 Joining a more dynamic environment
After completing my PhD in Mobility Management in Communications Networks at University College London (UCL), I joined VEGA in 1997. The PhD had been a very lonely experience in which I spent most of my time in solitude conducting research. Upon promotion, I was keen to move away from academia and join a more dynamic and commercial environment.
I first joined the Defence Division and I spent my first two years at VEGA developing emulations of various aircraft navigation instruments. The most complex of these was a free-play emulation of the Allied-Signal GNS-X Flight Management System including the functionality required to access the Jeppesen Worldwide Navigation Database.
After returning from maternity leave I worked for a brief period in the Training Services Emulation Infrastructure. This group was responsible for developing and maintaining the infrastructure on which the emulations were built.
Current projects
I am currently working in the space practice, managing four different projects. Three of these projects are related to the development of the CCSDS (Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems) Space Link Extension (SLE) Services Standards. They involve the prototyping of the SLE standards currently under development. The prototype is heavily distributed and uses Java for the management layer and C++ for the data transfer layer.
The fourth project consists of the specification of the Simulation Model Description Language (SMDL) and the development of associated tools to support the modeller in the development of SMDL-compliant models and simulations. This project is being funded by BNSC (British National Space Centre) with the objective of promoting the transfer of specialised simulation modelling knowledge from Germany to the UK.
Working with dedicated professionals
The working environment at VEGA is friendly and relaxed and you have the opportunity to develop your skills and your career while working with dedicated professionals. The working hours are flexible and I have been able to reconcile my career with the busy schedule of looking after my two little girls.
|
