Elliot

Organisation: Loughborough University
Role: Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Manufacturing

Qualifications

A Levels in Physics, Applied Maths and Computer Science

UG in Applied Physics from Nottingham Trent University 

PhD in Physics from University of Nottingham

Length of time in engineering

I have been working in the engineering industry for 11 years in total so far; two as a postdoctoral researcher developing techniques for improving energy efficiency within industry, and nine as an academic (lecturer/senior lecturer) teaching sustainability topics to undergraduate students and researching new energy efficient approaches to laser processing and also research in food waste reduction (both in the factory and in the home).

Academic knowledge and key skills important to your role

A good understanding of maths, interactions between systems, physics of optical interactions, understanding of industrial processes and drivers.

A natural tendency for inquiry - always asking 'why?' and 'how can we make this better?' Good written and verbal communication, tenacity and a respect for accuracy.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering.

A project you are proud of

I worked on developing a new process for manufacturing solar panels by using a laser to process the material in a more efficient manner - this may lead to new manufacturing processes in the future. 

I have also developed a new approach to help consumers waste less food by using data to enable more intelligent planning, purchasing and preparation of meals.   

I am currently working on an optical detection process that will better facilitate the reuse of plastic food packaging so that instead of throwing it away we can send it back to be refilled and hence reduce plastic waste.

Typical week

Every week is different. Some weeks I do a lot of teaching (which I really enjoy) and some weeks I spend a lot of time in the lab helping my researchers develop new techniques. Some weeks I write new research papers or proposals for new research and sometimes I will be at an international conference or visiting companies. Normally each week would consist of a bit of each of these activities, plus much more.

Predictions for 50 years time

People will buy and use fewer products (hopefully) but these products will be much better (higher quality, longer lasting and personalised). Getting more benefit from fewer resources probably underlines the vast majority of research in engineering.