Proper science means you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen. At first that can be a bit scary, but your experience will guide you through.
Why did you choose your course?
From the word go I was always interested in nuclear, having a good idea that I wanted to be involved even before selecting my A levels. The Sheffield nuclear engineering course is one of few in the UK where the nuclear focus is on materials rather than the physics side of things, which was ideal for me.
The other major consideration I made was the kind of people at Sheffield, if you’re going to spend 3 or 4 years on a course, you’d better like your course mates! Some people in the materials department refer to members of the department as a “materials family” (myself being one of those people!), that feeling that you’re part of something makes a big difference when you make the jump to university.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
My Masters project was my highlight, after spending a few years learning about the various kit in and around the department its your chance to be let loose and see what you can do!
I loved being able to set my own agenda and focus on what I found interesting. It can be a challenging experience, proper science means you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen – at first that can be a bit scary, but your experience over the past few years will guide you through it and by the end of your final year everything will slide satisfyingly into place.
What do you think about Sheffield as a city?
It’s a great university city, just the right size to always have something to discover but not so big that its overwhelming!
Access to the Peak District makes it the most outdoors friendly university in the UK – whether that’s climbing, canoeing, caving or any other variety of outdoor sports Sheffield is an amazing place to get started!
Its also an inspiring city in terms of culture, with a huge amount of high quality student run nights out with all music genres, exceptional food all across the city and all at a great price. Sheffield is easily one of the cheapest cities to live in as a student, which certainly has its advantages.
Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?
I was awarded the De Belin prize for metallography upon my graduation, I still specialise in metallography today, it was a proud moment for my hard work to be recognized.
What are your ambitions for the next few years?
At the moment I’m part of the Nuclear Energy Futures CDT (Centre for doctoral training) working towards getting my PhD in 2023. After that, who knows! But at the moment I’m pretty interested in energy policy.
What would you you say to A Level students if they are considering studying engineering at University?
Focus on going to the university and studying the course that will give the opportunity to grow the most as a person. It's not all about the league table position of a Uni; it's about a course you enjoy taught by people who inspire you.
At every open day students will tell you how amazing their respective course is. Its up to you to read in between the lines, speak to the students currently on the course and really quiz them! The deeper the conversation goes the better the picture you’ll get of what the course is actually like.