In the world of materials there are three key areas: ceramics, polymers and metals. During my undergraduate degree, I completed dissertations in ceramics and polymers. When I came to choose my PhD, I wanted to complete the trifecta and perform research into metals so that I would have a vast comprehension in all the subject areas of materials which would set me up to move into a range of post doc positions without limitations. I am now investigating how the microstructure and mechanical properties of experimental stainless steels change when exposed to the operating conditions of nuclear power stations for 40+ years.

Studying for a PhD at Loughborough doesn’t feel like studying. After years of “studying” for a degree, and now being able to work on my PhD, I can say they are vastly different ways of being. Firstly, I was able to choose the area of research that my PhD is focused on rather than being told what to learn and study. Secondly, I can work to my own schedule with flexible working hours and location with trust from my supervisors that any work that needs to be performed will be completed by the required deadlines. Thirdly, it is my responsibility to complete the work as my supervisors are there for guidance and help which gives me a great sense of autonomy and pride. As a result, my self-motivation and critical thinking skills have improved significantly.

As a PhD student each day is different, so describing a typical day would not be representative of the life of a PhD student. The tasks vary from day to day, week to week, month to month, but I find myself growing and improving continuously. However, there is a general cycle of repetition that takes a month or so to complete. Firstly, I examine literature and discuss possible tests and hypothesis with my supervisors. Secondly, I plan the next few experiments. Thirdly, I conduct those experiments and collect data using a range of different equipment and tools - everything from high temperature furnaces through to Transmission Electron Microscopes. Then my favourite part: analysing the data to see what we have found (if anything at all) and seeing if it matched up to literature, or if we have discovered something new. Finally, I write up those results for progression or supervisor reports and then we plan the next set of experiments, and the process continues until you have a PhD or EngD. Sometimes this process can be done in a matter of days, and other times it can take a whole year to complete a full cycle. Every PhD is different which makes them so exciting and challenging!