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Education awards name space apprentice amongst three Loughborough College finalists

Posted: 16th November 2018 - 2:24pm
Education awards name space apprentice amongst three Loughborough College finalists

Space apprentice Harrison Grossman has been named as one of three Loughborough College finalists for this year’s Leicester Mercury Education Awards.

The 22 year old has been shortlisted alongside Chloe Fountain for Apprentice of the Year, while sport student Grace Fleming is in line for the Student of the Year title.

Alongside studying with Loughborough College, Harrison works at the Leicester University Space Research Centre on a three year Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacturing.

“One of the most interesting projects I’ve been involved with is SPLIT, which stands for Small Planetary Linear Impulse Tool. It splits rock to reveal hidden layers and could be vital for discovering signs of life on, for example, Mars. Both NASA and some of the Chinese space agencies are very interested in it.

“I have also really enjoyed playing a part in developing a device which has the capacity to make a major impact in forensics. I designed the assembly which allows the device to expose and image fingerprints. Processing takes five minutes rather than days and it ensures samples are not compromised by powder, which might affect DNA. A lot of the research around it shows it could be vital for catching bomb makers by efficiently taking prints off debris – so could save lives. I am listed as a co-inventor and feel very proud of that.

“I enjoy that there are applications beyond space for the work I do, whether that is in forensics, medical research or geology. And it’s great studying at Loughborough College because so much of the knowledge I gain from my course is relevant to the work I am doing every day at the University – it really enhances my skills.

“My mum and dad are pretty impressed about me reaching the Awards finals, They’ll be coming with me to the ceremony. I have to admit I thought it was a wind up when I was told I had been nominated for the Apprentice of the Year Award – so when I then heard I was in the final three, it took me a long time to get my head around it. But I am very happy. “