Celebrating Leeds engineers

Bob Clark (Mechanical Engineering 1969)

Stock Control Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Living (and enjoying every minute of it) at Boddington Hall. Two very happy years helping run the Hall's Film Club and giving hundreds a varied and hopefully a very enjoyable Sunday night at the flicks - with many Tom and Jerrys as a B Movie - complete and uncencensored. Always a hit regardless of how the audience rated the main feature.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
A lifetime of stock control - always a challenge but highly satisfying and always relatively underrated and underpaid. Retirement is a much better career options and so much more fulfilling.

Neville Weeks (Civil Engineering 1965)

Engineering Consultant Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Enjoying sharing B&B accommodation (cost 3 pounds 10 shillings per week!) on Burley Road with three male colleagues, all of whom gave their room-mate from the south (me) a hard time initially! Eventually, we became good mutual support for each other (helped by playing bridge well into the night!).

Enjoying the camaraderie of the civil engineering department, enhanced by informal chats with Prof Evans at the coffee bar. Late night sessions on projects in the drawing office; followed by fish, chips and mushy peas (for 2s 6p) at 'Sweaty Betts' and a few pints in the 'Pack Horse'!

Playing football for the Engineers Team in the inter-mural league during chilly winter Saturday afternoons. Then heading to Fred's Bar in the Student Union for a few pints (at 1s 10p a pint in those days!), followed by enjoying some fantastic bands in the Refectory (e.g. The Animals, Mind-Benders, etc). Great days out to Ilkley Moor, York and the Dales. Watching Leeds United play in their hey-days, with the likes of Manager Revie, Billy Bremner, Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, etc. And finally, the pleasure of achieving a good honours degree that helped me move forwards in my career.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After my first degree at Leeds I moved to Canada to take a Master's degree in Transportation Engineering. I then worked for the Ontario Department of Highways as a Project Engineer for three years (1967-70). After this I moved back to the UK to take up a consulting position with Freeman Fox, Wilbur Smith and Associates in London. I worked with FFWSA as a Team Leader on projects in the UK, Holland, Bermuda, Tehran, Seychelles, and Trinidad and Tobago.

I left the company (now Halcrow Fox and Associates (HFA) in 1981 to take up the position of President in Halcrow's Canadian entity in North Vancouver, B.C. From there I moved to Ontario in 1983 to manage a two-year major rapid transit feasibility study in the Toronto area. I then joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1985 as a transportation specialist and had responsibility for the technical aspects of Canadian foreign aid projects in Anglophone Africa, Indonesia, and China from 1985-93.

In 1993 I returned to Vancouver and joined international consultants N.D. Lea International Ltd. as, firstly, Regional Manager Africa and Europe; ultimately, in 1997, as President. During this period I had responsibility for projects in Mongolia, Albania, China, Indonesia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya and India. I then established my own independent consultancy in 1999 - Weeks Consulting Associates Inc. - specializing in Transportation, Planning and Management Consulting and based in Vancouver B.C. I worked on a wide range of projects for various funding agencies; including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and CIDA in Albania, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Ghana, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Lao PDR, Malawi, Mongolia, Montenegro, Serbia, Gambia, and the TRACECA Region.

I retired from the company in 2017.

Peter Kite (Civil Engineering 1969)

Since leaving Leeds my career in engineering has taken me...

In 1989 after the creation of the Environment Agency I was given the mission impossible task to lead on implementing a national flood warning scheme. This was to be delivered using novel IT systems and to the same consistent standard across England and Wales within six months.

I assembled a team with the necessary skills and clout to connect with each of the eight regions with a regional lead. In addition as we were taking over the role of informing the public directly from the police it had to work first time. We initiated media training for staff and a publicity campaign to inform the public of the change. We developed a simple graphical representation system of the 3 levels of flood warning. BE AWARE, FLOOD WARNING, SEVERE FLOOD WARNING.

We also developed multimedia ways the public in flood prone areas could receive warnings e.g. text, fax, phone call, email, radio and TV. All this was achieved with the collective team of 150 people and a budget of £13M.

The flood warning system which is in place today is basically the same structure as that which I lead through implementation.

Anthony Young (Civil Engineering 1964)

Transport Planner Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
We were the first students in the new civil engineering building. It was an exciting time, experiencing university life and getting to know fellow students and staff. Our head was Professor Evans, a proud Welshman who was a concrete expert. When one of the Ferrybridge cooling towers fell down, he treated the entire department, staff and students, to a three course dinner with drinks. He said he would rather give it to us than the tax man!

My group of five stayed together throughout the three years, working in the drawing office (no computers then) and attending lectures. We kept in touch through our working lives and still meet occasionally.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Postgraduate Highway and Traffic Engineering at Newcastle University, traffic research, MSc at Salford University, Churchill Fellow, Transport planner with Greater Manchester PTE, lead team that developed new tramway for Greater Manchester opened in 1992, now the largest in UK.

Graham Tofts (Chemical Engineering 1969)

Teaching Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Playing squash for the first time. Playing for Leeds University Rugby League team. Going boating on the river at Knaresborough on Wednesday afternoons. Bowling at Headingley. Going to the USA with BUNAC. Seeing The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band live at the Union.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Research and development in Polymer Chemistry (3yrs) before teaching.

Keith Hales (Mechanical Engineering 1965)

IT Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Memories rather hazy now after sixty years! The engineering building in Woodhouse Lane was new, and contrasted with the collection of older buildings for other faculties. The main engineering faculties were mechanical, civil, electrical, metallurgy and mining as I recall. As mechanical students we also had lectures in the other engineering faculties for subsidiary studies, plus other subjects such as statistics and business studies, providing a pretty comprehensive course overall.

Our professor of thermodynamics mentioned having a heat pump at his home, so he was well ahead of the trend! For business studies two of us wrote a study on Leeds City transport, which involved a number of interesting visits. Our subject mentor was Dr David Quarmby, who later in his career managed London Transport and Sainsburys.

One year I volunteered as transport manager for rag week, which mainly involved contacting local businesses to them to provide trucks to carry the floats. I also recall that Jack Straw, later to become a Labour MP and Minister, was president of the Students Union while I was there. It always seemed that the arts students had a much easier time, frequenting the student union premises much more than we engineers could afford to! There were only about 2000 students in total, and I understand there are rather more these days. Much more diverse too, there were relatively few female students (only one in my year in Mechanical Engineering) and I don't recall any foreign students.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
My first post was with The Rover Company, which was then still independent prior to mergers with other companies. I was a research engineer, specialising in suspension and transmissions. I did a lot of design and development work on the original Range Rover model. It was internally called the 100 inch Land Rover (a reference to the wheelbase). One day in the drawing office I proposed renaming it the Rover Ranger. This was picked up by the marketing department who promptly turned it round to Range Rover!

From my first day there I was introduced to computers (something not covered in my degree course). Rover had an IBM mainframe with all of 8k memory, primarily for commercial applications, but we programmed some engineering applications in Fortran, using punched cards for input. After Rover became part of British Leyland, I moved on to Rootes Group, later to become Chrysler UK, as part of the Technical Computing team. This set me up for a career in the IT industry, and I moved back to my home city, London. In 1970, while still at Chrysler, I visited Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan, where I met my wife to be.

Wojciech Liszka (Civil Engineering 1969)

Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I have many fond memories of Leeds. Too many to write about. However my main memory is pelting Jack Straw with flour during his hustings in the department for election as Union President!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After a brief spell working in UK I worked for a total of 20 years overseas.

Mike Hobdell (Mechanical Engineering 1974)

IT Specialist Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
My start at Leeds proved very difficult, with no hall of residence place I was out into appalling digs in Beeston. An elderly couple let out three rooms, we were required to be out of the house between 8.30 - 19.00, only allowed to remain in on Sunday when a meagre lunch was provided.

As it turned out this proved a blessing. I met a pal, Paul, from the course who also had to remain out of house and we found a library for evening work. Chatting with another engineering lad, Jim, we found his family were buying a house and needed folk to share. So by the end of the first term we were ready to move in and have remained pals since, the best part of 50 years!

Is the 'self contained hydrostatic thrust bearing, still on display in the Tribilogy lab? That was a final year project Paul and I designed, had it made, then tested before our viva with Prof Dowson. I recall seeing it years later as a novelty demonstration for new grads.

My life after graduating changed significantly. Made redundant nine months after starting my first job, I went to UMIST for a post grad MSc in Computation, actually getting paid to study. Married, living outside Manchester and studying was a challenge but led to a lifetime of work as IT specialist in industry. Just shows, plans change and you have to go with the flow.

Next year, 2024, will be 50 years since graduating and I hope I will be able to get a tour around the Mech Eng building with the group of friends that I kept in touch with ever since.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
My journey as an 'IT Specialist' in industry started in Darlington where the design of nuclear power station heavy engineering construction was underway. I stepped into a stress analysis team, knowing nowt, except how to program the computer and run software. It was a learning curve which lead even more specialised work for the nuclear build programme of the '80s which gave the opportunity to present papers at conferences and participate in an international training course.

Ten years later I was heading the company's computer division.
Success maybe went to my head and I tried to go into business but it failed in the '90s recession. A series of posts in consultancy and the steel industry brought me back into heading IT in an organisation and my most proud achievement, joining a global industrial company.

Outsourcing brought me into a global IT company which should have been a final career move. My ability to fit in with America culture was severely tested and I was never 'comfortable' but as pension age approached I took the chance to work on assignment in European countries. Moving between projects across more than 20 countries while living in Switzerland proved to be my 'Swan song' before retiring and swearing I'd never commute from airports again.

It's been a long way since Leeds but the foundation was always there.

Ron Elsdon (Chemical Engineering 1972)

Career and Human Resource Development Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Engaging with new engineering and science courses that were interesting and that were taught well.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I went from Leeds to complete a PhD at Cambridge in Chemical Engineering. I moved to the United States to work in research for Amoco. Then moved within Amoco into planning, business development, and management. I then worked in business unit management for a French company in the United States. Then made a career change, by taking a Master’s in Career Development while working full time. This led to positions in the human resource field, and to my own practice in career and human resource development.

Kombo Braide (Fuel and Combustion Engineering 1975)

Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
The scope of studies at the Department of Fuel & Energy at the Houldsworth School of Applied Science lasted four years. Tutorials and continuously assessed practicals and laboratory works were central to the course of studies. My final year project was on the reduction of energy costs of the University's central power system.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I worked in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in the Research & Development Division for 13 years, and then the Pipelines Operations and Products Marketing subsidiary for seven years. I retired from the sector in 1999. I was a non executive director in a marginal field oil company (Chorus Energy) until 2014, when I finally went into full-time retirement.

Peter Darbishire (Mechanical Engineering 1973)

Publisher Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Great social life, concerts, etc. Enjoyed playing rugby. Exposure to fellow students from different parts of the country and in various other disciplines. I found academic studies difficult but was able to achieve my goal of an honours degree.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After graduating I returned to work with my thick sandwich sponsor, Perkins Engines. I soon became bored, trying to stretch two days work into five! I accepted an offer to work in the US with a company that needed an applications engineer to design interface work on construction machinery (electronic-hydraulic control systems). A year later I emigrated to Canada to work in the same field.

This led me to start writing technical articles for a magazine publisher. Eventually I became part owner and publisher of a series of agricultural and construction industry magazines, which we sold in 2007. To me, this illustrates how you don’t need to be bound to a single discipline... a good education and the ability to apply it was the key for me.

Paul Boyle (Architectural Engineering 1979)

Maths Teacher Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was there from 1976 to 1985. From 1979 to 1982 I did a PhD and from 1982 to 1985 I worked in the Civil Engineering Department as a research assistant. So I gained many friends from both students and staff.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I actually went from being a research assistant to being a maths teacher.

William Kemp (Transport Engineering 1974)

Director of Highways Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
On an MSc course ten years after my first degree I lived in Boddington Halls with all undergrads. They were very kind to the ‘old man’ and involved me in their activities including cross country running. The course was excellent and I attended lectures on which I was not being examined. As I had experience in design and on site and was a chartered civil engineer I was called upon to contribute in most lectures. I organised the laboratory course in road materials, which was completed in the allocated time for the first time ever!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
40 years with the same design consultancy Scott Wilson including seven years in Hong Kong where I led the design and construction supervision for a new town, Tuen Mun. We completed the infrastructure for a town of over 250,000 people in seven years including forming all the land from the sea. Upon my return to England I became Director of Highways and was responsible for 250 km of motorways and trunk roads in England and Ireland.

Graham Burchell (Control Engineering 1975)

Instrument and Control Engineer Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
The main reason that I came to Leeds University in 1972 was to be able to watch the great Leeds United team. I chose Electrical and Electronic Engineering as my course.

At the end of the first year I had to do re-sits as all of my results were borderline fails. One of my profs told me that I had no chance of passing his re-sit exam as I had only got 3% in his exam and the re-sit would be both harder and marked harder. That was just what I needed to motivate me - I worked hard for all of the resits and passed all the exams with flying colours.

However, I did not like the course that I was doing and so talked to my department head (Prof Walker) and discussed the possibility of a change to another course but, as this would have been very difficult to do, I decided to take the second year option of control engineering as it seemed more interesting than the other options.

This was a good choice as I thoroughly enjoyed the course and it resulted in my working for more than 45 years all around the world as an instrument and control engineer on many interesting projects and sites.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
45 years all around the world working as an Instrument and Control engineer for companies including, BP, Shell, Aramco, ADNOC, ALCAN, KBR, Fluor, Bechtel, Honeywell and others and in countries including Canada, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, the USA, the UK and others.

Now retired but forever grateful to the staff and for my time at Leeds University and, of course, Elland Road!

Ian Hartas (Control Engineering 1978)

Director Weston Technologies Ltd.

My memories of studying at Leeds...
For the bulk of my career after Leeds I was in software development and support, so my engineering degree was not really relevant. So basically I was at Leeds too young (started at age 17) and on the wrong course. However, it was a great experience.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
My career in control engineering only lasted three years before I moved over to software development.

Richard Wills (Civil Engineering 1978)

Local Government Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I had taken a year out, which was more unusual in those days. I had worked for a year with Cornwall County Council which had agreed to sponsor my degree course. I felt my studies had a real purpose. I knew the path I wanted to tread.

The Civil Engineering Department was a large department, already pioneering equality for women - it boasted half the female civil engineering undergraduates in the country at the time. That was a good learning point for me - I expected to find women in my workplace, though it took a decade or so for that to become more usual.

I was involved in the Engineering Society and found myself on the Departmental Staff-Student Committee under the watchful eye of the redoubtable Professor Adam Neville - head of department. I was also in the Anglican-Methodist Society. It was there that I met Jane Middleton. Groups of students used to go into Swaledale and in exchange for taking services in the area, we had free use of a chapel with dormitories (male and female, of course) so we could explore the dales.

We had set off in two cars loaded with luggage and food and the four of us in Jane's car made a customary stop at a chippy in Richmond. "Are you the students from Leeds? The other car has broken down and can't make it." Fortunately, we had the food! "But my case is in the other car," said the other girl with us. Well, she and Jane found a way of sharing clothes and I found romance.

Jane and I have been married for 42 years, the other male student was our best man and we are still friends with our luggage-less companion.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I worked as highway engineer with Cornwall County Council for 26 years. I received excellent training, qualifying as a chartered engineer by the time I was 25. I started in bridges, ran a highways laboratory, led a design group and developed a business approach within the council. I even had a spell responsible for everything that wasn't engineering in an engineering department.

I moved to Lincolnshire County Council in 2000 as its Director of Highways and Planning. I was Secretary and later President of the County Surveyor's Society. I became the Executive Director for Environment & Economy. My accountabilities extended at various times well beyond my engineering formation - I was Monitoring Office (local authority standards) with the legal department and committee services; I was accountable for trading standards, emergency planning and the Chief Fire Officer. I was an advisor to the Local Government Association on environment and flood risk management and gave evidence to Parliamentary select committees.

Looking back, I am proud that I invested in other people's training and in some way repaid the care and attention that was given to me at the beginning of my career - and so they could go on and do better things that I would ever do.

Nicholas Payne (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1970)

Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I remember odd items like our lecture finished at 12, the Parkinson tower clock which had been a little erratic kept on striking past 12 and we were all falling about with laughter as the clock kept going until it reached 57.

The midnight walk over Ilkley moor. A whole bunch of us started at a pub in Ilkley at chucking out time and after fumbling around on the moor in the dark for four hours, reaching the main road at the other side at 2.30am and slowly and more soberly realizing we now had a six hour walk back to Leeds.

Final year lab, speed control of a three phase induction motor and an electrolytic capacitor loudly emptying it's electrolyte in rather short order onto the ceiling of the lab. It's probably still there.

Yes, The Who Live at Leeds. I went to America afterwards and I was asked have you heard the new album. Actually I was there. "What is Leeds, is it a club in London?"

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I started at Plessey in Liverpool designing an electronic telephone exchange, but quit after 18 months since I wasn't being asked to do anything and it seemed like the real work was being done in Maidenhead and we were just there to show employment in a distressed area.

I joined the volunteers program and was sent to Mauritius to help in laying telephone cables, a subject I made clear I knew next to nothing about. I arrived to find they actually did not want someone who knew nothing about the subject and I was offered a choice of going home or Seychelles to help run as housing improvement program. I chose Seychelles feeling I could wing that and I met my future wife there.

Returning to UK I rang up Marconi in Rochester gave them the name of my friend from Leeds who had worked there and they said "Oh you know so and so do you? When can you start?" I worked there for four years and now this was 1978 and I applied for a job in Iran. Some local difficulty prevented the agent of the company coming to London to interview me so by chance picking up the Telegraph, a paper I never normally read, I saw a job in USA and applied for that.

I spent the next nine years designing modems and such but was laid off on a Monday but had a job by Thursday because while my wife was in Mothercare buying stuff for our new baby, I was hanging outside and saw another guy outside similarly marooned but reading a book on FORTH, a somewhat obscure computer language. I said I knew something about that and the upshot was three years later I joined him and his father's consultancy.

So as a consultant I did everything from X-ray machines to lasers, including how to chop the first two or three feet off a 12 foot beam of light, without making a device that could be used to trigger a nuclear bomb which might lead to certain difficulties, to a machine to check the electricity meters for the New York subway.

I remember one day thinking, this morning I am designing a web server, like you find when setting up wifi router, and in the afternoon designing a 5kw 1200 volt power supply. I said to myself "I need to specialise." I never did.

Then one day my wife rang me up with terrible news. Our daughter had been shot dead at the age of 22. It was difficult to work after that, but happy golden years seemed out of the question, so when a company offered me complete design freedom in a piece of equipment that controls the flow of liquids in oil refineries and such, I went for it because I felt I needed something to occupy my mind.

I am now retired and presently in the Seychelles enjoying quite good weather.

Robert Millinship (Mechanical Engineering 1975)

Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Finally getting to use maths and physics to a useful purpose! Learning how science is used to solve problems and issues with new products and answers to life's challenges. Practical laboratory sessions which allowed me to make sense of some (occasionally) rather abstract theories and a brilliant group of people leading the design course (in those days on drawing boards with almost no computing, no calculators and only the use of a slide rule and log-tables!)

In my final year we worked on a practical problem to measure the moment of inertia of a 650 Yamaha motorcycle to help the manufacturer (and a leading motorcycle racer) solve handling problems.

I was awarded the final year AVERY Prize for my design of a motorcycle shaft drive (to replace a chain drive on a Triumph Trident) and this project also led to the I.Mech.E awarding me a Bronze Medal for Design in 1976.

Great people teaching the course and great people with me on the course.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
On graduating, to Air Products where I worked as an operations engineer, keeping European plants running, huge compressors and turbines.

Then to Esso Petroleum at Milford Haven in project Engineering introducing major energy-saving changes to the plant, then to Fawley refinery for much of the same.

Complete change then, to INSEAD at Fontainebleau to take an MBA (and help administer the course). On graduating, to Lucas Industries to try and help turm around the company, initially in Diesel Systems - sales and marketing worldwide, then as General Manager in their petrol engine management division which was then spun off into a joint venture with SAGEM of France.

In 2000 to run Linx Xymark in Hull, designing and making industrial laser printers. In 2008 to Oxford Poly (Brookes) to learn about racing engine design under the former Chief Engineer at Cosworth (Geoff Goddard), gaining a distinction in my MSc there (at age 54) and then going on to design new performance parts for historic Ducati motorcycles under my company Misano Design and Engineering Ltd.

I just can't stop engineering!

Bill Marchant (Mining Engineering 1987)

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Leeds was one of only five universities in the UK that offered mining engineering, so there were some high calibre people on the course who knew what their career choice and paths were, but for some reason the cohort was often not complete so it was offered in clearing at low A level results.

That meant there was a very wide range of people from all walks of life and from all over the world which meant a great diversity of people on the course which added to the experience I enjoyed.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Unfortunately my career in engineering ended at graduation. I had a scholarship from British Coal throughout my degree but unfortunately that coincided with the miners strike and the closure programme that followed so there was little chance of going forward with my primary plan.

South Africa was in political upheaval at that time so that was out. Australia were prioritising their own graduates so the best opportunities weren't available. Shell offered a good role but working on oil rigs off Scotland didn't fit in with my young family needs. So I became an accountant!

Rob Bradley (Civil Engineering 1981)

Chief Executive Bouygues UK

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I loved life at Leeds. It was a grown up city for a bit from Derby. The student life was full on. I lived in Sadler Hall in the first year which was a bit of a disappointment as it was all male. However we soon made friends with the girls from Weetwood and Oxley halls nearby so all was not lost!

The next two years were spent in student houses in Hyde Park which was great for a few extra minutes in bed in the morning. It was the age of punk and my freshers concert was ‘The Ramones’ Followed quickly by Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Great times. Oh yes, I also did a few lectures.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Started as a graduate at Sellafield nuclear plant working for the direct works maintenance team. Then moved to project management. Then moved to contracting to get my hands dirty. Several moves then to current position.

Charles Kim Kwong Lai (Mechanical Engineering 1989)

Project Manager Chevalier (Envirotech) Limited

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I still remember Prof Dowson, Prof Taylor, Mr Wigglesworth, and Mr Harding. They are very kind and care to students and I still miss all of them and other lecturers.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
We are a contractor firm and mainly for the supply and installation of E&M equipment for the fresh water and sewage water treatment works.

Stephen Brodie (Materials Science and Engineering 1988)

Innovation Manager CSIRO

My memories of studying at Leeds...
An awesome experience. World class education from world class scientists and engineers, plus an amazing social environment. I played a wide range of sports and really enjoyed the social aspects of that, and the travel around the UK to participate in sports tournaments.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Early in my career I was a research scientist, exploring futuristic material for a wide range of applications. This led me to a real passion for ideas and especially how ideas emerge and can be developed through systematic approaches and processes. This also developed my interest in innovation (the application of ideas to create value).

Paul Davidson (Civil Engineering 1984)

Senior Engineer Newcastle City Council

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Some hard work, second year civil engineering was the toughest, culminating in a qualification that I was proud of and which has helped me through my career. This coupled with a fantastic social life and lifelong friends.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Joined a training programme which led to corporate membership of the institution of civil engineers enabling me to practise as a chartered engineer. I have since embarked on the design and supervision of numerous highway construction schemes together with training and mentoring of younger staff.

Grafton Chimanikire (Mechanical Engineering 1981)

Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Givaudan

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Mechanical Engineering classes and design kept me busy and challenged. I did Bioengineering as a specialty in my final year and found that the engineering involved in heart transplants was more complicated than the actual surgery. One had to create artificial lungs and heart to keep the body alive.

Mark Browne (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1983)

Senior Electronics Engineer Intersurgical Ltd

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I learned stuff that has helped to keep me employed for the last 40 years. The first person that I met at James Baillie flats is still my friend.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have worked in many different industries, starting with the military, moving on to ocean navigation, then bespoke keyboard design.

From there I moved to work for Nokia for 12 years - an excellent company to work for, even when the company lost its place at the top. My current position is designing medical equipment, some of which has been very useful during the pandemic - it's good to have job satisfaction!

In most of these I have combined electronics design with writing the software to control it, leading to me being capable of a wide range of jobs.

Stephen Long (Materials Science and Engineering 1985)

Science Teacher Ridgeway Academy

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I did a PhD in Polymer Physics at Leeds which involved mechanical testing of polymers and production of fibres using melt-spinning. Then went on to work on the composite materials using a large-scale reaction injection moulding machine, and worked to improve the control and monitoring of the production techniques.

Rosemary Taylor (Civil Engineering 1980)

Systems Engineer/Physics Teacher Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I will never forget the day I came to Leeds for interview. Our guide was very keen to show us the Pack Horse opposite so we waited there until it was time for each of us to go across for our individual meetings. In the foyer to the civil engineering building, in front of the curving staircase I think, were a group of students talking about their concrete canoe and the concrete spaying technology used to make it.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I did design a concrete roof in North London but quickly I changed path and became involved in the new and expanding computer industry. I started as a systems engineer but eventually became a senior sales and marketing manager before changing again and eventually becoming a physics teacher.

James Vaughan (Mechanical Engineering 1983)

VP Software Development WMS

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Best of times, best friends (that are still friends).

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Started a software company that sells scheduling software for manufacturing.

Mark Thompson (Civil Engineering 1985)

Project Director Deloitte PDS

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Filled with enthusiasm for and excitement about my future career building things, brought down to earth by long days and longer nights studying! Having to book days in advance to get a time slot on the mainframe computer.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After graduating from Leeds in 1985, I started work for a major civil engineering consultancy in London. It wasn't quite what I was expecting, but following some soul-searching and a job change, I suddenly found myself working in Nassau, Bahamas at the start of a permanent expatriate life working overseas (one of the initial attractions of the career). Ten countries later, I now permanently reside in Brisbane, Australia.

Shaifful Yunus (Civil Engineering 1988)

President S2E Renewable Energy

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Enjoyed myself most of my days there.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I’m the concrete doctor.

Steve Taylor (Electronic & Electrical Engineering 1985)

Chief Engineer Cannon Instrument Co.

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Hard work! With labs and lectures, the engineering courses were a test of stamina. Some great memories - in the first year labs in the (closed) high voltage test lab with Dr Heylen, who, for all the world could have understudied Boris Karloff. Or the (closed) electric machines labs which ironically has provided me with a lot more useful knowledge than I ever thought at the time.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After joining my dad in the newly established family business in 1985, I spent my career from then to 2014 designing scientific instruments for testing engine oils and other materials. Did a huge amount of international travel for servicing and sales, and represented us on several international standard committees. Working in a small business, I ended up doing anything as needed, and have designed circuits, designed mechanical components, written software and was MD of the company for 10 years.

Then my dad died and the fun went out of it. I had a breakdown, and a lifesaving conversation with an honourable competitor led to a life changing emigration, my wife, two sons, and two cats moving with me, a container of house, a container of work, and a container with our two beloved Land Rovers, to Pennsylvania, where we now live. Life is good. We own a house in New Mexico, as well as an aeroplane (actually, that's still a project!! ). I got my pilot certificate last year and we have done a lot of "test flights". Offspring have sprung. Eldest is a QC chemist, Youngest just qualified as a structural engineer. Started at Leeds! I actually organised a very small reunion here a couple of years ago.

Ian Bate (Fuel and Energy Engineering 1988)

Service Desk Operative Kingdom Services Group

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Supportive staff and making great friends in a fantastic environment.

Christoforos Georgallides (Textile Process Engineering 1982)

Senior Textile Technologist Retired

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was very useful and enjoyable.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Senior Textile Technologist in the John Lewis Merchandise Testing Laboratory in London.

FookChoy Wong (Electrical and Electronics Engineering 1996)

IS & Facility Senior Manager Computacenter

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was a foreign student from Malaysia in the brand new Devonshire flats. Made a lot of friends from all around the world, which helped to shape my thoughts on different cultures. I hung around mostly with my Asian friends, enjoying the experience of living in UK.

I really appreciated the warm and friendly locals. Waking up in the morning and walking to the faculty is an experience in itself as I would bump into some classmates and make the journey to class fun.

Though I was studying engineering, my heart was in music. I envied those music majors in Leeds but stuck to my degree as that was what my parents intended me to major in. At the end of my two years in Leeds, I really appreciated the experiences. They helped shape the person I am today. I am proud to have studied in Leeds.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I started humbly as a field engineer providing services and support to the semiconductor industries in Malaysia. I worked in that industry for about eight years before becoming a senior product specialist to support the sales team. I moved on to another company that sells building automation systems and there, I led a team of service engineers providing customer services.

I am proud to have built the first wireless street surveillance systems in Malaysia for a local township developer. I later moved on to the telco industry and started developing products relating to Internet-of-Things (IoT). That company wound down and I went back to customer services in the scientific industry leading service engineers in post sales support. That led me back to a UK company that I joined in 2014 till now providing managed services where I was happy servicing clients with their IT needs.

In 2019, I decided to take a step back to spend more time with my family, hence I took the current role to support the office locally where my customers are in-house. Until today, my journey as an electrical and electronics engineer evolved into a role where the work is not just technical but people-focussed. I managed people from all around the world and I'm glad that I had the Leeds experience where my classmates were from different countries.

Thomas Hofmann (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1992)

Professor University of Applied Sciences Nuertingen-Geislingen

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was one of the first Erasmus exchange students and it was very exciting to stay at Oxley Hall and cycle down to the University through Headingley.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I spent 15 year in the automotive industry. First Daimler, then Bosch.

Martin Haigh MBE (Mechanical Engineering 1990)

Business Owner Lattitude7

My memories of studying at Leeds...
When I started my PhD in Mechanical Engineering I was working as a computer science lecturer at a college in Halifax. I was well advanced with my research when I was asked to move back to industry to work as a Principal Engineer at Mintex in Cleckheaton. I started this role in 1987 and thoroughly enjoyed my time guiding a team of engineers.

My research, under the direction of Professor David Barton, was entitled ‘Interfacial Contact Behaviour of Transmission Synchronisers’ and involved writing non-linear finite element code to analyse various loading and lubrication regimes. I designed a testing frame to corroborate the validity of the mathematical analysis. I fondly remember the camaraderie with the other research students and the laughs we had with the technicians who helped with our research work. I also enjoyed walking over the Yorkshire moors with the Mech Eng teams.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After my graduation in 1990 I was promoted to Technical Manager at Mintex responsible for the Product Development Department with 35 staff and research and testing resources.

In 1998 I moved to WABCO in Morley to become Director of Product Development, responsible for 65 staff and a huge portfolio of projects designing and manufacturing safety-critical electro-mechanical devices for commercial vehicles and passenger cars. We had three KTP projects in association with Leeds and, in 2001, won a Government Award for KTP management.

In 2002 I became Group Coach for engineering at WABCO. I was responsible for 150 leaders and their teams plus liaison with world-wide strategy groups.

I was invited to become a member of steering committee, with IDEA CETL and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, supporting the creation and delivery of training on Professional Ethics for Professional Engineers. The Royal Academy of Engineering Project was in line with The Engineering Council’s Statement of Ethical Principles. I delivered many training courses on engineering ethics to undergraduates and to industry groups.

In 2009 I took the bold step and started my own company, Lattitude7. This is a learning and development consultancy with many prestigious clients, including Jaguar Land Rover, Muller, The Manufacturing Institute. The business grew and now we have two part-time staff and 16 associates supporting our consultancy and programme delivery. We have a focused CSR programme and 30% of our work is delivered in kind. We support young people with training on confidence, self-belief, attitude and skills for securing and remaining in work.

I have had the privilege of supporting Fisita with their Eurobrake conferences since 2012, performing after dinner speeches and running their graduate surgeries. In the 2016 New Years Honours list I was given an MBE for services to the community, charity and changing the lives of young people in West Yorkshire and, in 2021 our company received The Queens Award for Enterprise in the category ‘Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

I never realised, when I was enjoying my research at Leeds University, back in 1983 to 1987 just how my life would turn out. I have enjoyed my success in industry and self-employment and I put a lot of that success down to the learnings from my research days at Leeds.

And, as I say to my delegates now, “You can never discover new oceans unless you are prepared to lose sight of the shore".

Paul Bolton (Management with Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering 1996)

Chief Operating Officer First Aviation Services LLC

My memories of studying at Leeds...
My time at Leeds was up there with the best three years of my life, the combination of education and the social life was outstanding.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After graduating from Leeds I went into tooling design then moved to an IBM partner as a CAD consultant which led me to Formula 1. I started at an external consultant for a number of teams before moving to Ilmor/Mercedes Benz High Performance Engines as a design engineer. After a couple of years at MBHPE I was approached by a NASCAR team in USA to head up engineering for their engine division where I stayed for 7 years before moving to Aerospace.

Gary Lightowlers (Mineral Engineering 1998)

Managing Director and Owner GL Filtration Ltd.

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Very practical

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Started off working for engineering companies making filtration equipment. Decided to set up my own manufacturing facility in Doncaster. Won Doncaster Chamber Business Award for International Trade. We are now a major supplier to the Pharmaceutical Industry.

Iola Shaw (Material Science and Engineering 1990)

Project Coordinator Chamber of Commerce

My memories of studying at Leeds...
There was one lecture course I enjoyed in my third year, and I couldn't see what I was supposed to see down a microscope, but rote learning got me a solid 2.1.

Matt Bennett (Materials Science and Engineering 1993)

Senior Technical Advisor Environment Agency

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Enjoying the social side of uni life. Watching gigs in the Duchess of York, being introduced to Tetley's bitter in the Original Oak and having my BMX nicked!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I used my materials science knowledge in landfill engineering design and build assessments. I became a chartered engineer after about 15 years working as a regulator and I'm still involved in regulating the waste industry.

Jim O'Brien (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1999)

Deputy Development Director Alderhey Children's NHS FT

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Leeds was a very welcoming and friendly place. I was in the Henry Price halls in the first year and loved being on campus. The events and activities across the campus were great and the architecture of the campus was amazing. The course I did was quite difficult but extremely well delivered and fantastic support to allow me to graduate. Leeds will always have a very special place in my heart and I am so proud of being part of the university graduates.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Since graduating I have progressed through a number of engineering roles, specifically within building services. I specialised in healthcare and have worked across a number of NHS trusts in both mechanical and electrical areas, becoming an authorised person in medical gases, low voltage, specialist ventilation and lifts. I became a chartered engineer, using my healthcare knowledge in 2018. I have since progressed in management of healthcare services and capital delivery and am currently the Deputy Development Director at Alderhey, where I am responsible for delivering approximately £80m worth of capital projects.

Chris Eng (Electronic and Electrical Engineering 1996)

Chief Strategy Officer Etiqa Insurance and Takaful

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I remember when we were doing a lab on analogue electronics we had to build a motion detector with some chips, LED and a simple motion sensor. The threshold was to get it to detect motion placed three meters away to get a pass and most of us barely made that distance. But there was this guy in my class (I can’t remember his name) who got his to work at a distance of nine meters! He always dressed in black leather and rode a bike so we assumed he would be a rebel without a cause. But after getting to know him better in the lab he turned out to be this really friendly and pleasant guy. Just shows you can’t judge a book by its cover.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I worked in Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) for a year after graduation but then went back to being a control engineer for 3 years before I did my MPhil in Engineering. In those three years I got to work on the first generation independent power producers in Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and a transmission grid that brought power to the undeveloped parts of the state of Sabah - all major infrastructure projects. Never regret studying engineering even though I’ve not been one in 23 years.

Adam Milner (Materials Science and Engineering 1998)

Project Management Lloyds

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Dr Chris Hammond explaining why looking through microscopes was much more interesting than watching TV!

Harald Vegstein (Mechanical Engineering 1997)

HSSEQ Manager, CSO and DPA Golar LNG

My memories of studying at Leeds...
As a foreign student from Norway, Leeds was a magical place to study. There were about 40-50 of us at the Uni and some at the Met too, so most of us got really good friends with the English population too. I even managed ok in the Ski Club, the biggest society for good reason. Having a go at making an artificial heart muscle based on electromechanic principles for my final year thesis is one of the most interesting creative feats I’ve had I think. Studying both medical and magnetism to get the right muscle power on the systole was so intriguing. Leeds is such a dynamic and developing place and I hear of changes and new improvements year on year. That’s what I like to hear! I now work the realm of FLNG and HSSEQ (look it up) and will forever cherish my time at Leeds. I hope Trevor may read this.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Technical and operational safety oil and gas.

Holly Hill (Mineral Engineering 1994)

Primary Teacher Holmes Chapel Primary School

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Going for a drink and a Kit Kat in the Chemistry coffee bar in between lectures. Legging it from the Roger Stevens at the end of a 9 o clock to try and make a 10 o clock at the materials building. Carrot cake from Ainsley's. Gold panning somewhere near Scotland on a department trip and a trip down the University Led Mine. The Otley Run. Making my first blood donation in the Union and then experimenting with the effects of alcohol afterwards.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Whilst I haven’t worked in engineering, I have always been a strong advocate for STEM in school. I have led Design Technology for many years and try to inspire children to problem solve, persevere and work as a team to meet their design briefs. I feel my degree in engineering is a great example, particularly for girls who still can feel that STEM is not for them. I try to enthuse and inspire children in everything STEM and have hopefully helped to create some future engineers!

Yeong Choon Ho (Electronic & Computer Engineering 1996)

Configuration Engineer Lam Research

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was always eager to go to the refectory to have my lunch with my buddies after our session at the Engineering Faculty. A walk to the refectory always provide some nice scenery of the University. Love the smell of the fresh fish and chips and also the seating in the refectory. At night, a visit to the Old Bar to have a drink and a game of pool provided much relaxation from my studies and I managed to mingle and make some new friends as well.

All of these were only some of the great memories. Not to mentioned those memories staying at Sentinel Towers and Montague Burton. Really miss those days.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I've been in engineering especially in the semiconductor industry after graduating from Leeds. Worked in MNC companies during whole career.

Shaban Daud Panhwar (Environmental Engineering and Project Management 2008)

Environmental Engineer Diamer Bhasha Dam Project

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was the best time of my life, I met many people from all over the world who were studying at the University of Leeds and many of them are still in contact with me. I got my job because my teachers at Leeds helped me in a way that made my career. I will never forget my time at Leeds and I love Leeds and I will once again come to see my University this year just to enjoy it once again.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I am working as an Environmental Engineer after completing my studies from Leeds.

James Child (Civil and Structural Engineering 2004)

Senior Estimator Kier Construction

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I can remember tutorials in the Eldon pub, which made for a much more relaxed atmosphere! Also when students fell asleep in lectures Dr Cousens would deliberately make a point about them so they'd wake up embarrassed.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have ended up working in building contracting.

Philip Songa (Environmental Engineering and Project Management 2005)

Associate Arup

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was part of a very multi-national, multi-ethnic class. To date, five of us are still living and working in the UK and meet up at least once every couple of years and keep in touch on WhatsApp. Friends for life! PS: I am still a Leeds resident so still regularly cycle past my old school on my work commute.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I specialise in water resources assessments and water resource management strategy.

Mohammed Abdul Wahid (Transport Planning and Engineering 2006)

Additional Chief Engineer Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was a multidisciplinary experience for me.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
As a civil and transportation engineer I am still engaged in roads and bridge projects.

Nikolaos Dimitrakopoulos (Electronic Engineering 2008)

Senior Product Marketing NXP Semiconductors

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was the greatest time of my life. I was able to take some very interesting courses, join the Leeds University Basketball team and run the Hellenic society all at once.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I am working in the field of Infotainment. Currently looking at next generation automobiles - and electronics play a major role in this.

Martin Royds-Jones (Mechanical Engineering 2001)

Science Teacher Minsthorpe Community College

My memories of studying at Leeds...
The first time I walked into the department I felt like I was walking into Q's workshop from the James Bond film. There were men in white coats everywhere drilling, crushing, spinning and forming weird and wonderful pieces of metal on even weirder and wonderful looking machines. I could not wait to get stuck in.

Over the next four years I learnt so much about how things work, how they're designed and how they're manufactured. My favourite time though was building two race cars in my third and final years. The thrill of flying over to Detroit to take on the Americans - at the time we were the only British team involved and we got such a buzz as the competitors came to see what we had done. We finished an impressive 5th in that year and I could not have been prouder.

25 years later and after a long career in engineering designing Jaguars cars, nuclear submarines and road structures I am now a science teacher. I often describe to my students those hazy days staying up all night spraying carbon fibre nose cones in the hope that they'd be ready for competition the next morning.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I left University with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and was lucky enough to be accepted at Jaguar Cars on their graduate program. I was a body design engineer and worked on the structural aspects of the vehicles. I worked as part of a large team on the F-type, the S-type and the XJ vehicles. I also spent some time working on Land Rover vehicles when the two companies merged.

After this I had a short spell working for a design consultancy who had contracts with the Ministry of Defence as well as the highways agency. Finally after ten years in the industry I moved into teaching and became a secondary school science teacher.

Saterah Acham (Architectural Engineering 2014)

Civil Engineering Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I have many memories from when I studied in Leeds. I made perfect friends, and I am still friends with them to date.

Most of the work and coursework I learnt from Leeds has helped me in my engineering career. I miss Flames and Chacos which is opposite the Parkinson building - their food was great. I miss the long walks I used to make from class back to my accommodation (this was a form of exercise that was so easy to do and kept me in shape).

Morwenna Parkin (Architectural Engineering 2016)

Civil Engineer Mason Clark

My memories of studying at Leeds...
My years at the University of Leeds informed where I am now. My study year abroad in Omaha, Nebraska gave me life long friends across seas and some of the friends I met in first year are still constantly in touch. I still look back on my year abroad as one of the best years of my life and would encourage anyone to go!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
It's changed vastly since I graduated. For my first year after graduation I worked in an architectural firm, working closely with architects and technicians in a specific role as an architectural engineer. I then moved onto becoming a project engineer for three years, where I worked holistically, doing structural design, temporary works, 3D modelling and drainage design. I then found a passion for drainage and started at Mason Clark as a civil engineer, and haven't looked back for the last two and a half years!

I got massively involved in the ICE gast committee, which I chaired for two years and managed to help to make some changes and meet colleagues who are inspirational.

Dimitrios Savvidis (MSc Mechanical Engineering 1999; MSc Transport Engine Emissions 2004; PhD Real World Emissions 2011)

Policy Officer European Commission

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It's been a wonderful experience. I still remember the campus and the resto where we used to organize parties. Having a drink at the café was a great pleasure. Preparing our Master's thesis was a hectic period but at the end you feel so nice when you graduate. My PhD has been an unforgettable experience. It gave me all necessary qualifications to get a job that I enjoy.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I started as a homologation engineer at IVECO Ford Ltd. Then I moved to academia and I was lecturing as a lecturer. When I was offered a post as a civil servant I decided to accept it. My current post is within the European Commission at as Directorate General of Climate Action (DG CLIMA) in Brussels. I am responsible for CO2 emissions from Heavy Duty Vehicles and in charge of the simulation tool called VECTO that determines CO2 emissions and energy consumption from these vehicles.

Ying Sim Chia (Civil and Structural Engineering 2011)

Lead Structural Engineer Jurutera Perunding Awam YS Sdn Bhd

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was the kind of student who liked to sit in the front row during lectures. I loved the library where I could always find the books that I needed. The lecturers were so helpful and patient and they didn’t seem to mind my endless and incessant questions. Leeds has the right balance of components for education and entertainment. I even enjoyed walking through Woodhouse cemetery. Leeds just gave me a sense of peace where nowhere else could.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I started off in a small firm of nine people designing low rise houses and shops. Now I am doing high rise up to 60 odd stories. I am a professional engineer in Malaysia and I hope my designs will help reduce wastage of materials and bring down the overall structural cost of the buildings. In my opinion, it is easy to become a satisfactory building structural engineer but I hope that more people will strive to be an excellent one and that efficient and effective building structure designs are appreciated and valued as they rightly should be.

Suhaila Mohamad Yusuf (Mechanical Engineering 2011)

Senior Lecturer Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

My memories of studying at Leeds... 
Without having any engineering background (My 1st and 2nd degree were Industrial Computing Systems), I pursued my PhD in School of Mechanical Engineering. At that time, it was my intention to do the soft engineering side where I could do programming and visualization. On the day of my registration, my supervisor had changed to another university, and I got a new supervisor. He asked me to do half hard computing and half soft computing, meaning that I needed to do the engineering drawings, test rig, soldering and all.

During my 2nd year of study, I nearly gave up. However, when the thought of need to paying back my scholarship crossed my mind, I pushed myself to complete my studies. My husband, who was also doing his PhD at the same time under the same school, was my biggest supporter and motivator.

In my 4th year of study, something bad happened to our daughter: she was admitted to hospital due to a fractured skull (she accidentally fell when playing with her friends). I applied for three-month suspension, let my husband finish his thesis first and submitted. And then he continued staying at home while I'm finishing mine.

Mid 2011, I successfully completed my studies and we both attended the graduation ceremony in 2012. The experience I gained while in Leeds is something that cannot be compared. Thanks to my supervisor, Dr Dehghani and Dr Rob Richardson, my research mates, my Malaysian friends and families for all the support during those hard years..

To provide some funny memories. Once I had dropped my material. I told everyone to freeze, and they helped me search for the material on the carpet. We crawled on the floor, made fun with each other and only stopped when we found it. My research mates always teased me that my test rig was the most colourful one.

Thanks Leeds University for this treasured experience.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Not really into engineering but I have applied the knowledge I gained when doing research in computing with the domain of engineering.

Howe Wong (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2011)

Executive T Global

My memories of studying at Leeds... 
It's a beautiful country and simply my second home. I enjoyed great experiences of world class education and friendship with students across the world. I love British traditions, the cultural scene and entertainment such as world class music event, football and the breath-taking scenery of the national parks.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Upon graduating with an MEng from the University of Leeds, I worked closely with government agencies to implement several rural electrification projects which have benefited over 30,000 households in the rural non-electrified region of the state. The communities now no longer have to rely on costly fossil fuel generators and enjoy 24-hour electricity using renewable energy source from solar energy and hydro power.

Charles Smith (Civil and Structural Engineering 2016)

Senior Structural Engineer Dice Consulting

My memories of studying at Leeds...
The amazing city, the best academic resources, and the friends I made along the way.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I first joined a large engineering firm after achieving my Masters degree. This was great as I had many opportunities to work on big projects and the chance to further educate myself in structural engineering. After four and a half years, I moved to a much smaller consultancy, where I have much more responsibility and a higher role. This obviously came with additional perks, but I wanted the opportunities that come with working at a smaller firm.

Mahdiyar Nejadhamzeeigilani (Mechanical Engineering 2011)

Senior Researcher Virtual Vehicle

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Being inspired by some enthusiastic academics and researchers.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
PhD then research.

Fabio Ferri (Architectural Engineering
2014)

Training Manager Assistant Jaguar Land Rover Italia

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was a good time. Some periods, especially during the exams, were a bit stressful. But, overall, it was a unique experience. I met people from all over the world. If I could go back in the past, I would do it all again.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I worked at the British Board of Agrèment, the leading certification body of the UK construction industry. After that, I had several experiences in construction companies in Italy, where I often went in person to the construction sites for checks and activities monitoring.

Edidiong Ambrose (Structural Engineering 2014)

Lecturer and Researcher Akwa Ibom State University

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I had great memories studying at Leeds. I arrived from Nigeria in October 2013. There was a delay on my visa from Nigeria, so I missed the first two weeks of lectures. That was my first challenge. On the other hand, it was great at Leeds. Leeds had a good number of international students from almost all the countries of the world. I enjoyed interacting with students of different nationalities. I also enjoyed the well-structured and organised engineering programme. The professors were very friendly and approachable, yet they did not compromise standards. I enjoyed working at the lab. The lab staff were friendly and were always ready to do their jobs and assist us. But, my most memorable moment was my graduation at the Great Hall.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I am a lecturer. I now hold a PhD in structural engineering

Chewe Chishala (Environmental Engineering and Project Management 2017)

Director, Water Resource Management Water Resources Management Authority

My memories of studying at Leeds...
They say first impressions last a lifetime. As soon as I entered the Edward Boyle Library, I knew I had made the right choice.

Coming from a background where we literally shared one book amongst 30 students, the amount of resources at my disposal was amazing. Entering the Terrace and Old Bar cemented my belief in the University of Leeds Spirit. I remember fondly taking part in the Old Bar quiz, feasting on their lasagne while downing a Jack Daniel and Soda. Of course beside me was Kobayashi our Japanese binge master (an exchange student), Yoanna an undergraduate student from Bulgaria , Tony studying Electrical Engineering, Hanna from Taiwan who was struggling to learn Spanish, Bobbi from Ghana who was ready to revolutionise the Ghanaian transport sector (he is still trying to date!). Jodi from the Caribbean with the great ideas and Asim who seemed never to stop travelling!

We had a diverse team and it meant doing a lot of activities from other cultures. I was a Christian but travelled to Morocco because my Muslim friend wanted to see the biggest mosque in Africa during Ramadan! I learnt how to swim at 28. The education was second to none. I enjoyed myself immensely during my stay at Leeds but the icing on the cake was obtaining a first class degree.

The University of Leeds equipped me with the skills to face any challenges, to make society better and most importantly provided me with lasting friendships and collaborations!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I went to Leeds as a design engineer but currently I'm a director for a government agency responsible for managing water resources for the Zambian people. Before joining the Government Agency, I worked as a water and sanitation engineer for a German Consulting firm in Zambia. I also did freelance consultancy work.

Elon Sooknanan (Water Sanitation & Health Engineering 2019)

Head, Public Infrastructure, Transportation & Tourism Guyana Environmental Protection Agency

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Visiting the parks, walking in Leeds city centre, taking photos of the well designed buildings and breath- taking architecture, attending church, networking and meeting new friends and attending classes which provided the opportunity to connect and learn from professors with a wealth of knowledge and experience, follow international best practice and utilising the best available cutting- edge technology to address complex scenarios. My journey at the University of Leeds was rich, rewarding and resourceful. Thank you Leeds for taking me on life- changing journey.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
15+ years experience as a civil engineer.

Akinola Akinfenwa (Advanced Mechanical Engineering 2019)

My memories of studying at Leeds... 
Hectic days but fun as well. I met a lot of people who were so different from me but who were just brilliant in attitudes and their outlook on life. Loved going on outings to restaurants and trying different food. For me and my friends, that was our thing to do.

Mohammed Adamu (Chemical and Process Engineering 2019)

Academics and a Dean of School Kogi State Polytechnic

My memories of studying at Leeds... 
My first day in Leeds was on that winter blazing night of February 28 2014 and l won’t forget in a hurry how it shaped my perspective of life and my knowledge of the application of engineering to man.

On Monday, 3 March 2014, the real work began and l was in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering to meet with my PhD Supervisor Dr Girish Kale for the first time. We had a good meeting and l was introduced to other members of Dr Kale’s research team. I came back the next day for the University and School registrations, and inductions on the use of laboratories. l got funds to purchase consumables for the year and commenced the synthesis and characterisation of my samples towards the submission of a mandatory report at six months and another report at nine months followed by a viva voce, and l passed handsomely. My second year report was submitted and l was also assessed and passed.

Thereafter, l started attending conferences to discuss findings from my research and publishing them in academic journals. By doing these, writing my thesis was easy and defending it during my final viva voce was smooth. I completed my PhD with a smile on my face not minding all the ups and downs. Leeds taught me something new and made me a real problem solver.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have always been an academic and l teach Materials Engineering.

Elie Dib (Electronic and Computer Engineering 2022)

Graduate Engineer in WLAN Radio Firmware Samsung Cambridge Solutions Centre

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Leeds is my favourite city. As an international student, I felt super welcome and I made some lifelong friendships during the four years I spent living and studying there. Any university student will tell you how dramatic the ups and downs can be, but I wouldn't change a second I spent there. I worked on so many exciting projects during my studies and this helped teach and motivate me to work on many projects in my free time as well. There are many extremely talented and knowledgeable people at the University and it was a pleasure to learn from them.

The staff in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering seemed to listen to the opinions of the students about the course, as any changes they decided to make were done with our collaboration. They went out of their way to make sure our voices were heard and we felt represented when decisions were made. I was even invited to redesign the course I was on after I graduated as they tried to improve the course to better prepare prospective students to enter the workforce competently and confidently.

Ultimately, I am a more confident, skilled, and passionate individual since I went to university. I credit the city, the people I met, and the people that helped me achieve so much during my higher-level education.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
During my time at Leeds, I did a summer internship in a tech company called Caldero based in Leeds which evolved into a part-time job while I continued my studies in third and fourth year. I worked mainly on WiFi test automation while at Caldero, but I also worked on various projects which included 3D Design and Printing, as well as some power electronics and more software-orientated tasks. I've also done a placement year at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars where I did more prototype-related work as well as more CAD design.

I am now six months into a two-year long graduate scheme at Samsung Cambridge. I've been applying what I learned at Caldero and expanding my knowledge about RF communications, WiFi connectivity and testing, as well as embedded systems.

Washishtha Tarlekar (Automotive Engineering 2018)

Automotive Engineer Wings EV PVT.LTD

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was an insightful year. I loved the teaching method, the resources provided were excellent. Education is something that can't be provided unless the recipient is accepting. And for the recipient to accept, they need to understand the importance of it and the benefit it has. Staff at the University of Leeds helped me understand that. They gave me insight into the field, resources to explore and opportunities to solve problems.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have been working as a mechanical engineer for around five years now and have built products that are useful in improving the circular economy of vehicles and its components. I have built sustainable plastic products in the past and I'm currently building a revolutionary micromobilty vehicle.

Madeleine Coyle (Railway Engineering with Project Management 2022)

Senior Technical Officer Network Rail

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Great buildings and architecture, great study spaces and I could tell the lecturers were passionate about their subjects

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
To the graduate scheme for Network Rail. I have recently been promoted to one of the busiest maintenance depots in London. I am responsible for monitoring track geometry and quality in the area as well as ordering strategic spares for components that would cause major delays if they failed. I have found my master's has been a good grounding to understand the railway as a full system.

Laura Snowden (Civil and Environmental Engineering 2022)

Graduate Civil Engineer Mott MacDonald

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Studying at Leeds was one of the best decisions I made. I originally chose the university over others I had looked at, for their engineering labs and facilities but the highlight for me was the people. I made connections in lectures, tutorials and study rooms which have remained with me after graduating. While we may have complained about working on group projects at the time, the skills I learnt have been so useful in my working life as I'm constantly working with others on projects. The careers service helped me apply for internship years in my third year, I had an excellent experience despite working through lockdowns, and I am currently back working for the same company now. I started my degree wanting to build skyscrapers as a structural engineer but through the wide variety of environmental and public health modules I studied, as well as people I met on the course and through societies, I left wanting to make a bigger and more positive difference and focus on environmental solutions.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I applied for an industrial year placement in 2019 and joined the infrastructure team at Mott MacDonald, Bristol, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though much of my year was spent working from home, I had a great experience, learnt a lot and enjoyed meeting people and exploring the city. I now work on the same team as a graduate engineer and have worked on as variety of utility and highways projects, undertaken site visits and ecology surveys. I am working towards chartership and am part of serveral local STEM mentoring programs. I also run the sports and social climbing group for the office.

Ben Clegg (Mechanical Engineering 2021)

PhD candidate, BioMedical Engineering Luleå University of Technology

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Great friends that i am still in touch with, interesting and engaging projects.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
1 year into my PhD studies as a Biomedical Engineer.

Yupei Yan (Automotive Engineering 2021)

EPE System and Application Engineer Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Stay up in IT cluster all night.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Now I’m responsible for Mustang MachE charging system work.

Allyredha Baalawy (Mechanical Engineering 2022)

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Very educational, tiring, overwhelming, fun.

Anushree Dasgupta (Electronics and Electrical Engineering 2020)

Doctoral Researcher Loughborough University

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was the first time I've been away from home and my parents. So Leeds and the University are always going to hold a special place in my heart. The place taught me so much: made me learn how to live independently, how to live a life away from family, gave me life-long memories and friendships, helped me grow both personally and professionally. Studying in Leeds was the major reason I chose UK to continue my PhD and did not want to go to any other country. I had a very good experience with people there as they are very helpful and friendly in nature which made me more confident. Now I am doing a PhD at Loughborough University, Leicestershire and I couldn't be more grateful to Leeds and the University. Leeds is where it all started...and I will always cherish it.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have been a Masters student at the University of Leeds and my project involved IOT. This is where I developed an interest to work more and research in this field and hence I went ahead to do a PhD. I received the British Council STEM scholarship for women for my MSc and received the University Research studentship for my PhD in Loughborough University.

Hossam Youssef (Embedded Systems Engineering 2020)

PhD Student City University of London

My memories of studying at Leeds...
The University opened my eyes to how research has a great impact into making a sustainable environment.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Optical Fibre Sensor data management.

Derrick Barger (Mechanical Engineering 2020)

Masters student in Risk and Reliability Engineering The Arctic University of Norway

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I was an exchange student at Leeds from Fall 2019-Spring 2020. Moving to England from the USA was one of the most impactful decisions of my life. While I was able to continue my education with course like fluid dynamics, vector calculus, and solid mechanics, it was also a fantastic chance to expand my cultural awareness and communication skills.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
After finishing my exchange year at Leeds, I began work as an undergraduate research fellow specializing in battery electrochemistry/degradation and simulation engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Faisal Mohammed Almutairi (Electrical Engineering & Renewable Energy Systems 2021)

Project Engineer Zamil MRO

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Happy, positive

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Renewable energy

Nasrullah (Embedded Systems 2022)

Deputy Manager Government Organisation

My memories of studying at Leeds...
University of leeds has became my unforgettable memory. It was wonderful experience especially the way of teaching at university and teaching approach by Professors. Being a foreign student the University was like home, the environment and staff was very cooperative.I wish more success to the University of Leeds.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Charming and bright ahead.

Jack Fisher (Automotive Engineering (Industrial) 2020)

NVH Engineer Lotus Cars

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Great engaging course and plenty of practical experience gathered through formula student!

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Currently I develop noise and vibration characteristics on Lotus products (notably the Emira and Evija road cars). This can be passive in the form of noise reduction/suspension feedback or active in terms of sound synthesis. I also previously worked for Caterpillar as a graduate engineer (where my interest in NVH stemmed) and for Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains where I worked as a Design Engineer resulting in me being part of the Formula 1 Constructors' Champion team for 2 of the 8 year winning spell.

Joseph Drake (Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2021)

Design Engineer Siemens

My memories of studying at Leeds...
I remember that 164 is the only place for lunch. I remember the random DJ that would be outside the Parkinson building during the summer. It was special. In Electrical Engineering we would have a end of year ball with the tutors with your fellow classmates.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
Only just begun but has been a progressive experience.

Abukar Sharif (Civil Engineering with Project Management 2022)

Graduate Project Manager Mott MacDonald

My memories of studying at Leeds...
As an engineering graduate from the University of Leeds, I have many fond memories of my time studying at this prestigious institution. Some of my most vivid memories include:
World-Class Faculty: One of the most memorable aspects of studying at Leeds was the quality of the faculty. The engineering department at Leeds is renowned for its academic excellence, and it was truly inspiring to learn from some of the best minds in the field.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Another standout memory from my time at Leeds was the top-notch facilities. The engineering labs and workshops were equipped with the latest equipment and technology, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience and develop my practical skills.
Diverse Student Community: The University of Leeds is a truly international institution, and the engineering department was no exception. I had the opportunity to meet and work with students from all over the world, which broadened my perspective and helped me develop my cross-cultural communication skills.
Engaging Coursework: The engineering program at Leeds was challenging, but the coursework was engaging and relevant to real-world problems. I appreciated that the faculty emphasized the practical application of engineering principles, which helped me develop my problem-solving skills.
Vibrant Campus Life: Finally, my memories of studying at Leeds wouldn't be complete without mentioning the vibrant campus life. From sports teams to social clubs, there was always something happening on campus, and I felt like I was part of a close-knit community.
Overall, my time studying engineering at the University of Leeds was incredibly rewarding and memorable. I feel like I received a world-class education, and I'm proud to be an alumnus of this prestigious institution.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
As a graduate project manager in engineering, my career has been focused on leading and delivering successful projects in the field. Over the past year, I have gained experience in various aspects of project management, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, ranging from small-scale initiatives to large-scale infrastructure projects. Some of my notable accomplishments include delivering projects on time and within budget, identifying and mitigating project risks, and effectively managing stakeholder expectations.In addition to my project management skills, I also have a strong technical background in engineering as I have completed a placement year that the University of Leeds helped me get. This has allowed me to understand the complexities of engineering projects and to work effectively with technical teams to ensure project success.Overall, my current career in engineering has been challenging and rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to work on innovative and impactful projects in the future.

Ben Dance (Chemical Engineering 2022)

Graduate Process Engineer Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

My memories of studying at Leeds...
Living in a fantastic city meeting people from all round the world, working together and helping each other succeed on what was a challenging course. The level of education and research was world-class and helped develop me both academically and personally, allowing me to thrive in my graduate role.

And since leaving Leeds, my career in engineering has taken me...
I have 18 months of experience in both placement and graduate roles, working both on site and in a project role.

Chun Ho Lee (Architectural Engineering 2022)

Masters Student Imperial College London

My memories of studying at Leeds...
It was challenging but interesting at the same time.