Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador – Mohammed Rashaad

Why did you choose your course?

Over the last several decades, sustainability has become a priority. It is no longer an “optional” goal but an “imperative” one. Having an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and industrial work experience has put into perspective for me, the global need to manage our available resources and be able to meet the ever-growing energy requirements in a sustainable manner. As an engineer, the driving force behind my decision to join this programme is my ambition to contribute to building a sustainable world through innovation and research in the energy sector while integrating them with entrepreneurship. After going through the comprehensive curriculum and the modules of the master’s programme in Energy Engineering with Industrial Management (EEwIM) offered at The University of Sheffield, I was confident my near future educational goals will be achieved. The programme offers a mix of both engineering and management subjects which is a fantastic blend for any engineer. It is vital for engineers to build their management knowledge and skills in addition to their engineering education. The course in the University of Sheffield was the perfect fit for my master’s degree as it had elements of engineering and management and was the course I had aimed to do for quite a while. I believe that this programme will not only provide me with an arena to fortify my technical and personal skills and help me thrive in the rapidly changing work environment but also serve as an ideal platform that supports my endeavours. The EEwIM programme offered by the university aligns with my area of interest and will satisfy my eagerness to learn and serve as a launchpad to contribute to making our world a more sustainable place.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

As someone who likes to meet people from all around the world, it was exciting to see and connect with my fellow course mates from diverse backgrounds. The course has a perfect mix of practical and theoretical coursework. All the modules have at least a certain part of the coursework which requires us to work in groups. This has been a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make new connections. Engineers require an elevated level of team-working skills, and the course provides a lot of opportunities for developing these skills. The assessment methods in the course are varied depending on the module which gave me some flexibility and allowed me to learn new subject related topics rather than just cram everything in before the exams. The lecturers and professors are extremely helpful and welcoming. They encourage us to give honest and open feedback which I feel is important and useful as students to get the maximum out of the course. The module leaders have opened their doors, certain times during the week, for one-one interactions which I think is beneficial for students. Unlike my previous academic experiences, I was encouraged to read multiple research papers for writing assignments and completing projects. This helped me gain in-depth knowledge about the subjects. At the same time, working on the assignments helped me develop valuable skills like time management, prioritising order of work and critical thinking. Working on these group assignments have been some of the most enjoyable and learnable experiences during the course.

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

To describe Sheffield in a few words, the city is quickly becoming home away from home. From the moment I set foot in the city, I have felt welcome and comfortable. It might not have a complete urban vibe to it, but I find the city to be extremely cosy and convenient for students. I have had the chance to meet some wonderful people of different nationalities studying different courses. The people of the city are also extremely friendly, and the city has a large number of parks which are nice for running or a walk. Sheffield is a pocket friendly city for students as everything is available for economical prices. Sheffield has a reliable and well-connected transport system of buses and trams. The tickets are affordable and cheap for students. As an Indian and being Muslim, I was under the impression, it might be difficult to find Indian groceries, ingredients, and halal food, but I was wrong. I have been able to find everything I need within a 15–20-minute trip. There are a number of supermarkets and stores catering to the needs of people from different countries and cultures. Everything is readily available in Sheffield due to its multicultural environment. Having grown up in the UAE, I had minimal exposure to nature except the desert. Being a nature lover, Sheffield quickly grew on me due to the vast greenery in and around the city.  With Peak District a short train/bus ride away, we have the chance to go hiking and explore a variety of places in the hills, along rivers and around lakes.

What are your ambitions after completing your degree?

The UN had set up the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 which aims to achieve a list of objectives. Access to affordable and clean energy is one of the goals that are to be achieved by the end of this decade. We must strategise our line of actions and I strongly believe the goal can be achieved by accelerating our actions to transition to a less carbon-intensive system with increased efforts. As an engineer, there is no better way to make my contribution to society by involving myself in the process of developing sustainable energy systems. I aspire to work on energy technology that will help revolutionise the energy sector and provide readily available, affordable, and clean energy for our planet. Apart from working towards a sustainable energy ecosystem, it is also very essential to educate society about the importance of clean energy and its socio-economic development. I am enthusiastic and optimistic about the future, where I envision myself brainstorming and ideating innovative solutions to help achieve our sustainability targets by applying the knowledge and experience I will have acquired from my master’s degree.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador – Maria Mitzi Abigail Gonzalez Reynoso

Why did you choose your course?

As Franklin D Roosevelt (1931) once said, “There can be little doubt that in many ways the story of bridge building is the story of civilization. By it, we can readily measure an important part of a people’s progress.” Creating things and shaping the world around us has always been a goal of mine. Growing up, I remember being fascinated by large structures, particularly bridges, those amazing engineering feats that allow connecting two points that would have previously been separated. It astounded me how each component of a structure can interact with the others while remaining stable in the face of time and unforeseeable events. Bridges can also change the lives of city residents by moving resources and creating physical connections to keep the economy and the entire world moving. In that sense, structural engineering was the next step in my professional career to achieve my goal, and the University of Sheffield suited perfectly to what I was looking for.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

Everything, to be honest. My expectations for this course were exactly what I had received thus far, and much more. Maybe it’s because of my undergrad in Civil Engineering, maybe it’s because of my work experience, maybe it’s because of the excellent teaching quality, or maybe it’s a combination of all of the above, but for the first time in my life, I can envision how to apply everything I’m learning in my professional career. Because all the professors have work experience, they can teach using real-life examples and the teaching-learning aim can be achieved completely. Additionally, the level of the coursework is challenging and requires me to reflect on real-world cases, which reinforces my overall understanding of the topic.

Finally, unrelated to the course but what makes my studies go more smoothly are the study locations where I can always find a place depending on my needs at the time.

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

As I always tell people, I feel like I’m in the movie Mary Poppins. I think it is a perfect city for students. During the day, I get to appreciate English architecture, and one of the things I enjoy the most is that it is full of parks where I can go to read when it is a beautiful sunny day. Sheffield at night is full of pubs and daily social activities where I can unwind after a long day at uni.

Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?

The last three greatest accomplishments I’ve had in the last three months began with a merit award from my home country for my bachelor’s thesis.

Second, I made the university volleyball team, which means I can continue practising my favourite sport while studying.

Finally, I delivered a coursework for my most difficult course, Advance Geotechnics, with a high grade and comments from my professor stating that I have good writing skills. This was the most significant achievement for me because, for the first time, I had to live entirely with English communication (formally and informally), and I had been struggling academically with this topic. After all, this experience is about more than just coming to study a course and earning a degree; it is about gaining all of the knowledge that I can as an International Student.

What are your ambitions after completing your degree?

After completing my master’s degree, I would like to gain experience by working with an engineering and consulting firm through graduate schemes. I would be honoured to collaborate with people in the bridge industry to design projects that use new technologies to overcome the UK’s territorial constraints and make life easier for its citizens. After gaining some experience, I intend to work for one of the most important companies in my country to share my knowledge, advance my career, and learn from more experienced individuals.

I want to continue learning and adapting to new technologies, initiatives and practices in my field, and this MSc will give me the chance to broaden my expertise and contribute to my field, keeping true to what I have learned so far and what I will acquire as years go by.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador – Collins Ogbodo

Why did you choose your course?

For career advancement and research opportunities that are available in this course intrigued me.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I belong to a research group called the Dynamic Research Group. It is a very vibrant group with many brilliant people who will always support you. I enjoy the support from the research group and the University which helps me do my research more efficiently

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

Sheffield is a large city with many interesting places to visit. It is also well connected, so I can walk to almost every part of it (at least for the parts that I have visited:)). This helps me meet my daily step target of 6000 steps, which is very healthy. It is a very green city with very friendly people always willing to assist you.

Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?

If it counts, I once walked 10,240 steps in a day, which equates to 7.68km and 397Kcal.

What are your ambitions after completing your degree?

Well, I hope to build a startup out of my research. 

Hopefully I will eventually make a Unicorn out of it.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador – Chaudhary Fawad Ahsan

Why did you choose your course?

Course structure, modules, the faculty and university’s repute.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

Albeit being technical in nature; the course provides its scholars a well-rounded understanding of the fundamental theoretical framework underpinning the physio-chemical phenomenon applicable to multiple streams of chemical engineering.  Being instructed by leading academics, exposure to state-of-the-art facilities including, but not limited to labs, pilot plant, simulation and modelling software programs as well as established industrial links in addition to emphasis on research were all lucrative factors that made me choose this course and it certainly lived up to the expectations.

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

Sheffield as a city encapsulates the essence of an ideal university town. With proximity to idyllic English countryside, unique architecture, plenty of parks, a lively music scene and round the year events; a student is rarely out of options to go to in their spare time. Student-friendly environment.

Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?

Currently undertaking army officer training at the University Officer Training Corps as a reserve officer cadet learning infantry tactics and soldiering skills by covering module A as per the curriculum set by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. 

Elected as the NUS delegate of the University for academic year 2022/23 to represent the university as a delegate at the NUS national conference. Involvement in direct decision making and advocacy through voting on new motions and drafting reports that will impact students’ learning experience.

What are your ambitions after completing your degree?

Commissioning in the Central Superior Services of Pakistan, working towards poverty alleviation through effective management of resources and personnel under my jurisdiction. Aiming to implement transformational changes in the ministries of Science & Technology, Energy and Agriculture by inducting latest technology and incorporating skill-building exercises as a core part of the workforce training curriculum. Being a proponent of positive change and inspiring innovation through practical action.

Meet Our International Engineering Ambassador – Adwaith Satheesh

Why did you choose your course?

The career advancement and research opportunities that are available in this course intrigued me.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

The labs and the different people in my course have been the enjoyable part of the course so far.

What do you think about Sheffield as a city?

It’s a very peaceful city with a large student population. The city has a lot of vibrant music and theatre scenes which are worth going to. There are also numerous parks which are a good place to unwind and be with nature.

Have you got any particular academic achievements or extra-curricular achievements you’d like to highlight?

Went to nationals as a kabaddi player in my high school in India and placed 16th out of 50 teams.

What are your ambitions after completing your degree?

Getting a stable job and being able to continue my hobbies mostly.