Wed, 26 May, 2021
Meet the latest student to join the Structural Integrity PhD Programme at NSIRC with Brunel University London and TWI
Selamawit Abate has become the latest student to join doctoral industrial research program with the National Structural Integrity Research Centre and Brunel University London. Her research is sponsored by the Lloyd's Register Foundation.
Beginning her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) remotely due to coronavirus safety and travel restrictions, Selamawit's research will examine magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterisation of localised and general corrosion in pipelines.
Industry-led PhD research
NSIRC was founded in 2012 after a call from the UK government for academia that solves the problems being faced by global industry, with a particular enthuses on safety and structural integrity. Since then, NSIRC PhD students has won over 60 independent PhD awards for research, appeared in over 90 peer reviewed journal, and have over 800 publications across industry and academic, as well as contributing to over 13 new standards for safety and certification.
With currently 100 active students and a 98% completion rate, Selamawit joins and group of highly ambitious, skilled and accomplished student base. To help you get to know her better, we sat-down digital for some quick fire question about her background and research.
Photo: Selamawit Abate, PhD Student with NSIRC and Brunel University London.
Welcome to NSIRC, Selam! Tell us a little about yourself and why you chose to undertake an industry-led PhD?
Thank you, NSIRC! I am Selamawit Abate. I have a BSc in Materials Science and Engineering. After my BSc, I had worked as an Academic and Research Assistance at Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia, for a year. I completed my MSc in Materials Science Exploiting Large Scale Facilities in Erasmus-Mundus MaMaSELF program.
I have had an opportunity to work my internships, senor project and MSc thesis with different industries. For example, during my MSc, I had worked with Kurita Company, Germany and ICGM, France, which motivated me to do an industrial doctorate with TWI. The opportunity appealed to me because it would allow me to pursue my research in a more vocational setting, develop excellent transferable skills, and combines academia and industry.
My interest in engineering research began because of my desire to be a scientist who will be at the forefront of research and innovation, for the benefit and development of humanity, and to make our environment a better place to live.
Can you tell us about your PhD topic?
My PhD has begun remotely from April, 2021 and my research proposal looks into a magnetic-based approach for qualitative and quantitative characterisation of localised and general corrosion in pipelines.
My principal supervisor is Dr Nenad Djordjevic from Brunel University London and my industrial supervisor is Dr Ashley Pullen.
Are you looking forward to exploring the UK this summer?
I love exploring new places. It broadens my horizons, perspective and helps me learn about the history, culture, and geography of many places, which boost my confidence. I am eagerly looking forward to exploring the UK this summer if the situation with COVID is getting better. Fingers crossed!
Outside of your research, how do you like to fill your time?
In my spare time, I would like to equip myself spiritually, mentally and physically. I love to sing and listen to music. I will be learning how to play musical instruments, especially the guitar. I am a fan of jogging. It refreshes my mind and keeps me fit. Participating in spiritual activities give me joy and peace.
What advice would you give to someone who is trying to decide on a PhD topic?
I suggest that he/she reads lots of articles, reviews books, and attends talks given by students, professors and experts on the PhD topic of interest. Most of all, he/she needs to be passionate about the topic to be productive. And Go For It!