Profile

As Professor of Automotive Engineering, it may seem strange that I am here discussing Aerospace Engineering. However, my specialist field is Turbocharging, where we use Aerospace technology in an Automotive environment. I lead the Turbocharger Research Institute at the University of Huddersfield, where we work on new design methods, materials and uses for turbomachinery associated with internal combustion engines. This provides all sorts of challenges, across a very wide range of subjects – mathematical and chemical, as well as in understanding the physics of the situation.

I read my email over breakfast, then travel to the university, arriving about 8:15. My first stop is usually the test labs, where I check progress on the many practical projects that we are working on. I will then go to my office and catch up with my staff, before responding to any mail that needs a reply. After that, anything can happen! Some days are taken up testing new designs, others may be meeting people from industry who are setting up collaborations to carry out applied research . During term time, I may be teaching, setting or marking exams or tutoring students.

I help to run sessions to show young people (from primary school level upwards) that engineering is not dirty hands and overalls, but is interesting and exciting. Our labs are bright and clean, and lots of our work is done on computers. We also have fun whilst we are doing it!