Profile
Kayleigh Messer
Great questions guys!
Curriculum Vitae
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Education:
School, Sixth Form College, then Oxford Brookes University
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Qualifications:
GCSEs, A-Levels (Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry), Masters degree in Motorsport Engineering (MEng)
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Current Job:
Section Leader of Performance Optimisation within the Vehicle Performance Group
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Employer:
Renault Sport Formula One Team
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About Me
I'm an engineer working for Renault Sport Formula 1 team in Oxfordshire.
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Originally from York, I moved down to Oxfordshire for university (I studied Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes University) and have stayed here for work as a lot of motorsport and automotive industry is in this region of the country.
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My Work
Vehicle performance engineer at Renault Sport F1
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My colleagues and I perform simulations, analyse data, and maintain in house tools to help us with this.
We use in house computer software to simulate the car racing a lap, and can change different parts on the car in the software, to find out which bit of suspension or bodywork gives the quickest laptime. This information is passed onto the race engineers who decide on the best setup to use at a race weekend. It can also be used to help aid design direction for future events.
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My Typical Day: A typical data generally involves simulation and data analysis.
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Most of our time involves using the laptime simulation software, or looking at data, and writing reports to show the results. We have meetings to keep up to date with colleagues and what else is happening in the team, and also communicate a lot via email.
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My career path: Whilst studying my A-Levels I didn't know what I wanted to do as a career - only that I wanted to go to university. I looked through various university prospectuses and came across a Motorsport Engineering degree and thought it sounded like fun! I ended up studying at Oxford Brookes University who have a great reputation and links with industry. Whilst there I completed a Year In Industry at BMW MINI and got some summer work experience with an F1 team. This stood me in good stead after I graduated, and started at Renault on their graduate scheme.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, friendly, chatty
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
Contributed to the team
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
Formula 1 engineers who I saw on the TV at the races.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Maths
What did you want to be after you left school?
I didn’t really know – I just really wanted to work in Formula 1
Were you ever in trouble at school?
No
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Something utilising maths probably
What has surprised you most about a career in Engineering?
All kinds of people can become engineers.
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