Alumni Updates
James Tuchel, Head Boy - LIS Class of 2008
James writes from his home in California about his experience working at SpaceX!
"I manage a group of mechanical engineers in the ground engineering department. Basically, we design all of the stuff at SpaceX that doesn't go to space! Specialized equipment for launch pads, recovery vessels, and production & test sites that support all of SpaceX's rockets, spacecraft, and satellites."
James received his undergraduate degree as a Design Engineer, Lotus F1 Team at Enstone UK and his Masters of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. He has worked at SpaceX, Los Angeles for 6 years as a Mechanical Design Engineer, was Lead Engineer for 4 years and Mechanical Engineering Manager for 1 year.
James offers wisdom to our students on making their dreams come true: "Most people will tell you that it is impossible to break into competitive fields or that there is an oversupply of qualified people and you don't have a chance. This is categorically untrue - don't listen to them. In fact the best organizations in this world - should you be interested in pursuing them - are desperate to find the caliber person they need. Be intellectually curious and pursue your interests aggressively and uncompromisingly. Don't wait for the right circumstances to try things - go out and break down doors and make them happen for yourself. Try and consider the world from a first-principles perspective - question what you think you know, and also what others think they know. Don't accept the status quo or any reason supporting it that isn't grounded in physics - everything else is negotiable. Above all remember that everything that exists in this world was put into motion by other people who are no smarter or more capable than you are.
Dr. Conner Goodrum, Head Boy - LIS Class of 2010
LIS ALUMNUS DEFENDS Ph.D. DISSERTATION
LIS is pleased to share the news that Dr. Conner Goodrum, Class of 2010, recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation: "Conceptually Robust Knowledge Generation in Early Stage Complex Design" in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Conner is the eldest son of Gitte and Jim Goodrum and he was educated at LIS from the early years through to the completion of the IBDP programme.
This is a notable accomplishment and LIS is proud of his achievements in the academic world and to have been part of his academic journey.
Lian LeBlanc - LIS Class of 2013
Lian writes: "Growing up in LIS and doing the IB Program was a great opportunity to help prepare me for university. IB really helped make the first couple years of uni so much easier! IB really teaches you how to manage your time, which is a necessity for beginning university studies. I studied International Events Management at Regents University, London, England and finished with a 2:1 honors degree.
I am now living in London searching for a job that suits me best while embarking on my own jewelry brand business as a side venture. LIS and IB opened my eyes to numerous opportunities globally and helped me progress further with many previous and current aspirations."
Andrew Hindley, Head Boy - LIS Class of 2014
Obtaining my IB diploma from LIS in 2014 laid the foundation for my journey to success.
I later earned my bachelor's degree in Navigation and Maritime Science at Plymouth University, and subsequently, I spent five years in the Yachting industry, exploring remote destinations around the globe. I quickly advanced to the position of first officer on a 50-meter vessel.
Inspired by new opportunities, I decided to further my education by enrolling at Lynn University, where I earned my MBA in International Business. Today, I proudly contribute to the dynamic field of new business development and sales management at one of the largest private pharmaceutical companies in the United States. Reflecting on my journey,
I can confidently say that LIS, and the IB program played a pivotal role in preparing me to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving world.
Aaliyah Rigby, Head Girl - Class of 2017
Aaliyah, a recent graduate from the University of Law, Birmingham, UK, looks to share her experience that led her to this point in her studies. She notes, it was often very difficult because of her eagerness to achieve and competitiveness amongst her peers, but she quickly realized the only competition she was in was with herself. She now promotes the importance of timing, and mental well-being, as they both continue to play a critical role in her achievements.
Aaliyah received the prestigious Razors Edge scholarship and graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2021 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a specialization in paralegal studies. Following the major adjustments of Covid-19 that impacted her final years of studies, Aaliyah decided to refrain from attending law school. After the pandemic, she decided to relocate to Turks and Caicos Islands in which she interned at T Chal Misick Associates as a legal secretary. In three months, she was promoted to become the legal assistant for the partner and founder of the firm. With the knowledge she gained from this experience, she knew with certainty that becoming a barrister would be her ultimate goal.
Aaliyah and her family endured a tragic loss this year, and she has decided to take another gap year and will commence the Bar Professional Training course in London in 2024. Upon completion, she looks forward to her final step of her journey and getting called to the bar in 2025, where she would achieve her ultimate goal to practice as a barrister. Aaliyah’s advice for students who think they must race the ‘clock’: “ This idea of completing something before a certain age or time period is crippling and mentally exhausting. Life is full of curveballs and the key to successfully overcoming them is adaptability. When one can adapt to change, nothing can knock you off your feet. Finally, everyone’s path is different. I beg you all to pay attention to your own journey and remember to enjoy life and its changes on the way.”
Kristian Moree, Class of 2017
Congratulations to Kristian Moree, Lucaya International School Class of 2017 IB Diploma Programme graduate, who has been awarded the Bahamas National Merit Scholarship! Kristian will be attending Dalhousie University.