Category: Alumni Interviews

Why did you choose the Bristol Composites Institute for your studies?
I chose to study at BCI for a number of reasons. When I was reaching the end of my MSci degree I was really unsure of what I wanted to do but I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD, that led to me having a scattershot approach in applying to various CDTs including one within the School of Chemistry (where I did my undergrad degree) and one across the road, what was then called the ACCIS CDT. What decided it for me was the desire to work in a more applied area than the highly academic chemistry I was used to, and if I am being completely honest… the reverse psychology Paul Weaver (the then head of the CDT) used on me in my interview— “We’re going to make you an offer, but I don’t think you’re going to accept it”—master tactics from the former used car salesman. 

What research area did you specialise in whilst you were here?
I continued to work in the synthetic chemistry building through large parts of my PhD, trying to make new molecules to build vitrimers and covalent adaptable networks (CANs)—in short, functional (healable/recyclable) composite materials. 

 After leaving the BCI where did you go?
After finishing my PhD, I did a year and half post-doc-ing in the RR UTC with Ian Hamerton as my line manager. Then after 9.5 years of working at UoB I decided to move on… and work for a UoB subsidiary, the BCI finishing school that is the NCC. 

What are you currently working on and what do your future plans look like?
I now work within the Materials Science team at the NCC, working largely on sustainability projects e.g. wind blade recycling, hydrogen tank recycling, sustainable manufacturing consumables, biomaterials, and various other bits and pieces! 

How did the BCI prepare you for work outside of academia?
Unsurprisingly given my current place of work, the BCI was the perfect foundation for the composite materials research I am doing now. By working between the School of Chemistry and BCI, I got plenty of exposure to various ways of working. Plenty of practice in presenting, report writing, self management etc. Importantly, the exposure to various courses and people of various cultures in the BCI helped strengthen the soft skills that are more acutely important in industry. 

 

ACCIS CDT Alumni 2017

 

Ian is a Research Engineer specialising in composites process development at GKN Aerospace, a world leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, and is based at the GKN Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol. GKN Aerospace specialise in developing, building and supplying an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies–for use in Defence and Commercial aircraft. Ranging from large commercial airliners and the most advanced aerial military platforms, through to business jets and helicopters.
GKN Aerospace are heavily involved in the development of the next generation of sustainable aviation platforms, such as Urban Air Mobility (UAMs) and liquid hydrogen propulsion systems with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the skies. Their technology is on board 100,000 flights a day and they are market leading in aerostructures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems.

Following his degree in chemistry, Ian joined the CDT (which was previously known as the ACCIS Doctoral Training centre) in 2011, completed his PhD under Richard Trask and Ian Hamerton, before leaving BCI after his postdoc in January 2020. He joined GKN Aerospace initially as a research specialist subcontractor in August 2021 before gaining a permanent role after 12 months in August 2022.
He is currently working on the ATI funded ASCEND project, where he is directly responsible for the process monitoring/digital twin that is being developed in that programme, and will be helping supervise CoSEM CDT student Will Mahoney’s PhD in composite recycling, an area that he is passionate in.

Ian is neurodivergent and is heavily involved in making GKN Aerospace a more welcoming place for neurodiverse employees as well as helping to lead the STEM outreach programme for the GKN GTC in Bristol.

Why did you choose the Bristol Composites Institute for your studies?
Having worked on Composites Research activity during my undergraduate Master’s degree at Bristol, I was made aware of the Dyson Foundation, and with the help of the BCI I was able to secure generous funding for a PhD. This gave me significant flexibility to choose an area of study I was passionate about.

What research area did you specialise in whilst you were here?
I investigated Composite Smart Structures, namely looking at embedding electroadhesion for variable stiffness structures. My work looked at actively modifying the stiffness of beams, and honeycomb structures, by controlling the connectivity of internal elements. A key part of this research was also the focus on the manufacturability of the concept. This was where I gained an early appreciation for the role of manufacturing in technology.

 

After leaving the BCI where did you go?
I’m still in Bristol, and still in the field of Composites Research! I started at the National Composites Centre in 2016 and have worked as part of the Manufacturing Team in several different roles here in the past 6 years.

What are you currently working on and what do your future plans look like?
I now head up the Manufacturing team at the NCC, leading a diverse team of 50+ engineers, operations personnel, and technicians. Our focus is on promoting and developing exciting composites technologies, operational efficiency, and lean digital factory environments. I continue to be involved in the definition and delivery of Manufacturing Research activity for the Aerospace, Construction and Infrastructure, and Energy sectors (amongst others). I’m passionate about change management, reforming processes and instilling positive culture to encourage teams to be their best; that’s where my forward attention is pointed.

How did the BCI prepare you for work outside of academia?
The network of contacts helped me to get an opportunity at the NCC which I’m extremely grateful for. Furthermore, the myriad opportunities for public speaking and networking helped to push me out of my comfort zone and to build the soft skills that are absolutely vital in interactions outside of academia.