My decision to undertake my PhD was influenced by my year in industry, which I undertook during my undergraduate studies. I worked with Intelligent Energy and had a focus on thermal management, which I enjoyed a lot. My interest in aviation suggested that moving the application of thermal management from hydrogen fuel cell applications to aviation applications and beyond would still be appealing. Furthermore, thermodynamics, or the management of energy, is an area I believe will have increasing importance in the future of sustainable life on Earth, making it a fascinating area of study.
As a hobby I enjoy flying light aircraft and in five years' time I hope to be working within the aviation industry, either as a commercial pilot or flight test engineer. I also have an interest in propulsion and therefore, as a back-up, I’d enjoy any job working with aeronautical or automotive engines, either in testing or design.
One piece of advice I would give to a future PhD student would be to make sure the area of study will keep you interested and motivated to continue making progress throughout the duration of the PhD.