After my first degree, I spent 3 years in industry, then returned to the University of Sheffield to complete a PhD. After this I was awarded a 12 month EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship, then spent a year working abroad before returning to my current role as a Research Associate.

After my first degree I worked at AECOM, a building engineering consultancy firm. My main responsibilities were computational modelling of buildings and the development of energy strategy, particularly focusing on renewable energy. I worked on a number of high profile projects, including shops, schools, and even the energy strategy for the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid.

My PhD was on "Hydrodynamic Interactions of a Tidal Turbine and Support Structure" and investigated how the turbulent environment around a tidal turbine support structure influences the performance of the device. This work was also the subject of my EPSRC fellowship, undertaken after my PhD. This project also involved a collaborative project with the University of Florence.

After completing my PhD and Fellowship, I worked in the French Alps for a year, and recently returned to the University to undertake a Research Associate role within the Dynamics Research Group. I also became a chartered engineer and member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in 2013.

I hope to continue working in the renewable energy field for as long as possible, and hope to develop more collaborative work with European institutions and other departments and companies. I eventually would like to develop an academic career and become a lecturer.

During the first two years of my first degree I struggled, particularly with maths. My advice would be do not despair! If I had been told during this time that I would be studying a PhD in a few years time I would not have believed it, so keep working hard and don't give up!

The University of Sheffield Careers service have been fantastic at all stages of my career so far, with advice when originally graduating, then further advice before my PhD, and finally more help and advice when applying for my current role. Thank you!