Collins Aerospace (Electric Power Systems)

I am interested in systems and data Engineering, especially in how AI, data science and machine learning can be used to advance current technologies and processes. I am keen to enhance and develop my modelling skills and apply them to different disciplines and fields. I particularly find it fascinating to see the effects engineering has on all areas of society in day to day life, and the potential that this field of Engineering has for the future.

Collins are at the forefront of developing the More Electric aircraft and have a huge global presence. The idea of being involved in a wide range of projects and disciplines was something that really appealed to me, and I wanted to learn from Engineers who are excellent at what they do, while developing my own skills as an Engineer.

Each of my placements has given me insights into new aspects of Engineering. In my first placement, I developed my simulation skills while creating MATLAB models for different converter topologies. In my second year, I completed my Year in Industry placement with Collins. I was exposed to the field of systems and safety, where I learnt about Model-Based Systems Engineering, requirements management and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). I was responsible for writing documentation for performing safety analysis using Cameo and conducted my own system analysis for a current project. I also had the opportunity to work with a project manager for an R&D project, giving me valuable experience in developing my soft skills. My third placement built further on these, where I created system level diagrams for power conversion architecture and created more simulations. I was also involved in a research project for battery testing, and we presented our findings to the senior leadership team in the organisation.

I enjoy gymnastics, music and art. I have been doing gymnastics from a young age and have competed in regional competitions for a club. I play the clarinet and have loved playing as part of my university wind band. In my spare time I enjoy doing arts and crafts projects and have recently picked up a new challenge of crocheting!

My main interests are in electronics and semiconductors because they are the key components in driving technology forward. I also enjoy the practical side of soldering circuits and testing them, in addition to learning the theory behind how electronic devices work. I found that electronic engineering has a perfect combination of these things.

I initially applied to Collins Aerospace through the UKESF Driving the Electric Revolution Award, which is aimed at students with an interest in PEMD (power electronics, motors and drives). I was keen to learn more about how this area of electronics applies to the aerospace industry, especially in a large international company. I knew that I would be able to gain vital industrial experience in many different areas of electronics that would ultimately benefit my future career.

In my first placement year, I created a MATLAB script that models an LLC resonant converter, as well as doing research into SiC MOSFETs. I was fortunate to be taken on a trip to Ireland where I visited Microchip to learn more about the future advancement in power semiconductor devices. During my second placement year, I designed a PCB for an insulation monitoring device which I found to be more of a challenge as it was completely new to me, however, it ended up being a very enjoyable task to do!

In my spare time I enjoy reading fiction books, specifically fantasy and sci-fi novels. I also really like learning languages such as French and Chinese. Recently, I climbed Crib Goch (knife-edge) on Snowdon – it was a very daunting activity, but I still thought it was a great accomplishment!