Having graduated with First Class Honours in Biomedical Engineering (BEng) from Ulster University, I’ve developed a broad set of skills that will support me in my research – ranging from programming languages (C++ and MATLAB), to using software like ANSYS for CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).

Initially, I planned to return to Medtronic upon finishing my studies, which is where I spent my placement year with the DES (Drug Eluting Stent) team. While there, I was responsible for analysing, cleaning, and presenting large datasets related to the manufacturing of stents. Additionally, I assisted elsewhere as needed, be it with maintaining and calibrating the hardware, or through quality control of the stents. However, after finding myself enjoying the independent aspect of research from my final year project, and developing skills I wouldn’t have otherwise, I decided that pursuing a PhD would be the best path for me.

Over the course of the next few years, I am keen to undertake opportunities to deepen my understanding of the use of sensors (such as photoplethysmography) to monitor patient health – particularly, their blood pressure. This builds upon areas previously explored during my undergraduate studies, namely my final year project: Computational Modelling of Blood Flow in Coronary Arteries. With a solid foundation in cardiovascular physiology, I now aim to refine the technical aspect to support such research. To help achieve this, I will be starting my first year by engaging with relevant modules and online resources, including:

-        Electronic Systems Design

-        Digital Signal Processing

Additionally, I plan to keep all four themes of the CDT programme in mind as I progress, so as to not limit myself, and allow alternate routes of research to be taken if needed. With these goals in mind, I aim to complete my first year as a CDT researcher fully prepared to begin my PhD in earnest.