Gabriel Gekonge

20 years old, attending the University of Bristol, UK. Gabriel was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in June 2022.

A diligent and knowledgeable student, Gabriel achieves excellent module results whilst involving himself in academic projects beyond his course requirements. He has a prestigious role on the University’s Satellite Team as a Software Engineer and has led the Stability Augmentation System Group in an Aerospace project, drawing upon his programming and leadership skills to work through challenges. He was recently selected to join the Mercedes ‘Formula 1 Accelerate 25’ programme and is currently undertaking an industrial placement at Dynisma as a Simulation Engineer.

Gabriel maintains a balance of team and individual co-curricular activities. His commitment to the Intramural Basketball Team, plus his skill and strategies to develop team cohesion, helped them finish second in the league. He maintains his fitness through regular gym attendance and is disciplined at improving his guitar playing.

Gabriel is involved in a number of events for a variety of societies, gleaning wider academic knowledge, employability skills and conducting outreach activities, especially for the Engineering Faculty. He helped host the National Student Space Conference, presented the Pathfinder Satellite Project and engages visitors at Bristol Open Days.

As a PASS leader, Gabriel coordinates well-attended bi-weekly sessions for first-year students to facilitate study skills and support their transition to university. He has prepared tailored study and revision material, and assists them with the wider challenges of course and university life. He delivers workshops to schools in his role as STEM Ambassador.

Beacon Workshop Participation

Gabriel is well prepared for every workshop. He is always an active participant, willing to take the initiative and lead the team, whilst supporting, questioning and encouraging others to lead, bringing about the best outcomes for his team.

Gabriel’s 2023 Summer Beacon Citizenship Project focused on nurturing environmental conservation and encouraging environmental stewardship through tree planting within the Kahawa Sukari community in Kiambu County, Kenya.