I'm really interested in understanding how to manufacture 3D printed materials with properties that we design and study.

I worked for a programming company after graduation who got me into 3D solid mechanics analysis (in Sheffield). Two years later I went travelling and when I came back I finally had a good idea of what I wanted to do, so I started looking for a PhD in cellular materials. I did not do a masters course but they liked me because of my industrial experience.

I plan to carry on researching in this topic, I can't imagine doing anything else. Even if it meant doing another PhD (but probably post-doc after this).

Be passionate about it. There's a lot of people that study 'just because' and there's a lack of genuine passion. If you come in with that attitude you will go far.

Do anything you're interested in now and the skills you learn will come in useful in other things you do in the future.