Supported by the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) scheme, Denisse’s research project, ‘Electric Curing in Aerospace Composite Manufacturing’ focuses on two alternative curing (the process of hardening material by applying heat) methods: comparing direct electric curing (DEC) and water bath curing as an alternative to the usual method of using large autoclaves, or industrial ovens. This latter method consumes huge amounts of energy, runs at very high temperatures (over 100°C), and often takes several hours to cure the material resulting in higher CO₂ emissions.
Denisse’s project has the potential to reduce the reliance on traditional autoclave based manufacturing, making aerospace composites more accessible, sustainable and cost-effective to smaller industries such as education and small-scale companies. By reducing the energy required to cure composites, the environmental footprint of aerospace manufacturing could be significantly lowered, helping the industry work toward carbon neutrality.
The ‘Posters in Parliament’ event is an initiative that provides undergraduate students from universities across the UK with an opportunity to showcase their research to Members of Parliament, policymakers and leading academics. Denisse was selected to represent the University based on the impact and relevance of her research, particularly its focus on sustainable manufacturing in aerospace engineering, as one of only two representatives from the University.
Denisse said: “I’m incredibly grateful to The University of Sheffield and the SURE program for supporting my research and giving me this platform. Moving forward, I want to continue advocating for sustainability and accessibility, and this experience has strengthened my commitment to pursuing research that makes a tangible, positive impact on the industry.
“Too often, undergraduate research is seen as an early stage academic exercise and promising innovations remain confined to laboratories. This event showed me that young researchers can and should have a voice in shaping the future of industry. I was able to contribute to national discussions on sustainability and innovation, which was both personally meaningful and incredibly empowering. It reinforced the idea that research and progress transcend borders, and that impactful work in engineering and sustainability is a global effort.”
Dr Simon Hayes, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Materials, who attended the event alongside Denisse, said: “I specialize in composite materials, and we chose to research electric and water-bath curing for manufacturing due to its energy efficiency and accessibility. This project offered a fantastic opportunity for Denisse to contribute to cutting-edge work while honing skills vital for her future career."
The SURE scheme is a six-week funded summer research program that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with academic supervisors on independent research projects. More about the scheme here.
More information, watch: Electric Curing in Aerospace Composite Manufacturing
