Zoe Ashford is a Research Fellow in High-Speed Aerodynamics within the Centre for Propulsion Engineering. On completion of an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering at Cranfield University, she embarked on a PhD research project in High Mach Airbreathing Propulsion sponsored by the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre for Aero Systems Design, Integration and Performance. This PhD, entitled "Turbine Based Combined Cycle Design and Performance up to Mach 5.0", was completed in 2025; in 2026 Zoe joined the Propulsion Aerodynamics and Installations Group under Professor D. MacManus and Dr. P. Zachos.