Student Spotlight: Jake Yeadon recipient of UCL CEGE Excellence Prize
14 January 2025
Jake Yeadon, an MSc Civil Engineering graduate, has been honoured with the UCL CEGE Excellence Prize for his outstanding academic performance and contributions to sustainable construction innovation.

We are proud to highlight Jake Yeadon, one of the recipients of the UCL Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE) Excellence Prizes for Postgraduate Students 2023-24. Jake was recognised for his Best Overall Performance in MSc (one of five students) for his outstanding achievements in the MSc Civil Engineering (with Integrated Design) programme.
Reflecting on his time at UCL, Jake describes his experience as "rewarding in many ways." He credits the programme with fostering close professional and personal relationships with academics and peers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds. These connections have significantly expanded his network, offering resources for expert knowledge, professional insights, and lasting friendships.
Throughout his studies, Jake honed his technical skills across critical disciplines in civil and structural engineering while gaining a deeper understanding of emerging technologies shaping the industry. His forward-thinking approach, particularly in the area of infrastructure decarbonisation, has already distinguished him in his professional pursuits.
Jake is especially grateful for the innovative teaching at UCL CEGE, singling out the Integrated Design module for its emphasis on critical thinking and multidisciplinary collaboration—key elements for success in the professional environment. He also credits his MSc project supervisor, Dr. Wendel Sebastian, for inspiring his interest in sustainable structural design. Jake's project explored prestressed structural stone as a low-carbon alternative to traditional materials like steel and reinforced concrete, reflecting his passion for driving innovation in sustainable construction.
"The recognition of this award is a testament to the quality of teaching and the dedication of the CEGE staff," Jake shares. "I hope others have the opportunity to experience the same transformative education that I’ve been fortunate to receive."
Congratulations to Jake Yeadon and all the other prize recipients for their exceptional achievements!