UNSW student Jane Cameron designed the graduation gowns for the first cohort of graduates at the institute.
Trailblazing higher education provider The Engineering & Design Institute London (TEDI-London) celebrated its inaugural graduation on Wednesday 24 July.
The ceremony at the institute’s campus in Canada Water, London, recognised the achievements of the founding cohort of students who have successfully completed their three-year Global Design Engineering (BEng) degree.
TEDI-London was founded in 2021 by PLuS Alliance partners UNSW Sydney, Arizona State University and King’s College London to help address the global shortage of engineers and lack of diversity in the field. The institute delivers innovative engineering education through practical, project-based learning and close industry ties.
Many of the graduates will now continue their academic journey at the institute by advancing to the fourth year Global Design Engineering integrated Master’s degree.
UNSW Engineering Deputy Dean (Education) Professor Maurice Pagnucco congratulated the graduates.
“This is a great personal achievement, and we owe the graduates a debt of gratitude for putting their faith in this exciting venture,” he said.
“Congratulations also to the staff who made this happen along with the many people across the PLuS Alliance who contributed to TEDI’s creation. The TEDI concept and program are visionary, and it is with great pride that we reach this significant milestone.”
Reimagining graduation traditions
True to its ethos of being different through design, the institute redefined some traditional graduation motifs while drawing on the heritage of its founding universities.
The vestment worn by the graduates featured a custom design by UNSW PhD student Jane Cameron. She chose the Black Darter dragonfly species as her inspiration for the pattern.
“The dragonfly’s wing is beautiful, but its structure is also a feat of engineering: light, strong and functional. I have learnt that dragonflies are relatively abundant in the UK and London, but one small black and yellow dragonfly species caught my eye – the Black Darter (Sympetrum danae),” Jane said.
The design was selected by TEDI-London students and staff following a competition where students from the founding PLuS Alliance universities were challenged to visibly define the TEDI-London graduate.
A milestone moment
Executive Dean of TEDI-London Professor Lisa Brodie said: “It’s a true milestone-unlocked moment to have our first TEDI-London graduates and a joy to celebrate the achievements of our entire founding cohort at the completion of their BEng degree.
“I’m incredibly proud and can’t wait to see them break boundaries, set new standards and shine brightly in their careers.”
Reflecting on what they are hoping to achieve next, BEng graduate Anjali said: “The project-based learning here has given me the skills and confidence to pursue a career in these areas. I hope to work with companies focusing on sustainable solutions, potentially contributing to global challenges like climate change and renewable energy, applying my skills to create a positive impact on the environment.”
Based in south-east London, TEDI-London currently has around 120 students enrolled in its Global Design Engineering program. Its vision is to transform the traditional higher education model of engineering to train and empower diverse innovators who can offer a broader range of perspectives for problem solving to help tackle global challenges.
The institute also hosts cross-disciplinary summer and winter residential programs, which UNSW students can join.
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