Dafne Gaviria Arcila, a second-year mechanical-engineering student at the University of Nottingham, has been awarded the Amelia Earhart Fellowship by Zonta International for her work in enhancing the performance of the new generation of aero-engines.

She studied the thermo-physical behaviour of tiny oil droplets that lubricate and cool jet-engine components to extend our understanding of the evaporation of oil in these engines. This is expected to have an impact on the design of future engines.

Dafne said: “I am proud to be honoured with this Fellowship. Zonta International has motivated me to pursue my dreams. I am keen to encourage more women to get involved in aerospace-related engineering and science; I truly believe that any one of us can become the next Amelia Earhart.”

Aerospace engineering course director Kathy Simmons said: “My congratulations go out to Dafne. It is great to see women engineers being recognised with such a prestigious award.

“Our courses are designed to be supportive and inspirational, and we look forward to seeing the future success of our graduates.”

The Amelia Earhart Fellowship — worth $10,000 — is awarded annually to 35 talented women pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or engineering around the globe.