Kristopher Laggan

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Utilities Engineering - Mechanical Option

Mr. Kristopher Laggan, a prospective summa cum laude 2023 graduand of the Utilities and Sustainable Engineering Unit's B.A.Sc. in Utilities Engineering - Mechanical Option programme, has been recognised for his hard work by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) UK.

Laggan is the recipient of the fourth consecutive IET Student Prize for Unit, since the accreditation of the programmes by the IET in 2019.

The IET Prize is awarded annually to outstanding students who are completing a course of study which has been accredited by the IET. Prize winners are nominated by their university based on having shown distinction in their course leading to the award of a first degree. 

As part of his win, Kristopher will receive a certificate, two years' free IET student membership, final year students one year's student membership and one year's post-graduation membership with the IET.

Professor Bob Cryan CBE, IET President said:

"Our IET Prizes are a terrific means for talented engineering students to be recognised for their outstanding ability in the early stages of their engineering journey. IET Membership provides early-career professionals with the valuable opportunity to connect with a global community, grow their networks and develop their technical knowledge.   At the IET, we are passionate about promoting engineering excellence and our awards and prizes showcase some of the finest engineering talent. All the winners should be very proud of their achievements, and I wish them all the best for a long, fulfilling and successful engineering career."

Kristopher's quote:

"It is a great pleasure to be awarded the ‘IET Student Prize 2023' in recognition of my performance during my engineering degree. The past few years have been an arduous journey, faced with unique challenges, however, I am humbled to know that my dedication and commitment to my work have been recognised by such an esteemed institution. The unwavering support of my professors, mentors and my family were critical in ensuring this success. I am honoured to be the recipient of this award, and I would like to thank everyone who cheered me on along the way".

Kristopher joined the B.A.Sc. in Utilities Engineering - Mechanical Option programme as a full-time student in 2020. 

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Utilities Engineering programme focuses on utilities and large-scale networks including the electric power, water and transportation utilities.  The programme develops basic science and engineering knowledge and hands-on skills relevant to professional engineering design and operational practices. It provides a sound interdisciplinary mix of theoretical and practical engineering problem solving, team work and project-based development skills. A key component of the programme is the emphasis on research which encompasses traditional utilities engineering and the new and emerging green and renewable energy generation, distribution and utilisation. Therefore, in addition to having a solid technical background and transferable skill competencies, graduates will be able to take up challenging positions in an evolving industry or progress to further postgraduate studies and research worldwide.  

The Mechanical Option includes thermodynamics, system dynamics, system design, heat and mass transfer, energy conversion, computer aided engineering, fluid dynamics, water engineering, fuel cells and project management.

Kristopher excelled in the programme, demonstrating excellent leadership skills and qualities of discipline, dedication, ambition and innovation. Throughout the programme, he consistently maintained an outstanding GPA above 3.50.  He performed exceptionally well in the Final Year Capstone Project with his project titled ‘Design and Fabrication of Universal Wheel Skates' copping the first prize for most outstanding final year project in the Mechanical Option.  He is graduating with the highest CGPA in the programme. 

Before joining this Utilities Engineering programme, he pursued the National Engineering Technician Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.  Here, he also consistently maintained an excellent GPA of above 3.7 and again completed this programme with a most outstanding CGPA of 3.77. 

Kristopher possesses excellent communications skills and always maintained an affable relationship with his peers, teachers and university personnel. He engages very well on a personnel level and participated enthusiastically in class events.  Based on his stellar academic achievement and outstanding conduct during the programme, he was selected for the B.A.Sc. in Utilities Engineering Internship programme and underwent training with the Ministry of Public Utilities, where he was placed in the Sectoral Programmes and Projects (SPPU) Unit. As expressed by Kristopher, "This experience fostered positive growth in exposure to project management on a corporate level, as well as, the unique dynamics of the local utilities sector".

Kristopher's journey of academic excellence started in his early years.  Upon completion of his secondary school education at Couva East Secondary, he secured nine Grade 1s with full A-profiles.  He was also awarded the Certificate of Merit each year for outstanding performance, as well as, Certificates of Excellence in Chemistry and Information Technology. For him, engineering was the next logical step due to his passion for Mathematics and Physics.

As a graduate engineer, Kristopher will be able to appreciate and work effectively in the emerging and rapidly evolving Green and Renewable Energy Industry encompassing renewable generation, efficient utilisation and energy storage. In addition, he will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake research in the field.

Kristopher dreams of being a Project Engineer.  Moving forward, he plans on securing the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and perhaps an MBA in later years.

The U&SE Unit joins the IET in celebrating Kristopher's outstanding achievement and we wish him all the best for the future and all its challenges and opportunities.

To find out more information about the range of prizes and awards available to young and aspiring engineers through the IET, please visit: www.theiet.org/awards.

Dr. Miguel Jagessar, Programme Leader-Utilities and Sustainable Engineering Unit, presents the IET Student 2023 Certificate to Mr. Kristopher Laggan, Summa Cum Laude 2023 graduand of the B.A.Sc. in Utilities Engineering - Mechanical Option programme