Choosing Loughborough University to pursue a PhD was quite an easy decision. The first pull factor is the prestige of the University, as it is renowned as a top research university for engineering in the UK. The academics are experts in their fields and its active collaboration with industry and organisations speaks volume of its role and contributions. Secondly, the research being offered perfectly matched the previous research that I carried out when studying my undergraduate degree at the University of Strathclyde. Thirdly, the University offers a conducive environment for learning and research, with excellent resources, laboratory equipment and facilities, as well as access to the library and online databases. The location of the University is an added bonus as it is located in a town that is convenient for my small family to live, and it is not too far away from London either.