As part of our Alumni Series, we speak to Priyanka Priyadarshini, Composite Test Engineer at Magma Global, about life after the BCI…
Why did you choose the Bristol Composites Institute for your studies?
Bristol was ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, which is why I was interested in studying there. The city’s diverse cultural acceptance and the atmosphere of Bristol itself impressed me more than any other place. The collaboration between BCI and Rolls-Royce sparked my curiosity, as it offered insight into composite research as advanced subjects. The ongoing improvements, research initiatives, renowned professional guidance, and frequent seminars on composites were all incredibly fascinating and thoughtful. I couldn’t find any other institution that matched BCI in terms of its research opportunities. I knew that this was the right place for me to begin my journey at Bristol.
What research area did you specialise in whilst you were here?
I worked on gaining a deeper understanding of natural fibres and conducted research on how impactful they can be when combined with synthetic materials. I examined few hybrid materials consisting of both flax and carbon fibres to analyse their strength and stiffness. Additionally, I also performed a Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the amount of carbon dioxide they would generate once they reach the end of their life cycle.
After leaving the BCI where did you go?
Immediately after graduation, I joined a firm in Bristol as a Quality Inspector to address some financial challenges and worked there for few months. Afterward, I shifted my focus and joined Magma Global Private Limited, producer of m-pipe® for oil and gas company, as a Composite Test Engineer.
What are you currently working on and what do your future plans look like?
Our pipes are manufactured using carbon fibre and advanced oilfield polymers to meet the demanding requirements for subsea applications. As a Composite Test Engineer, I test these pipes according to company standards and analyse the data to observe different behaviours and any variances from standard test specifications. Looking ahead, my goal is to become a Chartered Engineer and make meaningful contributions to innovation in understanding carbon-polymer behaviour more deeply.
How did the BCI prepare you for work outside of academia?
Through the BCI programme, I had the opportunity to connect with a variety of companies over a six-month period, gaining valuable insights into their innovative approaches and exploring how I could contribute effectively. During this time, I gained hands-on experience with the equipment provided by BCI, which enabled me to operate machinery and perform different tests independently. This experience proved valuable in enhancing my understanding of operations within the composite industry, while broadening my perspective on potential growth opportunities within my field of interest.