Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I oversee MOCVD reactors, ensuring that we are growing material that conforms to customer specifications, and that the operation of the reactors is optimal.

A typical day would usually start with catching up with the data from the previous night's growths, ensuring that all data is correctly updated into our database. Then, based on that and the operation of the reactor, the plan for the day is sorted; either further growth or maintenance.

The fact that every day is different.

Management of the reactors, and ensuring that the timing of the reactors falls into place. Not to mention challenging material parameters.

I'm good at what I do. I was always fascinated by the field since working with Oxford Instruments in my gap year.

I use my 4 years of epitaxial experience from my PhD, and the academic knowledge gleaned from that time as well.

No qualifications, although tempted to become a chartered engineer. I received the ESTNet "Young Engineer of the Year" award in 2016 for my fast induction into the Cardiff headquarters and improvement of efficiency on the reactors I was running.

Short term, I'll be staying in Pennsylvania. I would love to teach eventually, but want to see where my current career takes me.

Studying: ensure it's something that is your passion. It's difficult to move ahead without a real connection to the subject, as I appreciate it's not the most exciting when you delve into the finer details, but the industry itself is extremely exciting. It requires hard work to succeed.