Ryan Brown

I first came to Sheffield in 2010 to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, obtaining a masters degree in 2015. As part of my course, I spent a year in industry in the nuclear sector at Westinghouse Springfields Fuels Ltd, where I gained valuable experience of applying the theory taught at university in an industrial setting. Returning for my final year, I undertook an individual project in the field of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), developing my practical lab-based skills. 

On completion of my degree, I decided to remain at the university, starting a PhD in the same field as my undergraduate project as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Polymers, Soft Matter and Colloids. My research focussed on polymer Additive Manufacturing processes using powdered feedstocks, testing new materials and developing machine protocols to reduce energy consumption and improve powder recyclability. It was during my PhD that I first worked in the Diamond as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, primarily in the Fluids and Thermodynamics labs, where I enjoyed demonstrating engineering principles to students in a small group setting (despite the large overall numbers in the room!). 

After completing my PhD in 2020, I secured position with the same research group as a researcher on the EPSRC’s Manufacturing using Advanced Powder Processes (MAPP) hub. Alongside my research, I continued to develop my teaching skills, becoming a personal tutor and supporting taught content in fluids and thermodynamics modules for first year Mechanical Engineering Students. This, alongside training and assisting undergraduate project and PhD students, reiterated my interest in teaching in a practical setting, leading to me applying for my current role in the Diamond in 2024. 

As the Senior Teaching Technician for the Fluids lab, my role involves the day-to day running of the lab, preparing practical experiments for undergraduate labs and helping to deliver them, and working with academics to design and develop new equipment for teaching activities. 

Teaching Interests:

• Fluid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Additive Manufacturing