Sheffield is well located, very well connected. One can get anywhere from Sheffield

Why did you choose your course?

I work in the nuclear industry. I would like to change my career into the management of nuclear projects and for that I feel that I need a better understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying nuclear energy. I am also very interested in the fields of nuclear decommissioning and waste management. This program has an emphasis on those subjects.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I have found very interesting the opportunity we have to take classes in different universities, one of them being Sheffield. We get to benefit from the strengths of many universities which is a real plus. This NTEC program caters not only to new graduates but also to experienced professionals and that is another value added.

We have also had the opportunity to go on site visits, which provides a better understanding of the industry and the applications of what we have learned to real life. One more thing and perhaps one of the most important ones is that I get to do some experimental work at the laboratory which I have found very enjoyable and also an excellent challenge.

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

I think that Sheffield is a city with lots of character, charming and very interesting. It is small but it has many places to explore. It offers a good balance of culture, outdoors and entertainment. Being so close to the Peak District is a great plus for those who love nature. Sheffield is well located, very well connected. One can get anywhere from Sheffield.

Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?

I became a Sustrans volunteer - Sustrans is a charity that aims at connecting people and places through promoting cycling and walking, and maintains the National Cycle Network. As a Sustrans volunteer, I help Sustrans Wildlife Rangers in community engagement and trail maintenance activities. Such activities include planting along the trails, birdhouse making etc.

I also took part in the Big Walk 2018, a walking challenge of 26 miles through the Peak District on June 22, 2018, aimed at raising funds for the purchase of the University of Sheffield’s first MRI-PE scanner. This device will be used in the research of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

What are your ambitions for the next few years?

To continue working for the nuclear industry, within consultancy environment, hopefully in the execution of projects (preferably in decommissioning).

What did you study and where before starting your course?

Master of Engineering Management – University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Canada

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering – Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia

What would you say to students if they are considering studying Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield?

I would say do it without hesitation if that field is of interest to you and you have the means. The University of Sheffield is leading the field of materials science in England and perhaps in the world. The breadth of knowledge of the academics here combined with the facilities guarantees a very rewarding experience. A degree from Sheffield will most probably lead to a job and career progression but most importantly to invaluable learning for life overall.