How a placement transformed my PhD

As a researcher investigating alloys that have been historically challenging to characterise, Martin has found himself limited by standard electron microscopy techniques currently taught at his home institution.

Through funding from the Centre, Martin was able to undertake a placement at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where their research cluster Characterization@UBC is renowned for their characterisation capabilities. 

There he was surrounded by experts pushing the boundaries in microscopy in a wide range of materials. The collaborative atmosphere encouraged him to ask questions and expand the horizons of what he initially thought was possible.

My experience at Characterization@UBC allowed me to return to Sheffield, not just as the metallurgist I was, but excited to apply the skills I've acquired to further explore the potential of additional characterisation techniques that can expand our knowledge on the alloys my doctoral project focuses on.

Martin Tse

The most significant impact of this placement went beyond the data he gathered for his own research project, it changed his perspective of what microscopy is and its potential as more than simply a tool.

This placement fundamentally shifted Martin’s initial perception of microscopy, and his career trajectory. The specialised skills he acquired have opened doors for collaborations and have given him the confidence to present work at international conferences with more emphasis on characterisation.

Biography

Martin is a final year doctoral candidate with the Advanced Metallic Systems CDT. During his degree in Materials Engineering in Sheffield, Martin found a passion for alloy design for alloys in extreme environments. His project focuses on designing next-generation alloys used in the petrochemical industry for furnace components.