Programme start date: 16th September 2013

EngD Thesis Title: Mapping the economic potential of wave energy: grid connected and off-grid systems

Educational background

Prior to the EngD programme at IDCORE I studied physics at the University of Warwick, a four year course with an integrated masters year (MPhys). I studied a range of modules over the course duration in areas such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, cosmology and condensed matter physics. My favourite courses were always those which examined the applications and consequences of the physics we had been learning about, putting it in a wider context rather than solely focussing on the abstract maths, and are what drew me to an engineering career path.

What attracted you to studying with IDCORE?

Throughout my undergraduate degree I always enjoyed experimental work in the labs, particularly my final year research project. I was interested in combining this with my interest in renewable energy to find a career path which would be well suited to me. I found out about the Engineering Doctorate through my project supervisor and it seemed like the perfect way in which I could develop key research skills and also gain valuable industrial experience.

The IDCORE programme seemed to me the perfect environment to prepare me for a career in renewable energy research. I particularly liked the way the course was structured, with intense study and assessments throughout the year taught by experts in the field. The nature of assessments; through presentations, field trips, group work, reports and open book examinations I feel will prepare me well for real life situations and challenges in the place of work. I was also attracted by the partnership of Edinburgh, Strathclyde and Exeter universities which will allow me to experience different working environments and interact with a diverse group of people.

What attracted you to offshore renewables industry?/ What aspects of the industry do you find most inspiring, interesting or important for the future?

In my second year of university I learnt about electrical power generation and global warming from taught modules. Both had a large focus on renewable energy which I found very interesting and was keen to study further. In my final year I learnt about the weather systems and environmental aspects which renewable energy takes advantage of and also studied wind power in greater depth by studying a module run by the school of engineering.

I was drawn to the offshore renewable industry in particular as it is an area which has a huge global potential but which also faces many challenges. The technology is still largely in its infancy, and the competition it faces from other energy sources makes it an exciting industry where there is still much work that needs to be done. I believe that offshore renewable energy is indispensable, as in the future it could make a large, important contribution to the global energy mix.