Teesside journey to continue for Jess

Jess Brain balanced her aerospace engineering studies with competing at international level for Britain in gymnastics.

She is now joining thousands of other Teesside University graduates as they celebrate academic success at our graduation ceremonies taking place on campus, from July 9 to 18.

Jess, who graduates from the BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering, is now preparing to continue her Teesside University journey to postgraduate level.

Originally from Somerset, Jess, 22, said: “I choose Teesside University as it offered the course that I wanted, which was a more hands on course. I was also able to tie in my gymnastics. The facilities played a huge factor in my choice.

“I started flying small aircraft at the age of 14, and it was my flying instructor who encouraged me to go to university to ensure I had an alternative if I could no longer be a commercial pilot.

“I looked at aviation courses and found the aerospace engineering degree. I have always loved aviation and Teesside University offers a flight simulator, which helped me make my decision. The course was more hands on compared to other courses and made me want study at Teesside. I liked the size of the campus, along with class sizes for aerospace engineering."

Jess added: “Completing the degree has opened my mind to other areas of aviation, rather than just being a pilot, although this is still the main goal. The course has widened my understanding of how aircrafts work and how they fly, while also looking at other areas of the aviation industry.”

Alongside her studies, Jess was also selected for the GBR team at the 2022 Trampoline, Tumbling and DMT World Championships, held in Bulgaria. Jess competed individually and as part of the GBR tumbling team.

“I have wanted to be a commercial pilot from a young age, but I also have ambitions in my gymnastics career. I would love to go the World Games, which are basically our Olympics, held every four years.

“I am aiming to continue gymnastics while completing the MSc Aviation Management at Teesside, with the aim being to hopefully be selected for the World Games. My time so far at Teesside has flown and I’ve really loved it.”

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