Isha Bhukya

I want to be part of making a change. Intellectual technology surrounds us and there is so much to understand, alter and improve. The future is leaning towards a world filled with robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.

Pursuing engineering with a focus on robotics, will allow me to contribute to new life changing and challenging technologies, it also allows me to put the knowledge I gained during my A-levels into practical application.

Edge Hill stood out to me for its strong integration of theoretical learning with practical, project-based experience. The curriculum’s focus on areas such as machine learning and autonomous systems which are aligned closely with my interests. My interest in engineering stems from my drive at looking into the way different structures work and learning how the functions of the different components interact. I have always been keen to take different objects apart to understand why they work.

In my first year, I built a robotic arm from scratch, an experience that deepened my hands-on understanding of engineering and robotics. In my second year, I was part of a group that brought a child’s design to life, using primary engineers’ designs to create a functional, tangible prototype. These experiences honed my technical and teamwork skills, allowing me to apply engineering principles in real-world scenarios.

I undertook a Subsea Engineering Internship at Serica Energy plc, an oil and gas operator based in Aberdeen. This experience was transformative, offering first-hand insight into subsea operations and the wider energy sector. I learned about the various teams that contribute to offshore production and worked on supporting their workflows. I also developed a range of transferable skills, including time management, technical communication, and Excel proficiency. Being part of a fast-paced engineering environment strengthened my foundation and sparked a deeper interest in applied engineering.

I also took part in the HSBC Women in Technology Insights Programme in Sheffield. This initiative introduced me to a career in Digital Innovation, providing exposure to HSBC’s global technology teams across Cybersecurity, Data, and Engineering. Through talks, workshops, and team challenges, I gained insight into how a large financial institution is transforming through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies, enhancing both my understanding and curiosity in tech-driven enterprise solutions. This led to me gaining the opportunity to be part of HSBCs Graduate Scheme.

In 2023, I was supported by the University to attend the UK Space Conference, held in Belfast and organised by the UK Space Agency. This prestigious biannual event is the most influential gathering within the UK space sector, bringing together national and international experts from academia, industry, government, and research institutions. The 2023 theme, “Space for Our Future,” highlighted the growing importance of space technologies in addressing global challenges and building sustainable solutions. As a student specialising in robotics and artificial intelligence, attending this conference was particularly relevant. I was able to explore cutting-edge developments in space robotics, autonomous systems, and AI applications in satellite technology and planetary exploration. Through a range of keynote lectures, panel discussions, and exhibitions, I engaged with experts in the field and gained valuable insight into how robotics and AI are revolutionising space science and exploration. This experience significantly expanded my technical knowledge and deepened my understanding of how robotics and AI are applied within the space industry, sparking a strong interest in the sector and its wider applications.

In 2025, I was also supported to participate in Unibots 2025, a national robotics competition hosted in Cambridge. The competition challenged university teams to design, build, and program autonomous robots capable of identifying, collecting, and accurately depositing ping-pong balls and mini rugby balls into designated zones—completely autonomously. Myself and my classmate successfully secured second place, a result that reflected our preparation and our ability to effectively translate theory into a functioning real-world system. The knowledge and skills I’ve developed over the past three years of my degree played a key role in our success at the competition, laying the foundation for our 2^nd place finish while also shaping my academic journey in robotics and intelligent systems.

Being part of my course has brought me a greater appreciation of being part of a group of people who have the same drive and ambition as myself. After gaining many versatile skills through different experiences, choosing robotics as the course I want to pursue was clear.

The community at Edge Hill is very accepting. I was nervous about starting university, however after I met my teachers and found my friends, there’s no place I’d rather be. The University has lots of things going such as societies, events, and sports! I love being able to study in the catalyst since it’s open 24 hours a day during term time.

Upon graduating with an integrated master’s degree, I intend to pursue a career within the Civil Service. I hope to apply my knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to public service.