Why did you decide to study engineering?
I come from a background of engineers, my father was a mechanical design engineer, and I was exposed to the industry through his career in turbine manufacturing.
I was surrounded by engineering a lot during my childhood. My father’s workplace hosted open days where families and children could visit the workplace. I remember walking through the huge turbines yet to be assembled and feeling awestruck. These are vivid memories I have as a child and my first experience of what it’s like to work in engineering.
Looking back, I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to see the type of work my father did and the influence his job had on my career as an engineer.
Tell us a little bit about your role at the Catapult
I’m currently working at CSA Catapult as a process design engineer. I work a lot at the prototyping stage, which is a crucial part of the technology development.
As part of my role, I get to work with the latest technologies or new upcoming materials to meet the demands of the semiconductor industry. In summary, I help design a reliable prototype that can be manufactured in the future.
It is challenging, but highly rewarding when projects are successful.
What has been a career highlight for you?
I feel lucky to have worked with intelligent and influential people during my career. I’ve learned a lot from a vast amount of people.
One career highlight is that during my time as a KTP associate in 2021, I was awarded the Future Leadership award by Innovate UK.
What type of projects are you working on at the moment?
Well, no two days are the same at the Catapult. At the moment, my time is mainly focused on a RF-based application project called 5G Swap+C. We’re working with BT and Space Forge to develop high-frequency and energy-efficient radio frequency (RF) gallium nitride (GaN) power amplifiers for massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) systems. My role within this project is working on the assembly of a prototype.
What emerging technology are you most excited about?
I’m excited to see the future development of quantum technology. Even though you keep coming across articles on how the chips are becoming smaller and faster every day, you truly don’t realise how challenging the assembly can be unless you start working on it.
As an engineer working at the Catapult, we have access to the right equipment and have the knowledge base to work on these demanding technologies. We are definitely in the right place at the right time.
What advice would you give to students who’re thinking of becoming an engineer?
It’s a varied industry so I would recommend applying for industry or research internships during the summer. It’s worthwhile and allows you to explore different areas within the sector and gain valuable experience.
I used to reach out to academics or companies on LinkedIn and ask them for internship opportunities, it’s a hit-and-miss exercise but it’s always worth a shot.
By trying lots of different internships, you’ll gain a better understanding of the field you want to go into. I also found having a mentor beneficial as they were able to guide me during my studies and be on hand to answer my questions.
