Aerospace Engineer · Mentor · Edinburgh

Sarah
Arissa

First-class MEng from Bristol. Researched composites for the world's largest wind turbines. Developed satellites with Airbus & ESA. Now I bring that same rigour to helping students unlock their potential.

Degree
MEng Aerospace
Classification
First Class
University
Bristol
Based
Edinburgh, UK
Sarah Arissa
Fig. 01 — Sarah Arissa, MEng Aerosp.
Profile

Engineer
turned educator

I graduated from the University of Bristol with a First-Class Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. My research focused on advanced carbon fibre composites for the world's largest wind turbine blades — precision materials science at industrial scale.

Alongside that, I collaborated with Airbus and the European Space Agency to develop an Earth observation satellite. After graduating, I moved into industry, working at a cutting-edge reusable rocket engine company where engineering precision isn't optional.

"The same curiosity that drives engineering design drives good mentorship — understanding a system deeply enough to know exactly where to intervene."

I began mentoring during my undergraduate years and never stopped. My approach is holistic and student-centred — I take time to understand each student's individual strengths, then build from there. I've coached students through A-Levels, IB, SAT, ACT, GCSEs, and university application essays, including Oxbridge and US Ivy-tier applications.

Whether a student needs to crack a calculus concept, write a compelling personal statement, or simply understand why a subject matters, I help them connect the dots — and build confidence doing it.

What I offer

Services & expertise

02

Essay Coaching

University application essays — personal statements, supplementals, Common App, UCAS — crafted to be authentically compelling. I help students find the genuine narrative in their own story and articulate it with precision.

UCAS Common App Personal Statement Oxbridge US Admissions
03

Test Preparation

Targeted, data-driven prep for standardised tests. I identify specific gaps, build systematic strategies, and track progress rigorously — treating test prep as an engineering problem with a clear solution path.

SAT ACT GRE GMAT 11+
Track record

Engineering
background

A career built on technical precision — from advanced composites research and satellite development to rocket propulsion systems. This isn't a theory-only background. Every concept I teach, I've applied.

2015 – 2019
MEng Aerospace Engineering — First Class
University of Bristol
Integrated Master's with undergraduate research focus on advanced carbon fibre composite materials for next-generation wind turbine blades.
2018 – 2019
Earth Observation Satellite Development
Airbus & European Space Agency
Collaborated on the design and development of an Earth observation satellite as part of the ESA academic partnership programme.
2018 – 2019
Composites Research — Wind Energy
University of Bristol
Masters research into carbon fibre composite architectures for the world's largest wind turbine blades — structural performance at extreme scale.
2020 – 2024
Engineering Role
Reusable Rocket Engine Company
Precision engineering in advanced propulsion — working on next-generation reusable rocket engine systems at the frontier of the space industry.
2021 – Present
Academic Mentor & Essay Coach
Independent · ESM Prep
Mentoring students through A-Levels, IB, SAT/ACT, GCSE and university applications. Consistent track record of top results and successful admissions.
Year-round
Field pursuits
Scottish Highlands · SE Asia · Beyond
Ice climbing and skiing in the Scottish Highlands in winter. Long-distance trekking further afield — most recently through the Malaysian rainforest.
Get in touch

Ready to
work together?

Whether you're a student looking for STEM mentorship, need help crafting a university application, or want structured test prep — get in touch and we'll figure out if we're a good fit.

Email hello@saraharissa.com
Location Edinburgh, UK (online worldwide)
Response Within 24–48 hours
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/sarahaa

Send an enquiry