing physiological signals including brain wave activity, eye tracking, and cardiovascular measures.
“We can then use this data to help improve cockpit design, enhance pilot training, and even to measure behaviours such as mental overload or fatigue during challenging and stressful situations during flight.”
From Coleg Llandrillo, Jacob went to Liverpool John Moores University, where he studied Sports and Exercise Science, followed by a PhD in Biomedical Engineering.
“The aim of my research was to develop a novel wearable electromagnetic sensor to measure physiological markers in athletes,” he said. “As part of my PhD, I had the opportunity to work alongside professional athletes, including players from Liverpool Football Club, which was always a childhood dream and aspiration of mine.”
While at Coleg Llandrillo, Jacob completed his RNLI lifeguard training, and also played for the college football team - which led to him going on a work experience trip to Italy where he coached Torino FC youngsters and watched AC Milan.
He said: “This trip was unbelievable and provided a unique opportunity to work abroad with professional football clubs, including Torino FC, to coach their youth teams and watch their first team.
“We also played regular football against local teams, had the opportunity to visit Juventus’ training facilities, and watched AC Millan play at the San Siro Stadium.”
Jacob said college gave him the opportunity to combine his interests with gaining a foundation of knowledge which set him on his career trajectory.
He added: “My hobbies and interests have always centred around sport. I have always been fascinated by how you could improve human performance using science and technology.
“I think I knew early on that I wanted to study sports and exercise science at university, and college provided me with the perfect gateway to achieving that goal
“I’ve personally always found it important to study a topic that I was genuinely interested in. As my education progressed, I quickly realised that scientific research and technology development was an area I was passionate about, and I was fortunate enough to have the right opportunities and doors open at the right time.
“I believe sports and exercise science provides a varied and in-depth insight into topic areas such as exercise physiology, psychology and biomechanics, and provides insight into how to use scientific research methods.
“All of these areas have many applications across multiple disciplines outside of just the world of sport, including healthcare, science and technology, and engineering.”
There are still places available on Sport and Outdoor Education courses at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. For more information, including how to apply, click here.
