I studied Civil & Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London.
My Master’s thesis involved the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyse loads on offshore floating wind turbines, and I was looking for a role with the opportunity to do similar types of analysis on real-world projects. I came across a graduate role with a strong focus on analysis for complex problems, in what was then the Advanced Technology and Research team, and it seemed the perfect fit. I had heard a lot about Arup throughout my time at university was already aware of Arup’s strong company culture and focus on excellence, so when I learnt a bit more about the role during my interview I was sold.
What I love about my team is its diversity in terms of skills and disciplines. I started off working on environmental physics related problems, including using CFD for the analysis of wave loads and hydrodynamics, and looking at microclimate conditions like reflected glare and pedestrian wind comfort. However, I have also got the opportunity to broaden my skillset and work in a range of other disciplines. I’ve used monitored data from wind farm foundations to assess fatigue and justify life extension, designed a concrete wave energy converter, and analysed climate change projections data for different locations across the world. I have also been involved with research looking at the use of machine learning for different engineering applications, for example natural flood management. Every project is different, which I really enjoy.
When working on the machine learning/flood management project, a lot of the concepts and skills were completely new to me. I had never worked on anything related to machine learning before and was required to learn on the job and quickly build up my knowledge in this area. The application of machine learning techniques to aid flood management was really interesting, and the realisation that we can couple our existing engineering expertise with new technologies to create even better solutions really stuck with me. My work on this project also opened up a lot of other opportunities for me. I got to present at the Arup Group Annual Meeting in front of some of the firm’s most senior people, joined the Digital Disruption initiative to spread knowledge about emerging technologies around the firm, and was awarded the New Civil Engineer Graduate of the Year in 2018.
I am currently working towards chartership to develop and reinforce my core engineering skills. In the future I hope to continue combining engineering knowledge with new digital technologies like machine learning to make more impact on projects, working in multi-disciplinary teams to tackle challenges like increasing the production of renewable energy and developing climate-resilient designs and solutions.
