Harrison won the award in a national STEM competition

A Doncaster student has scooped an award in a prestigious nationwide competition for young engineers, scientists and technologists, with two further students from the areanamed as runners-up.

Projects ranged from a 3D-printed drumstick and a home fire protection system to an app that promotes eyecare in the Big Bang Competition.

Harrison Ellis, a home educated student from the Doncaster Council Elective Home Education Group, won the Junior Engineering award for a ‘Woodpecker drumstick’ project.

Harrison wanted to find a way to keep his drum practice quiet without requiring expensive soundproof rooms or acoustic drumkits.

Inspired by nature, he created quieter 3D-printed drumsticks through a biomimetic engineering investigation into whether a woodpecker's natural impact-absorption ability could be translated into a physical drumstick.

Oliver Wainman, a home educated student from the region was a runner-up for the Junior Engineering award.

Their project ‘Firestorm protector system’, explores a sustainable system to protect homes from increasing wildfire risks.

Concerned for the growing wildfire damage experienced by vulnerable communities, he created a recirculating water barrier system that reduces the amount of water needed to tackle wildfires.

Their design effectively protects properties, offering a safer and more sustainable solution.

Vidita Hakeem from New College Pontefract in Pontefract, was runner-up for the Senior Technology award.

Their ‘Seek vira - android eye care game’ project designed an app to make eyecare engaging for people who spend long periods on screens. Inspired by personal experience with eye strain, Vidita’s app successfully encourages healthier habits through games and rewards.

The winners of the competition, which recognises and rewards talented young innovators, were announced at an awards ceremony at Birmingham’s NEC from 9 to 11 June.

Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive of Engineering UK, which runs the contest said: “Massive congratulations to Harrison, Oliver and Vidita.

“Their curiosity and creativity have driven them to produce some brilliant STEM projects addressing some really big societal problems.

“They should all be very proud of their dedication and hard work. Competitions like The Big Bang Competition help young people connect their passions with making a real-world difference, it shows young people a future in engineering and technology is possible for them.”