Lube Expert Named Young Engineer of the Year in U.K.

Noria news wires, Noria Corporation

A University of Bath graduate has become the Royal Academy of Engineering-BP Young Engineer of the Year.

 

John Bucknall, who graduated from the British university with a 2:1 honors in automotive engineering, was chosen from a large field of talented engineers across the whole of the BP group.

 

John, who is 28, is a Global Lubricants Technology (GLT) engineer at BP.

 

He said: “I was surprised, honored and thankful to receive this accolade. It is great that this sort of engineering gets recognized at such a level.”

 

Dr. Chris Brace, senior lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, said: “We have sent a lot of graduates to BP over the years. It’s really nice to see them recognized within the company. This award was across the company and is a significant recognition of John’s abilities.”

 

John joined BP after graduating in 2004 and worked in the passenger car oil development team, working on the first generation of Castrol Edge, and as a technical services engineer within the Product Performance Department.


In November 2008, he took over responsibility for marine and energy lubes market space projects. 

 

According to the judges: “John was selected for his significant contributions to lubrication development of both automobile and marine applications. He is now involved in testing the oils used to control deep water valve assemblies. John brings a deep professional engineering approach combined with practical skills developed through his involvement in design, building and racing top-level hovercraft.”

 

The Young Engineer of the Year Award recognizes engineers from companies that support the Royal Academy of Engineering along with some young engineers who have benefitted from development programs initiated by the academy.

 

Angela Strank, technology vice president for fuels and lubricants at BP, said: “This is a great achievement and accolade for John who is a real credit to our lubricants business.” 

 

University of Bath graduate Gareth Dowd, age 29 and also a GLT engineer, was also a finalist for the award.

 

John was presented with his award in the presence of HRH Prince Phillip and BP Group chief executive officer Tony Hayward at the Imperial War Museum in London.

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