A 26-year-old rocket scientist and pilot has secured her place in the Miss England semi-finals, aiming to challenge stereotypes about women in male-dominated fields. Maleha Khan, from Southampton, will compete in Wolverhampton on Friday, October 3, while pursuing a PhD in rocket science at Cranfield University and working as a civilian pilot.
Maleha has worked for the UK Space Agency, served as an RAF cadet squadron leader, and holds a Master's degree in Spacecraft Engineering. She earned her pilot's licence before she could legally drive a car and has flown five different aircraft and helicopters. She also served as commander of an RAF University Air Squadron, overseeing 75 personnel and setting a record for the longest stint in that role.
Through her beauty pageant platform, Maleha hopes to encourage women into aviation and STEM careers. She said: 'I want to show it is entirely normal to be a feminine woman who dresses up – but is still a professional. Women can still be that way.' She recalled being mistaken for a secretary when she was the main speaker at a conference, and wants to prove that glamour and professionalism can coexist.
Maleha's journey began at age 15 after watching the Red Arrows perform at a D-Day celebration. She joined the air cadets and secured flying scholarships from the Royal Air Force, the British Women Pilots Association, and the Honourable Company of Air Pilots. She has since flown friends and family to France and Amsterdam, and her PhD research focuses on hydrogen-fuelled rockets for spacecraft.
At the UK Space Agency, Maleha collaborated with NASA, the European Space Agency, UK Space Command, and British astronauts. She has also delivered rocket science lessons to top students in Saudi Arabia and met the country's first female astronaut. She said: 'People thought I was crazy for becoming a pilot and doing rocket science, but I want to break the stereotype that women can't look beautiful and still be a professional.'
