www.strath.ac.uk/engineering @StrathEng

Engineering

Strathclyde Students Standing Out

Issue 7, Autumn 2012

Student Success Continues at Prestigious Awards Ceremonies University Principal Knighted by the Queen NASA Astronauts Visit the Faculty Trophy for Strathclyde Formula Student Team [ Introduction ]

Contents

02 Strathclyde Students Win Internship INTRODUCTION Opportunity of a Lifetime with BP

Welcome from the Dean of Engineering 03 Student Success Welcome to the latest edition of Engineering Insight, which has a particular focus on some of the recent successes of our students. 15 Staff Success The Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde has a strong and well established reputation for the quality of its education and for producing high-calibre graduates. This is something we are very proud of and we try to go the extra mile to 17 Outreach ensure that our students gain the most from their time at Strathclyde. Our students work hard to achieve excellent results and to be noticed by professional societies and industry and they are often rewarded for their work, in the 19 New Ventures form of awards, scholarships and industrial placements.

2012 has been a particularly successful year for our students, with several winning major prizes and awards both 24 Research/Knowledge Exchange nationally and internationally, against fierce competition. A team of Strathclyde undergraduate engineering students came out on top against 249 other teams, which included undergraduate and postgraduate students, to win this year’s 26 Successful Alumnus BP Ultimate Fieldtrip Competition. Another impressive success story is that of identical twins Carol and Claire Forsyth, who graduated together from the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering in July 2012, achieving the highest final MEng degree averages ever in this Faculty Staff Department. Since graduating, they have gone on to win highly prestigious research scholarships from the Carnegie Faculty Manager Faculty Academic Development Officer Dr Gayle Wilson Gabrielle Weir Trust for the Universities of Scotland, to carry out research [email protected] [email protected] PhDs in Chemical and Process Engineering. Marketing Development Coordinator International Recruitment Advisor The success of our students is no surprise when our Annabel Dalgleish Christine Donald staff are also performing highly within their fields and [email protected] [email protected]

being recognised at the very highest levels. This includes Faculty Administrative Assistant Dean’s Secretary the University Principal, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Andrea Roy Susan Pawson/Mary Cunningham who has been awarded a knighthood in The Queen’s [email protected] [email protected] Diamond Jubilee Birthday Honours. Professor Sir Jim is a [email protected] distinguished engineer, academic and businessman and Faculty Administrator (Research and Knowledge Exchange) remains an active researcher in the field of electrical power Carol Brady engineering. [email protected]

This edition of Engineering Insight highlights a selection of Faculty Development Officer Modern Apprentice (Administration) the national and international recognition that our students Caroline McGuire Chloe McGowan [email protected] [email protected] are achieving. I hope that the successes shown here will inspire the next generation of students Faculty of Engineering to study engineering, and staff in the University of Strathclyde Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde Room 5.25 look forward to welcoming many of Royal College Building them over the coming years. 204 George Street Glasgow G1 1XW

t: +44 (0)141 548 2749 e: [email protected] Professor Scott MacGregor twitter: @StrathEng Dean, Faculty of Engineering Web: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering

The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, number SC015263.

01 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Strathclyde Students Win Internship Opportunity of a Lifetime with BP ]

Strathclyde Students Win Internship Opportunity of a Lifetime with BP

team of undergraduate students Afrom the Faculty of Engineering has given their careers a boost by winning this year’s BP Ultimate Fieldtrip Competition.

The team, known as ‘Aspire’, came first in the nationwide challenge after impressing the judges with their innovative solution to a problem set by BP. Tasked with outlining how they would make a BP refinery CO2 neutral by 2030, the competition was judged not just on technical content but also presentation skills and teamwork. The teams, having already presented their proposal during the semi-finals, had the chance to present their ideas in a succinct manner to staff from BP as well as field a 20 minute question and answer session from the likes of BP’s Chief Scientist Ellen Williams at the Royal Institution- based final. The teams each had two BP mentors who gave eight hours of their time to help prepare the pitches. Aspire’s mentors were Roger Skinner and Susan Shaw.

Aspire’s proposal focused on the idea of capturing CO2 produced during The winning Strathclyde team, Aspire the refining process, then using algae Caption in photo-bioreactors to turn it into hydrogen and biomass that can then coincided with exams for most of them - surprise to win, but also a huge honour. be turned into biofuels or used in bio- in fact several had exams scheduled for We can’t wait to start our internship.” product manufacturing. The Aspire the same day. proposal also included wind turbines The awards ceremony took place at to provide electricity, and a community Aspire’s three members – Simonas the Royal Institution of Great Britain eco-park. As well as providing a system Stilius from the Department of in London. It was compered by Dr for carbon capture, they also hoped Mechanical and Aerospace Kevin Fong, TV and radio presenter, to sell the algal biomass at a profit – Engineering, and Guy Drori and Edward newspaper columnist and honorary intending to use it in biofuels as well as Kay from the Department of Naval senior lecturer in physiology at in pharmaceuticals. Architecture and Marine Engineering University College, London. – were rewarded with a six-week paid Aspire beat two other finalists to the internship in Trinidad and Tobago and Almost 250 teams entered this year’s big prize. Both runner-up teams were the Gulf of Mexico. competition, which is the third the oil from Imperial College, London. All the giant has run. The three finalist teams students spent six months on their “We’re still in a state of shock,” said were chosen from 45 entries - more than projects, fitting in the work around their Stilius. “The Ultimate Field Trip has a twice as many as last year. Each team university courses. The build-up to the reputation for being the toughest test for had to design a poster and produce a Ultimate Field Trip grand final event STEM students in the UK, so it really is a four-minute film about their proposal.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 02 [ Student Success ]

Student Success Chemical and Process Engineering Twins Win Prestigious Carnegie PhD Scholarships

dentical twins have gained Masters Carol and Claire on their graduation day at Strathclyde Idegrees with distinction from the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering (CPE) and have achieved the highest final MEng degree averages ever from the Department. Carol and Claire Forsyth, 22, celebrated their double success in Chemical Engineering and are also set to receive prizes for coming joint top of their class.

They have also won highly prestigious research scholarships from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, to carry out research PhDs in Chemical and Process Engineering. The girls were awarded two out of only 14 Carnegie PhD Scholarships covering all academic disciplines across the whole of Scotland.

Claire’s research will be on the flow behaviour of complex mixtures of solids and liquids, with relevance across a wide range of applications from food processing, particle transport and reactors in chemical engineering, to how geological materials like rocks and magma respond to force. She will work with Dr Mark Haw and Dr Leo Lue in CPE, and collaborate with Dr David Pritchard in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Claire and Carol are both ‘alumni’ Carol’s project, supervised by Dr Jan “For a student to win a Carnegie PhD of CPE’s Summer Research Project Sefcik in CPE, focuses on how solid award is prestigious enough,” said CPE’s scheme, which encourages research crystals form from molecular solutions. Director of Teaching Dr Mark Haw, “but for skills and interests in undergraduates Important in industries ranging from two students in one Department to win in by running research internships each pharmaceuticals to foods, understanding the same year is truly fantastic!” summer. Recent years have seen an and controlling the crystal ‘nucleation’ expansion from one or two projects per process remains a fundamental scientific year to around 10, funded by diverse question as well as a major practical organisations including Nuffield, EPSRC, challenge. Carol will develop and use IChemE, Carnegie, Conoco Phillips advanced optical methods to measure Carol and Claire have each received and the University’s Strathclyde Interns and understand how nucleation several prizes for academic achievement scheme. The Carnegie PhD awards, happens, and how to better control during their degree and secured which pay student fees, stipend, and it for development of innovative scholarships with, respectively, BP contributions to research and travel continuous crystallisation processes, and global engineering consultancy costs, represent a total of more than in work linked to the EPSRC Centre for Pöyry. They also undertook industrial £130,000 benefit to the University—an Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous placements - Claire with EDF and Carol excellent return on the investment of time Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC). with Chemring Energetics. and effort from staff and students!

03 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

Student Success at British Interplanetary Society for the Third Year in a Row

hree of the six finalists in a The three Strathclyde finalists were Ruaridh Tprestigious UK competition run by Clark, an undergraduate student studying the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) MEng Aeromechanical Engineering, and were from the University of Strathclyde, PhD students Pamela Anderson and and for the third year in a row, the Charlotte Lücking, both from the Advanced postgraduate competition was won by Space Concepts Laboratory (ASCL). They a PhD student of the Advanced Space were invited to London in May to present Concepts Laboratory, Department their research to an expert panel. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Charlotte won the postgraduate competition with a presentation on The BIS chooses an undergraduate “The Mission and System Design of and postgraduate student, based on a 3U CubeSat for passive GTO to the quality of a submitted paper, to LEO transfer”. This is the third year represent the UK in an international in succession that the postgraduate student competition at the largest UK representative comes from the annual space conference, the 63rd University of Strathclyde, previous International Astronautical Congress in winners being ASCL PhD students The Strathclyde finalists Naples this October. Jeannette Heiligers and Giuliano Punzo.

Peter Named Strathclyder of the Year

talented marine engineering student “It was a huge accolade last year to win Peter Dow and the Strathclyder of A has been honoured by the University. the top prize at the Science, Engineering the Year Trophy Peter Dow, a final year Naval Architecture and Technology awards and it was great and Marine Engineering student has been to show that Strathclyde is up there with named Strathclyder of the Year for his the very best, as I was competing with outstanding contributions to the University. students from Oxford and Cambridge.”

Peter’s fourth-year project investigated how the maritime industry can benefit Peter’s project supervisor Professor from carbon capture and storage. It won Chengi Kuo commended Peter for the the Best Maritime Technology award award, which he shared with Sarah at the UK Science, Engineering and Breslin, Director of SCILT - Scotland’s Technology (SET) awards in September National Centre for Languages. 2011. Peter was also awarded the Student of the Year accolade, the first Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal time a student in a Scottish university of the University, said: “Peter and Sarah has won the overall top award across 14 have excelled in their individual fields, Peter, 23, graduated from his MEng engineering and science disciplines. and share a commitment to excellence in Naval Architecture and Marine that is very much in keeping with Engineering course in July. our vision as a leading international Peter said “I was really surprised to be technological university. Throughout his course, Peter spent his named Strathclyder of the Year, it is a summers taking on work placements huge honour. Strathclyde University has “Their achievements have brought with companies to gain experience, one of the top engineering departments considerable credit to themselves, and and he has already been offered anywhere; it has been a fantastic to the University, and we are delighted and accepted a job with Babcock experience studying here. to recognise their work in this way.” International Group PLC in Rosyth.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 04 [ Student Success ]

Strathclyde Formula Student Team Win Trophy in Germany

very year, the University of early July at the Silverstone EStrathclyde Motorsport (USM) team Racing Circuit, home to the design, build, market and race a single- Formula 1 British Grand seat racing car as part of the global Prix. They finished 20th Formula Student initiative. Formula overall, placing them 6th in Student is a series of international the UK, out of the 50 UK competitions focussed on developing teams competing, and 1st in engineering talent in a practical, Scotland. The team also took competitive high-octane environment. The 7th place in the Cost and initiative is considered a breeding ground Sustainability event and 12th for world-class engineers and the cars place in the Design event. The USM 2012 team and their car and teams involved are put to the test at some of the world’s top racing circuits. USM then went on to compete in the German competition at Hockenheim at Richard Wood, USM’s 2012 Team The USM team comprises students the end of July where they finished 24th Manager, agrees: “This year has been from across the University’s overall out of 77 combustion teams and a huge challenge for USM, but the team Engineering and Business faculties 3rd in the UK in a hugely competitive field have really come together and produced who devote their personal time and featuring most of the world’s top Formula a fantastic set of results. Competing energy to ensuring USM continues to Student teams. Further to this, the team in Formula Student is an incredible compete at a high level both on the also won the Cost Analysis event outright, opportunity for all involved, and USM racetrack and off, showcasing the best the first trophy for the team in six years! have done Strathclyde proud.” of Scottish engineering talent on an This is even more of an achievement for international stage. the team due to the setbacks that they faced earlier in the year due to the fire For more information about the Formula The 2012 team competed against 109 in the University’s James Weir building Student team at Strathclyde visit other teams from all over the world in where they were based. www.formulastudent.strath.ac.uk

Sponsors only targeted a relatively small Low Carbon Undergraduate of the Year number of universities and so he beat off competition from students in other student from the Department of Declan Bryans, an Applied Chemistry excellent universities. This award was one AChemical and Process Engineering and Chemical Engineering student of 12 presented on the day and each has been awarded a top award at the (a course shared between the award was sponsored by a top graduate annual TARGETjobs Undergraduate of Department of Chemical and Process recruiter: Deloitte, Barclays, Mars, Ernst & the Year Awards in London. Engineering and the Department of Young, Morgan Stanley, Laing O’Rourke, Pure and Applied Chemistry), won the E.ON, EDF Energy, RBS, Enterprise Rent- Low Carbon Undergraduate of the A-Car, BT and Mayer Brown. Year Award, sponsored by EDF Energy. His prize is a summer internship and Including Declan, Strathclyde had five tickets to a major sporting event. finalists in the 12 award categories – a really good result and more than any other Declan and nine other undergraduate Scottish university. hopefuls from all over Britain were invited to the final in Canary Wharf “I just want to thank everyone who helped where the winner was announced. me in putting together my presentation There were 235 entrants in total to this and for the encouraging words!” said Declan collecting his award from Michael award which looked for the best STEM Declan, who worked with Dr Siddharth Portillo, host of the awards, and Ali Stripling, undergraduate with a commitment to Patwardhan and other staff in Chemical EDF Energy sustainability and renewable energy. and Process Engineering.

05 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

Strathclyde Record for Saltire Foundation Programme

tudents at Strathclyde have won fire suppression system for a diesel fuel Sthe highest number of places for farm within a 50MW site in Tanzania, a single institution in the history of a he said: “I am really very surprised with prestigious internship programme. how much responsibility I have been given - sourcing/dealing directly with Thirty students at the University have suppliers and challenging their quotes. The successful Strathclyde Saltire students won placements on this year’s Saltire With this project I have really begun to Foundation Internships scheme- a third see the bigger picture of engineering of places; this confirms the value we of the total and the largest number and the amount of effort needed to go place on these and other internship any university has secured since the into a seemingly simple project where programmes.” programme began in 2007. Twelve of you have to consider everything from the students were from the Faculty of logistics and mobilisation to future Sandy Kennedy, CEO of the Saltire Engineering - five from the Department development and lead time.” Foundation, said: “Students often of Mechanical and Aerospace meet and engage with senior level Engineering, three from the Department Katy Gordon, Careers Service management and gain exposure to of Chemical and Process Engineering, and Employability Manager with high-level business networks. Host firms two students studying Electrical and Strathclyde’s Careers Service, said: in the USA have said that the quality of Mechanical Engineering, and one “The Saltire Foundation Internships offer Saltire Scholars is as good, if not better, student each from the Departments of great opportunities for students to gain than their Ivy League equivalents. Electronic and Electrical Engineering experience of working environments and Design, Manufacture and and, just as importantly, to immerse “This year has seen a record number Engineering Management. themselves in the life and culture of of student applications and we will other nations. The chance to take part is be recruiting 2013 scholars from the The internships, backed by the hugely important to the experience we autumn of this year.” GlobalScots organisation, give students offer students as a leading international the opportunity to gain valuable university. For more information visit professional experience with global www.saltirefoundation.com companies around the world and “Strathclyde students who have worked provide paid internships with major on the internships in previous years are The University of Strathclyde’s Careers international businesses. fantastic ambassadors for the University Service has provided support to the and for Scotland as a whole. We are students by running tailored workshops Strathclyde participants this year confident that their successors this year through to practice interviews and to included students who have established will continue this and we are particularly the Saltire Foundation by marketing this their own businesses, competitive pleased to have won a record number year’s internship programme. sportsmen and women and the founding president of the Strathclyde Entrepreneurs student enterprise society. They will be working with leading companies including Aggreko, GE Energy, Wood Group and IBM China and will be taking their internships in countries such as the USA, China and Dubai, as well as the UK.

Craig Hunter is studying in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and is based in Dubai for his internship with Aggreko. Speaking of the project he is working Craig Hunter and Alexander Dewar from Strathclyde working with Aggreko on their internship on during his internship, designing a

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 06 [ Student Success ]

energy field, with special emphasis on Iberdrola Scholarship Success for renewable energy, the protection of the environment and climate change, as well Strathclyde Students as the efficiency of the energy system.

he Prince and Princess of Asturias, energy needs of people while protecting The Fundación Iberdrola carries Theirs to the Spanish throne, awarded the environment and we are delighted out initiatives that make an effective scholarships at a ceremony in Madrid that six students from the University of contribution towards enhancing people’s to postgraduate students from the Strathclyde will benefit from this support quality of life in the territories and University of Strathclyde. The Faculty in the next academic year.” countries where the Iberdrola Group of Engineering has been successful operates, particularly in the fields of in securing five Fundación Iberdrola On hearing of his offer of the energy sustainability, art and culture, as Scholarships for its MSc applicants. scholarship William Balfour commented: well as solidarity and social initiatives. “I was delighted to hear the news. Many Iberdrola – the parent company of thanks to the Department for bringing Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate ScottishPower – presented scholarships this opportunity to my attention.” Social Responsibility at ScottishPower, to the students for the 2012-13 said: “The University of Strathclyde academic year as part of its ‘Energy for Graeme Connor also commented: “I am is one of the leading educational Research’ study aid programme and its over the moon about being selected for institutions in the UK for inspiring scholarships for masters’ degree and the scholarship.” young engineers to grasp opportunities postgraduate studies in energy and the in the energy industry. Our industry environment. The scholarships provide £14,400 for needs creative talent to help us deliver one year to undertake postgraduate substantial investments to decarbonise The six students granted scholarships study. For the 2012-13 academic year the way we generate and distribute this year are studying a range Fundación Iberdrola has granted a electricity. of subjects. From the Faculty of total of 59 scholarships in Spain, the Engineering, William Balfour and UK and US, an increase of 23% over “We are delighted to welcome the Graeme Connor have each been the previous edition. Twelve of these students from Strathclyde on to this awarded a Fundación Iberdrola scholarships are in the UK at the year’s Scholarship programme, and Scholarship for Masters Studies in University of Strathclyde, University of we hope that they all go on to have energy and environment related courses Edinburgh and Imperial College London, successful careers in the energy at Strathclyde. Oswaldo José Barrera with Strathclyde receiving half of these. industry.” Martin and Fraser Ewing are both going to be studying MSc Sustainable The scholarship is offered in order to More details can be found at Engineering: Offshore Renewable contribute to excellence in training in the www.scottishpower.com/scholarships Energy; Kirsty Shearer will study MSc Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment; and José Luis Quintana Cifre will join the Strathclyde Business School to study MSc Global Energy Management.

Of the five scholarship students from the University of Strathclyde in 2011-12, four have now accepted full time roles in ScottishPower’s Graduate Programme.

Keith Anderson, Chief Corporate Officer at ScottishPower, said: “ScottishPower is committed to developing future skilled leaders of the energy sector with the highest level of training for the industry.

“The Fundación Iberdrola scholarships are designed to effectively meet the The successful Strathclyde students

07 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

Hammermen Award Success for Students

the Department of Mechanical and Susie Smart and Mark Henderson with their Hammermen awards Aerospace Engineering.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, met with the students prior to the official prize-giving ceremony, offering the students the opportunity to discuss their roles and experience as young engineers. The Princess Royal then presented the students with their certificates and prize money in front of an audience of family, friends, Heads of Departments, Incorporation of Hammermen Deacons and Master Court members, and the Lord Provost.

The aim of the Hammermen he Incorporation of Hammermen of of their academic performance, practical Competition is to encourage and assist TGlasgow held their annual awards skills, all round personal achievement engineering students and apprentices, ceremony at the Trades Hall on 24 and qualities of citizenship. Susie Smart who are studying for a qualification, April 2012, with students from three and Mark Henderson, both Product to gain employment in any branch departments being successful. Colin Design Engineering students from the of the engineering industry related Fraser (Hammermen Award winner) and Department of Design, Manufacture to the origins of the Hammermen Kristoffer Miller (Hammermen Award and Engineering Management were craft in metalwork or its modern day runner-up) were the first Electronic and awarded winner and runner-up prizes equivalents. Prize money supports Electrical Engineering students to receive respectively, as also were Ciara career development and company these prestigious awards in recognition McGrath and A James Fraser from visits.

“for whom the Incorporation with all its Susie Wins Top Hammermen Prize traditions has provided encouragement in furthering the trade and commerce of usie Smart, a Product Design the City of Glasgow.” SEngineering student from the Susie said: “Aside from the prize money, Department of Design, Manufacture and obviously this is an amazing thing to Alastair Burrow, Deacon of the Engineering Management, is the winner have on my CV, I’m very happy to be Hammermen, said: “This year’s winners of this year’s £1,500 Prince Philip Prize, recognised by engineers and not just as were an amazing bunch and choosing one of the top prizes awarded by the a designer.” the winners was a very difficult decision. Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow. We were looking for people with a clear The Prince Philip Prize is open to all commitment to engineering as a career winners of the £300 Hammermen Awards. The Incorporation of Hammermen and a clear idea of what they will do of Glasgow is one of the ancient with the prize and how they will serve Susie, from Fife, is undertaking an 11- guilds of craftsmen and merchants, the community in the future. week series of internships at US design founded in the 16th century to maintain engineering firms, starting at Advanced the standard of metalworking and “Society has changed from the days Infrastructure Design Engineering apprenticeships in the city. Until of the foundation of the craft. Now of New Jersey. She won the award the early 19th century, the majority we encourage young people to see on the strength of a portfolio of work of members were craftsmen and engineering as a worthy career as it is still ranging from a machine for tying the tradesmen – from blacksmiths to wrongly seen as a dirty job that people ends of sausages to a computerised watchmakers to goldsmiths – but “the aren’t recommended to take up. Our programme rewarding physical activity craft” has long since been widened to message is that it is still the manufacturers in young children. include industrialists, entrepreneurs who create the wealth in this country.”

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 08 [ Student Success ]

Architecture Project Wins Accolade at the Scottish Design Awards

he Scottish Design Awards 2012, thoughtful and sensitive project entitled ‘A Torganised by The Drum, demonstrate Hospice at the Edge of Glasgow Green’ and promote professional design talent was completed in the Department as part Jurij being presented with his award currently flourishing in Scotland, whether of his 2012 exchange programme. it be graphic or architectural. Strathclyde a feeling of still being a part of life and Architecture student Jurij von Aster has The project was to design a Young Adults community and not being excluded. The been successful at this year’s awards, Hospice (for 16–25 year olds) to be building tries to give the patients and winning the sole student architectural sited on the edge of one of Glasgow’s their families a second home, a place award for his fourth-year project. principal parks – either Glasgow Green, to rely on which will not interrupt but located in the east or Kelvingrove Park support and guide them through a very For members of the profession in to the west of the city. Jurij’s building stressful time in their lives. Scotland the awards create a platform ‘to was situated in Glasgow Green because show the industry that you are the best historically it has always been the The awards ceremony took place at at what you do’ and the Department of ‘People’s Park’ providing for needs of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow on 25 Architecture is proud that Jurij has shown a particular time. It is also on Glasgow May. The event was attended by over architects, academia and the public Green because it is very close to the city 300 professionals from the Scottish a truly outstanding piece of work. His centre, which should give the residents architecture and graphic design sectors.

KTP Associate Wins Top Hammermen Award

The company had no experience of stainless steel production and so engaged Graham to head up the project which would allow them to get into this area. He has overseen the design and installation of the STEELflow manufacturing process to ensure the product meets the high quality standards McDonald Engineers are renowned for with their copper cylinders.

Graham accepting his award from Dr Peter Hughes, Alistair Burrow, Michael Moore and Jim Walker The McDonald Engineers company directors showed great faith and trust in cDonald Engineers in Glenrothes Glasgow Incorporation of Hammermen. Graham by agreeing to his proposals and Mis an independent Scottish Graham was supported by a team of recommendations and followed this up manufacturing company that has a long academics from the Department of with hard cash in acquiring and installing history in the manufacture and production Design, Manufacture and Engineering the necessary Capital Equipment. of hot water systems and operates in an Management and from the AFRC: extremely competitive market sector. It Professor Bill Ion, Dr Malgorzata The company now has an extended is a KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partner) Rosochowska, Dr Avril Thompson and product range, new skills and techniques Associate of the Advanced Forming Mr Jose Hernandez. and has the first stainless steel hot water Research Centre (AFRC). cylinder production line in Scotland. With the ever increasing cost of copper, Graham said: “It’s a great honour to Graham Smyth, who joined the the company decided that it should receive the Hammerman award. However company two years ago as the result explore the use of stainless steel to help I see it more as recognition of the entire of a project with the University of them extend their markets. Stainless team’s work and I would like to thank Strathclyde, has been awarded the steel cylinders were seen as an add-on them for their support and invaluable Scottish Engineering Award 2012 by the to their existing business. expertise throughout the project.”

09 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

Strathclyde Students Save 4,825 Tonnes of CO2 for Scottish SMEs

Entrepreneurship, said: “It was a great and challenging experience being involved in the carbon audit. I learned by practice and it is definitely something that I am going to apply to my future career.”

Mudzunga Thangavhuelelo-Lucas, a student on the MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Studies, added: “I have gained strategies that if implemented in practice and in principle will bring hope and add value for my country South Africa as I return back home.”

The participating companies were from a range of sectors, including the Bike Mudzunga and Sofia receive their awards from Paul Wedgwood, General Manager, Station - a not-for-profit organisation Carbon Trust Scotland and Andrew Millson, Scottish Business in the Community promoting cycling and sustainable transport, Wolffe - an independent trathclyde students identified Andrew Millson, Head of Environment marketing and design agency, Hello Ssavings of more than £300,000 and Advisory Services of Scottish Scotland - a corporate tourism company for Scottish small and medium sized Business in the Community, said: and The Royal Scottish National enterprises (SMEs) as part of an “Research suggests that many small- Orchestra (RSNO). innovative project to reduce their carbon and medium-sized businesses are footprint. not taking advantage of the benefits Warren McIntyre, Senior Manager attached to measuring and monitoring for Carbon Trust Scotland, said: “The The collaborative project between their energy use. professionalism and enthusiasm of the the University, Scottish Business individuals involved in this important in the Community and the Carbon “Feedback suggests that this is primarily project was clearly an important factor Trust, provided the students with due to lack of time and resource, and in achieving the impressive results of practical experience on environmental a perceived cost to the business. In this partnership project. It is by such responsibilities in business, and light of this, the SME Carbon Audit partnership working and capacity identified potential savings of 4,825 Project aims to circumvent these building that Scotland can lead by tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. challenges for small businesses by example in reducing carbon emissions.” providing the resources to enable active Seventeen students from the University’s measurement of the businesses’ carbon The Department of Civil and Department of Civil and Environmental footprint.” Environmental Engineering and Engineering and from the David the David Livingstone Centre for Livingstone Centre for Sustainability The students worked under the Sustainability will continue working with were selected to participate in the 2012 professional supervision of an expert the Carbon Trust and Scottish Business SME Carbon Audit Project. consultant provided by Carbon Trust in the Community on the 2013 SME Scotland who delivered the carbon audit Carbon Audit Project, and students will The University of Strathclyde was training and confirmed the accuracy be able to get credits with this work one of only three Scottish universities and quality of the carbon audit reports through the new module ‘Independent involved, and along with the Universities before they could be released to the Study in Collaboration with Industry’. of Edinburgh and St Andrews, has companies. This will allow students carrying out ensured that environmental support is placements and projects with industry available to SMEs across the central Sofia Díaz Rivera, a Mexican student to develop and refine professional belt of Scotland. on Strathclyde’s MSc in Environmental skills.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 10 [ Student Success ]

Graduates Win Competition by Heat Transfer Society

wo former students from the methanol. They designed a reactor with TDepartment of Chemical and the aim of knocking 20-30% from the Process Engineering have won first plant’s overall energy costs. This was place in a national competition organised done by breaking the reactor down into by the Heat Transfer Society. Chris individual “nodes” allowing them to take McNair and Mathew Tatner won £1,000 account of all the different reactions between them and have been invited to occurring and their effects on the present the details of their project to the properties and composition of the fluid Society, as well as both being awarded allowing them to generate temperature Chris and Mathew with lifetime memberships. and concentration profiles through the reactor. These ultimately affected the Chris and Mathew have both secured Their submission was made during the reaction rates for each node and thus graduate jobs since completing design of an industrial facility to produce impacted on the subsequent node. This their studies at Strathclyde. Chris is biodiesel in their fourth-year design ultimately will mean that the biodiesel working with Shell as a Graduate Field project. This was based on their design can be produced cheaper, which is Engineer in Productions/Operations and of a reactor to convert vegetable oils to welcomed in a market where margins Mathew with BP through their graduate biodiesel via reaction with supercritical are extremely tight. programme as a Process Engineer.

PhD Student Training for Mock Mars Space Mission

missions, in particular in relation to food. One of the biggest food challenges astronauts face is menu fatigue. Over time, they not only tire of eating foods they normally enjoy, but also tend to eat less, which can put them at risk of nutritional deficiency, loss of bone and muscle mass and reduced physical capabilities. The HI-SEAS mission will test whether crew Some of the students at the training event nutrition, food intake and food satisfaction (Photo credit: Cornell University Press Office) can be improved if crews cook for themselves using ‘traditional’ methods fter receiving more than 700 phase of testing and training held in June (made possible by the presence of gravity A applications, a team of researchers at Cornell University where they learned on the Red Planet) and will assess the from the University of Hawai‘i at how to conduct various examinations, additional resource cost of a crew-cooked Mãnoa and Cornell University in New experimented with potential menu items, food system. York have selected six individuals to conducted leadership and teamwork make up the crew of a simulated Mars activities and received two days of HI-SEAS aims to study these areas in mission intended to test new forms of cooking lessons using shelf stable, the form of a simulated mission on Mars, food and food preparation strategies ‘space friendly’ ingredients. where the six crew-members will spend for deep-space travel. A further three four months in a mock-Mars habitat candidates were chosen, including The mission, dubbed HI-SEAS (Hawai’i approximately 8500ft up the Mauna- Chris Lowe, a PhD student from the Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) Loa Side of the Saddle region on the Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory is part of a study for NASA to determine Big Island of Hawaii. The crew will be within the Department of Mechanical the best way to keep astronauts well expected to operate as if on Mars and and Aerospace Engineering, to act nourished during multiple-year missions experiment with different foods, cooking as reserve crew members. All nine to Mars or the moon. It aims to investigate methods and menus over the mission candidates attended an intense first risks associated with long-term space duration.

11 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

More Success for Architecture Students at Scottish Awards

Michal Scieszka and Dale Smith with Sholto Humphries, President, RIAS and Graham Ross, Depute Chair of A+DS (Photo credit: Mary Knox)

tudents from the Department of and intelligent project. While there is It is a great pleasure at the end of SArchitecture have won three of the significant emphasis on the micro issues another busy session to see the efforts five categories at the annual Scottish of sustainability in many contemporary of our students and staff acknowledged Student Awards for Architecture. projects, this scheme addresses the and rewarded in this way. Our aim is to future of a community threatened by ensure that our students continue to The awards are now in their tenth issues of ageing and natural wastage.” achieve an excellent learning experience year, aiming to recognise the talent of at Strathclyde which will allow them to all Scotland’s student architects. The Michal and Dale also went on to win produce work of the highest standard.” awards, organised by Architecture and the A+DS Urban Design Award for their Design Scotland (A+DS) and the Royal project. The judges commented that; Incorporation of Architects in Scotland “Through independent thinking and Speaking about the awards, A+DS (RIAS), were announced at a ceremony sophisticated analysis this project gets Depute Chair Graham Ross said: in The Lighthouse, Glasgow on 5 July it spot on!” “These awards celebrate the high 2012. The resulting Awards Exhibition standard of work and ideas from the is open to the public and will be on Another Strathclyde student to be best students at Scotland’s schools of show in The Lighthouse from 30 July successful at the awards was John architecture. The forthcoming exhibition 2012 until 5 October 2012. Kennedy, a Year 5 student who is now provides an excellent opportunity for the going on to study for his Masters, who public and profession to view the work The Department have famously won won the RIAS Drawing Award for his from these talented, young designers.” the A+DS ‘SUST’ Award for Sustainable project ‘Ariadne’s Thread’, a beautifully Design prize six times in the last seven described work subtly inserting new RIAS President Sholto Humphries years, with it being won this year by life into the heart of the Old Town in also commented; “Our annual student Michal Scieszka and Dale Smith, both Edinburgh. awards mark the extraordinarily high were Year 5 students who are now standard of architectural education in preparing for their Masters next year. Scotland. Students from throughout Their project was titled ‘Nordic Exodus, Dr David Grierson, Deputy Head of the the world come here and Scotland’s Moving Kiruna’, a sensitive development Department of Architecture, commented five schools of architecture are for a whole community that included a on how pleased the Department is with this major contributors to the evolution of nursery, church, town hall and senior latest success: “We are delighted that our architecture across the planet.” citizen housing as well as residential success in the annual Scottish Student areas. The judges commented; “Social Awards for Architecture has continued this The awards are supported by the and urban sustainability issues are year with our students winning three of the Scottish Government and sponsored explored and addressed in this careful five categories on offer. by RIAS Insurance Services.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 12 [ Student Success ]

Researchers Help Local School Win ESA Competition

The CanSAT competition is organised pupils. Throughout the competition they The students being awarded with their prize, (Photo credit: Bill Heaney) by the European Space Agency (ESA) helped with both the technical aspects and is designed to encourage high and organisation of the team to ensure school students to consider a career they had a grasp of a real project in engineering with specific reference lifecycle. to space. The competition aim is for students to design and build a satellite The team first had to fend off competition to fit within the confines of a soft drink’s from 10 other Scottish schools to qualify can to be launched from a small rocket. for the European competition. The Scottish launch was held at Strathaven esearchers in the Advanced Space Pamela Anderson and Steven Owens Airfield before the final at the Royal RConcepts Laboratory (ASCL), in from the ASCL became involved with Observatory, Edinburgh where they the Department of Mechanical and Bearsden Academy in the competition presented their project to a panel Aerospace Engineering have helped through the Science Technology of judges, including Professor Colin local school, Bearsden Academy, to Engineering and Maths (STEM) Network McInnes of the ASCL. On the European achieve victory at the European CanSAT and the Researcher in Residence platform they then proved victorious final held at the Andoya Rocket Range, Programme which are designed to unite amongst 14 schools from across the Norway. experienced professionals and school continent. MSc Student Aims to Bring Greener Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games n July 2012 Environmental various waste streams which will be demonstrating both the environmental and IEntrepreneurship MSc student Peter created during the preparation and financial benefits which could be found Robertson gave a presentation to the duration of the 2014 Commonwealth through the recycling of commercial food Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Games. waste. Having successfully launched Waste Advisory Action (WAA) Group. The a pilot scheme at the City of Glasgow group, which includes representatives Peter presented findings from a recent College, Peter communicated the findings from Glasgow 2014 Ltd, Zero Waste food waste recycling project which he to the WAA. It is hoped that the project Scotland, SEPA, WRAP, Glasgow City carried out in collaboration with Glasgow and presentation will lead to further Council and Scottish Water Horizons, 2014 Ltd as part of the client-based collaborations between the Department focuses on developing systems to project for the MSc in Environmental of Civil and Environmental Engineering effectively control and process the Entrepreneurship. The project involved and Glasgow 2014 Ltd.

Dr Orr commented: “I’m delighted to EPSRC Doctoral Prize for Researcher have been awarded the EPSRC Doctoral Prize. As a recent PhD graduate, this r Philip Orr, a Research Associate is fierce from applicants from any award is very encouraging and is a rare, Dfrom the Department of Electronic Engineering and Science Departments early opportunity to pursue independent and Electrical Engineering (EEE), who received EPSRC funding for their research.” was recently awarded an Engineering PhD. and Physical Sciences Research The EPSRC Doctoral Prize provides Council (EPSRC) Doctoral Prize which Dr Orr will work on a project with Dr a £10 million funding stream within provides research funding for one- Pawel Niewczas, who is also from EEE, Doctoral Training Grants (DTG) intended year for a recent PhD graduate based focussing on the development of a to help universities retain and recruit on the graduate’s PhD performance new high-performance optical sensor the best PhD students receiving EPSRC and twelve-month research proposal. interrogation system which will be support to increase the impact of their There is only one prize awarded by the applicable to many monitoring/control PhD, and to improve retention of the University per year and competition applications in the power industry. very best students in research careers.

13 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Student Success ]

Strathclyde Graduate Wins Top Young Engineer Award

Services function in the North Sea Region. Her work mainly involves analysing problems and identifying solutions to integrity and operational risks associated with static mechanical equipment on the offshore assets. Carol has consistently demonstrated ability to take on significant tasks and has built a reputation for successful timely completion of assignments.

One of Carol’s most notable achievements in her present role is the analysis of the firewater system on Magnus platform in the North Sea. The system which is 30 years old and has exceeded original design life has experienced a long history of problems with concern that failures are getting more frequent. Through working with the asset team, on and offshore, as well as specialist contractors, Carol has developed near and long term solutions that will extend the operating life of the Carol Lee system for a further 20 years. These measures have helped reduce the ach year BP selects a young Carol graduated in 2007 with a integrity and production risk exposure EEngineer to be honoured by the Masters degree in Mechanical on the asset. Royal Academy of Engineering as Engineering from Strathclyde. During ‘Rising Star of the Year’ (formerly her time at University, between fourth ‘Young Engineer of the Year’). In 2012 and fifth year, Carol undertook a Commenting on her win, Carol said: “I the Upstream Early Development summer internship with BP which am delighted to have been awarded this Programme winner, was Carol Lee, led to her joining as a ‘Challenger’ prize. Going to university at Strathclyde a Mechanical Engineering graduate in September 2007. Upstream has set me up very well for my career from Strathclyde. Carol is now working Challenge is BP’s early development in BP and I use a lot of the skills I as a Mechanical Engineer in the North programme for technical and learnt at university every day. I’ve been Sea Region Discipline Engineering professional disciplines within the given some fantastic opportunities Team (Operations / Engineering Upstream segment. It is aimed at and projects at BP and have had great Services). undergraduates and postgraduates mentors along the way.” with no more than three years post The Rising Star of the Year award is graduation work experience. for an individual engineer (aged 30 Carol is working towards becoming or less, UK based or UK graduates During Challenge, Carol worked on chartered with the Institution of based elsewhere, either with major projects, small projects and Mechanical Engineers. She is actively or heading for CEng from a UK operations support at locations such involved in the Young Members Panel Engineering Institution) – who is seen as London, Hull and Aberdeen. (YMP) of the Institution and is the to be outstanding and is likely to Carol now works in the Discipline BP company representative to the progress well in the company. Engineering team of the Engineering Aberdeen YMP.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 14 [ Staff Success ]

Staff Success Principal Knighted in Jubilee Birthday Honours

He said the University has allowed him field of electrical power engineering. A to build a career doing the things he graduate of the University of Strathclyde, loved the most. “Engineering has been Professor Sir Jim spent seven years in at the heart of my academic life. It has the UK electricity supply industry. He given me amazing opportunities to work joined the University’s staff in 1984 and with brilliant engineers in Scotland and in 1993 he was appointed as the Rolls- around the world, as well as providing Royce Professor of Electrical Power a platform for me to contribute to Systems, a position he still holds. He has educational and economic development. co-authored more than 650 journal and It is important that I continue to support conference papers, and three books. innovative power and energy solutions to As an active researcher, he advises address the global challenge of climate national and international governments change and to accelerate the creation of as well as industry and commerce on a low carbon economy.” power networks, distributed generation and new and renewable energy and Since his appointment as Principal, has held a number of non-executive the University of Strathclyde has corporate board advisory positions in gone through a major process of the UK and USA. he Principal and Vice-Chancellor transformation, establishing itself Tof the University of Strathclyde has as a distinctive part of the Scottish He is Chairman of the Institute for been awarded a knighthood in The Higher Education system as a leading Energy and Environment, the largest Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Birthday international technological university. power engineering and energy Honours. Professor Sir Jim McDonald, systems research group internationally, who has been Principal since 2009, and Professor Sir Jim’s tenure has situated in the Department of EEE at was formerly Head of the Department already seen a series of high impact, Strathclyde. In August 2009, he was of Electronic and Electrical Engineering internationally leading, initiatives appointed Chairman of the Scotland (EEE), has been honoured for his including the announcement of Research Partnership in Engineering, services to education, engineering and a new £100 million Technology part of a major research pooling the economy. and Innovation Centre (TIC) to be investment across Scotland. He is a opened in early 2014; the launch of member of the Scottish Enterprise Professor Sir Jim said: “I am proud to a major partnership with the world- Board and, recently, the Scottish be a ‘Strathclyder’ through and through, class German technology research Science Advisory Council and the and I am equally proud of what our organisation, the Fraunhofer Institute; UK Trade and Investment Energy University has achieved for Scotland the establishment of a Power Networks Excellence Board. and on the international scene. Demonstration Centre in partnership with the energy industry; the Advanced He chairs the Scottish Energy “I regard this honour as recognition not Forming Research Centre with a series Technology Partnership (ETP) that just for me, but for the University. This of major aerospace manufacturing involves the energy research intensive would not have been possible without partners; and the Centre for Continuous Scottish universities and, with the First the support and encouragement of my Manufacturing and Crystallisation which Minister of Scotland, co-chairs the wife and family, my colleagues and our is transforming the production of drugs Energy Advisory Board in Scotland. He other partners in higher education, the and other chemicals. The University is also a Director of Scottish Enterprise, public sector and industry. is also to be the headquarters of the Scotland’s economic development UK Government’s ‘Catapult’ centre agency. “We have strengthened our position as for Offshore Renewable Energy, and a leading international technological it plays a central role in the UK’s High He is also a Fellow of the Royal university that produces high quality Value Manufacturing ‘Catapult’ centre. Academy of Engineering, Fellow of graduates and world-class research the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Fellow which is focused on turning knowledge Professor Sir Jim is a distinguished of the Institution of Engineering and into economic benefit for Scotland and engineer, academic and businessman Technology, and a Fellow of the Institute the wider world.” and remains an active researcher in the of Physics.

15 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Staff Success ]

Royal Society of Edinburgh Honour for Strathclyde Professor

he Department of Mechanical Professor McInnes will deliver a public so much to advancing understanding in Tand Aerospace Engineering’s lecture in Scotland as part of the RSE their respective fields. Professor Colin McInnes, considered an events programme and will receive international leader in orbital dynamics, his medals at this event. Details will be “Their achievements do much to cement has been awarded the Royal Society of publicised on the RSE website Scotland’s place at the cutting-edge Edinburgh (RSE)/Lord Kelvin prize for www.royalsoced.org.uk when available. of the global research community his outstanding contribution to space across a wide area of knowledge. A systems engineering. Also recognised in the inaugural awards key role of the RSE is to promote public was renowned historian, Professor Tom engagement with science and the Professor McInnes, Director of the Devine, former Deputy Principal of the arts and humanities. All of this year’s University’s Advanced Space Concepts University of Strathclyde. prize winners have shown passion and Laboratory, received the prestigious flair for communicating their work to award that recognises the top talent in Sir John Arbuthnott, President of the audiences far and wide. Scotland. Royal Society of Edinburgh, said; “It is a pleasure to be able to award “I congratulate each of them on their His work on orbital dynamics has played these prizes to individuals who have achievements, and on winning this a leading role in the development contributed, and continue to contribute, year’s RSE Prizes.” of solar sail technology, offering the possibility of low-cost deep space missions. The RSE also recognised his many international links that have put Scotland firmly on the map as a leading centre for space engineering research.

Professor McInnes said: “I am delighted to be awarded the Royal Society of Edinburgh/Lord Kelvin Prize. Space engineering underpins much of our modern global society and is a field in which Strathclyde, and Scotland, is leading the way.

“The RSE’s ethos of advancing learning and useful knowledge is at the heart of the work carried out at Strathclyde and this award is recognition that we are making a significant impact on society with cutting-edge research.”

The Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory, based in Strathclyde’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, is delivering new approaches to space systems engineering to underpin new space- derived products and services for science, telecommunications and Earth observation.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 16 [ Outreach ]

Outreach The Scottish Space School, the Big Bang Theory and an Out of This World Musical Premiere...

and 2000 pupils throughout Scotland, and the annual public lecture, ‘An Evening with NASA’, attracted a record attendance of 430 people.

The public lecture once again was a great success and enjoyed by all, as was the guest lecture by Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, delivered via Skype from Star City, Moscow. Chris is in training for Expedition 35 to the ISS in December this year. Mike Baker, Heather Paul and Ron Garan visiting the Scottish Space School Chris is a good friend and supporter ne hundred and one S5 pupils to provide his expertise to the popular of the Scottish Space School and the Ofrom sixty-one high schools across US TV sitcom, The Big Bang Theory, University of Strathclyde, and he is also Scotland attended this year’s Scottish acting as a consultant and script adviser an accomplished musician. He is a good Space School, which was hosted by the for the final episode of the current series, friend of Ed Robertson, founder and University of Strathclyde in June. The shown in the UK the week before the lead vocalist of the Canadian alternative students were joined throughout the Space School. This fact alone gave Ron rock band, Bare Naked Ladies, who week by three NASA guests, astronauts the highest ‘cool rating’ among the young also happen to perform the theme song Mike Baker and Ron Garan, and people he met. for The Big Bang Theory. Chris and Ed spacesuit design engineer, Heather Paul. are collaborating on a song that Chris Mike and Heather are Space School During the Scottish Space School week, will play aboard the ISS, when he will veterans having visited the University which is supported by the Faculty of be accompanied live by young people regularly over the past eight years. Engineering and coordinated by the in different locations around the world. Department of Electronic and Electrical This will be the first time a song has been ‘Newcomer’ Ron has completed two Engineering, the NASA team joined premiered outside of planet Earth! space missions, his most recent, to the the students in selected activities and International Space Station (ISS), starting engaged with them in small group and During the Space School week, staff on April 4 2011, with a launch from one-to-one discussions with the explicit and mentors assessed the pupils on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in a Soyuz aim of inspiring the next generation the basis of their performance on the spacecraft dubbed “Gagarin.” The of engineers. They also visited two allocated tasks and activities, their launch was from the same launch pad high schools and two primary schools, skills both as a team leader and a team used by Yuri Gagarin on his historic flight and made public appearances at the player, and their general attitude, and 40 50 years earlier. While aboard the ISS, Riverside Museum of Transport and the were then invited to attend a selection the crew continued work on a variety of St Enoch Centre, in support of Glasgow workshop in August. Following a rigorous microgravity experiments and received Festival of Science. For the third year assessment process the final 10 were provisions from two shuttle missions, running there was an interactive Q&A chosen to go on a learning journey including the last space shuttle visit, by session via Education Scotland’s Glow to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Atlantis, to the station. Ron participated Meet facility, which attracted 76 schools Houston, Texas, in October. in the last space-shuttle-based spacewalk during the STS-135 mission. Expedition 28 landed in Kazakhstan on September 15 2011, after travelling 65,340,224 miles in 2,624 orbits during 164 days in space.

It was his knowledge of the Soyuz Students, staff and guests of the Scottish Space School 2012 spacecraft that led to Ron being invited

17 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Outreach ]

NASA Astronaut Visits Primary School with Help from Scottish Space School

hen NASA astronaut Alvin Drew Alvin reading Max goes to the Moon to Alvin recommended the Scottish Wvisited the Scottish Space School pupils from Eastbank Primary School Space School as the ideal vehicle for at Strathclyde in June 2011 he had just distributing the books to primary schools completed a twelve-day mission to the in Scotland, and Jeffrey kindly agreed to International Space Station (ISS). While donate 500 books on condition that they orbiting the earth at 25,000 kilometres were kept in school libraries. per hour on Space Shuttle Discovery’s last flight he read aloud a children’s And so it was, that on the last day book, ‘Max Goes to the Moon’, and of term, P1 and P2 pupils of Eastbank posted a video clip of the reading on Primary School in Glasgow sat attentively YouTube. as Alvin read ‘Max Goes to the Moon’ in the classroom, wearing his NASA On his return to planet Earth, Alvin flight suit! Alvin also met the students on appeared on several US TV stations the Accelerate Programme run by the with the book’s author, Jeffrey Bennett, Departments of Electronic and Electrical to promote the book which was written Engineering and Design, Manufacture to promote literacy and science in and Engineering Management, when primary schools. Max is a dog that goes his presentation, ‘Space Exploration: to the ISS and his endeavours result the Next Thirty Years’, captivated an in humans returning to the moon, and As Jeffrey wanted to update the science audience of eighty students, teachers the book employs all the traditional in line with current developments in a and parents. Alvin was on holiday in elements of a children’s story, fantasy, second edition of the book, he decided Scotland and took time out to do this, so adventure and excitement. It also has to give away the 2000 copies of the the Scottish Space School are grateful excellent science content that is not original version that were stored in a to Jeffrey and Alvin for making this dumbed down in any way. warehouse in Detroit. That was when possible.

Professor D.G. Smith Prize Competition

he third annual Professor D.G. The group with the best idea, best The prize winners with Heather Smith TSmith Prize competition took place mock ups and best pitch for their App in the Department of Electronic and were awarded vouchers and trophies Electrical Engineering from 11-15 June. and a monetary prize was awarded Fourth-year pupils from a number to their schools, presented to them of schools across Glasgow and by Mrs Heather Smith, the wife of central Scotland spent a week in the Professor Smith. Department participating in a variety of technical and academic activities The winning team comprised Isla highlighting challenges within today’s Kirk (Balfron High School), Mathew telecommunication systems. Robertson (Renfrew High School) and Geoffrey Smith was a professor within Lewis Burt (Dumbarton Academy). the Department of Electronic and The main focus of the week was a Their ‘Commonwealth Companion’ App Electrical Engineering for over thirty group-based challenge where each allowed users to find their way to all years before he retired. A respected team had to conceive an idea for the different stadiums included in the and eminent researcher and educator, a mobile phone App which would Games. It also allowed users to watch this week-long event commemorates his enhance the user’s experience of the replays of the action and to locate their memory and provides an opportunity upcoming Commonwealth Games friends in the stadium; a must-have for all for school pupils to gain experience of which will be held in Glasgow in 2014. attending the Commonwealth Games. studying engineering at university.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 18 [ New Ventures ]

New Ventures New Department of Biomedical Engineering

and knowledge exchange in prosthetics keen eye was the Medical Research and orthotics and for advanced Council, who rewarded Professor Kenedi postgraduate study in a broad range of with a grant for the institution of the bioengineering disciplines. Bioengineering Unit at Strathclyde.

Originally operating in the early 1960s The Bioengineering Unit became an Head of Department, as a Biomechanics research group independent department within the Professor Bernard within the Department of Mechanical University at the start of the 1970s, Conway at the Department and Chemical Engineering (Royal and in 1972 a group of staff from official opening College of Science and Technology), Bioengineering, with financial support the Bioengineering Unit became an from the Scottish Office, established merger of the Bioengineering independent department within the the National Centre for Training and AUnit and The National Centre for University at the start of the 1970s. Education in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Prosthetics and Orthotics (NCPO) renamed as NCPO in 2008. was completed on 1 August to There were several influential figures key create the Department of Biomedical to the creation of the Bioengineering So now in 2012 the two departments Engineering. This merger reconnects Unit, the first of which was Professor reconnect to build upon a long tradition two complementary and key areas of Robert Kenedi. Together with Professor of providing research and education that health technology teaching and research Tom Gibson, a prominent plastic benefits the health of people in need. within the University of Strathclyde. It surgeon, he developed a programme in creates a single department that offers biological tissue mechanics that achieved For more information about the new students unrivalled undergraduate and international fame and admiration. Department visit the website postgraduate opportunities for learning Watching these achievements with a www.strath.ac.uk/biomedeng

Dual Accreditation for CDT to Provide Training for CEng Status he Department of Electronic and available within the CDT and the significant TElectrical Engineering has achieved a Faculty and industrial resources provided first by gaining joint accreditation from the to conduct this research are key to Institution of Engineering and Technology meeting these objectives. Professor Sir Jim McDonald being (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical presented with the plaque Engineers (IMechE) for the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Wind Energy’s Dr Francis Quail, Director of the CDT verification of skills and competencies training scheme. Professor Sir Jim Industrial Advisory Board commented; and reinforces their credentials as an McDonald, Principal of the University, was “To gain dual accreditation for the CDT engineering professional. The Chartered presented with a plaque on 22 June from training programme from the two largest Engineering scheme is run by the Professor Bill Banks, Past-President of the professional institutions recognises not Engineering Council which licences IMechE and Dr Mike Short CBE, President only the competence of the developing professional engineering institutions. of the IET, to commemorate this unique engineers but also offers exciting achievement. opportunities for engagement and The EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral support from these learned societies as Training (CDT) at the University of Accredited centres for Chartered the developing engineers progress in Strathclyde, is the leading Centre for Training are normally based in industrial their careers.” Wind Energy research and training in companies. To achieve accredited the UK. Located within the Department status the CDT had to show how closely of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, it is developing engineers to work with Professional registration is a valuable the Centre works closely with industry to industry to meet the challenge of climate recognition for engineers and Chartered meet the challenge of climate change change. The multidisciplinary skill-sets Engineer status provides independent and support Britain’s energy future.

19 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ New Ventures ]

Reach for the Stars: A Stellar Experience

Jamie Bowman, Principal Engineer and Arun and Ashwin with Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Scott MacGregor Head of Space Systems at Steepest Ascent commented; “Steepest Ascent will be part of the first UK cube satellite launch in 2013 so we were able to give the visiting students from India an opportunity to see first-hand the process of a small company designing for the space market.

“Both students worked incredibly hard and came up with some fantastic free thinking ideas about how the company’s mission interface computer (MIC) solution can be used in future run Lakshmanan and Ashwin and immersed themselves in Scottish cube satellite opportunities for space. ARamesh from VIT University in history at Stirling Castle. They were We look forward to next year’s winners Vellore, India were the winners of thrilled to get ‘hands–on’ experience joining us!” Reach for the Stars, a competition run of sailing Catalina, the Sigma 33 for the first time in 2012 by the Faculty cruiser racer owned by the Department Before flying home Arun and Ashwin of Engineering. of Naval Architecture and Marine attended the first day of the world Engineering (NAME). famous Farnborough International Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Airshow, where they enjoyed visiting Professor Scott MacGregor said: “The Visits were undertaken to leading-edge the trade stands in the Space Zone, competition is open to all students of companies Thinktank Maths and Clyde attended a space conference on future Engineering in India. We had over 600 Space which both winners found really economic development opportunities, entrants to the competition and the interesting and stimulating. and had a grandstand seat at a standard of the entries was extremely spectacular flying display by the high. Arun and Ashwin did really They used their free time to cycle Red Arrows. well against some very formidable around a Scottish island, climb Ben competition.” Nevis, immerse themselves in the UEFA Champions League competition and The prize was a month long even managed a weekend trip to the Arun summed up the whole experience, action-packed trip to the Faculty tennis at Wimbledon! saying: “Scotland is one of the most of Engineering which took place beautiful places I’ve ever been to. More during June and July and included The last week of their visit gave Arun than the place, it’s the people that I will participation in the Scottish Space and Ashwin the opportunity to work with remember. Everyone I met was warm School week which is delivered the Scottish company Steepest Ascent. and kind. It’s a different culture and I annually by the Faculty of Engineering. learned a lot, even about myself. The last week with Steepest Ascent was Ashwin said: “It was great to talk to particularly challenging and I think that the NASA team – astronauts Ron we defied our abilities and impressed Garan and Mike Baker, and spacesuit everyone including ourselves. Thank designer Heather Paul - in such an you to the Faculty of Engineering. for informal environment. The Space the most amazing month!” School week finished up with a Gala dinner and Scottish country dancing - I had a great night!” For further information on Reach for In the following weeks they visited the Stars Challenge India 2013 visit local beauty spots from Loch Lomond Arun and Ashwin on the NAME Department the Challenge Website yacht with student Theo Hoole to the ancient town of St Andrews, www.reachforthestarschallenge.org

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 20 [ New Ventures ]

Prince’s Foundation and University Unveil Collaborative Agreement

as their solid work in Scottish urbanism and typology align well with our own focus and will become an exciting new addition to our Building Skill portfolio.

“A collaboration with the University of Strathclyde also reflects The Prince’s Foundation’s growing emphasis in Southwest Scotland, where we are working with Dumfries House and East Ayrshire Council on heritage-led regeneration and skills training.”

Professor of Urban Design, Sergio Porta, who is Head of the Department of Architecture, said: “I am incredibly proud to be the signatory of this agreement on behalf of the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and the University. I’m sure this agreement will expand our excellence further in Professor Sergio Porta and Chief Executive of areas like sustainable design, community The Prince’s Foundation, Hank Dittmar engagement and live projects.

he Prince’s Foundation has The collaboration with the Department of “Our Department, as part of a leading Tannounced a Collaborative Architecture will initially provide module technological university which has Agreement with Strathclyde, focusing on options to fourth-year students, alongside a record of excellence in academic education and research in architecture a partnered studio unit for fifth-year research and innovation, has identified and urban design. Collaboration students. Additionally, Prince’s Foundation these areas as crucial for our educational between the two organisations will staff will become key contributors to the model and for shaping the next officially begin in September 2012. Department of Architecture guest lecture generation of architects who are useful series. The partnership will aim to launch for our communities and for society.” The collaboration will contribute to a joint degree programme at graduate The Prince’s Foundation’s building skill level from 2014. Professor Scott MacGregor, Dean of the portfolio and will become a key plank Faculty of Engineering, added: “I am in its developing graduate education Students undertaking the joint delighted that the University has been programme. The charity already runs programme will be encouraged to able to establish this formal collaboration successful academic programmes and undertake research that focuses on with the Prince’s Foundation and I am partnerships with Oxford University, The sustainable community-building, sure it will provide a considerable boost University of Wales and Simon Frazer drawing on the expertise of the Prince’s to our students and enhance their University in Vancouver, Canada. Foundation and its community capital learning experience. framework in urban design, traditional The Prince’s Foundation believes there is building and place-making. “As an institution we are committed to a global skills shortage in urban design producing high quality graduates who and green architecture and that it is Chief Executive of The Prince’s can make an impact in their chosen crucial to train experts who can help Foundation, Hank Dittmar, said: “We are field and this partnership ensures that fill this knowledge gap in the future, really pleased to be entering into this new our Architecture students will be able drawing on time tested approaches to working relationship with the University of to work with experts to help fill the skills sustainability challenges. Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture, shortage in urban design.”

21 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 – Issue 07 ] [ New Ventures ]

Investment Will Help Meet Renewable Energy Targets

esearchers at the University of RStrathclyde will help Scotland to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets by improving the performance of offshore wind farms, following investment from Scottish Enterprise.

The funding has helped to secure a new experimental rig facility to test offshore wind condition monitoring technologies, allowing researchers to develop innovative techniques to improve the availability of offshore wind farms and reduce the need for expensive, reactive maintenance.

The new facility, based at the University’s £2.6 million Centre for This network of facilities has a facilities at the Centre for Advanced Advanced Condition Monitoring, will combined investment value of £250 Condition Monitoring form part of initially focus on technology to monitor million across all key energy sectors the Scottish Energy Lab offering, this the condition of offshore gearboxes, and will be a hub for national and investment will also expand the range including advanced remote sensors to international companies to identify of research services it offers to Scottish detect how they are being affected by and access the most appropriate of SMEs. extreme wind conditions. Scotland’s test and demonstration facilities for their technologies. “We are fully committed to positioning Scotland as a leading location for Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Estimates suggest that by 2050 renewable energy, in particular, offshore Professor Scott MacGregor said: “The offshore wind could be worth £65 wind development, and this project Centre for Advanced Condition Monitoring billion to the UK and could support contributes to our wider efforts to fulfil is geared to play an important role in hundreds of thousands of jobs. this ambition as well as helping to meet helping to meet renewable energy targets the Scottish Government’s ambitious for Scotland and will provide cost effective Neil Francis, Scottish Enterprise Senior low carbon targets.” technology that maximises the potential of Director for Technology and Sector offshore installations. Delivery, said: “The development of The Centre for Advanced Condition the offshore wind sector is widely Monitoring is expected to set new “This investment from Scottish Enterprise recognised as one of the biggest standards in offshore wind technology is a fantastic boost for the centre and will opportunities for sustained economic condition monitoring design and allow researchers at Strathclyde to lead growth in Scotland for a generation. development. It will draw on expertise the way, collaborating with industry to Innovation across all aspects of the from internationally renowned enhance Scotland’s reputation as world industry is needed in order to realise companies and the University’s Faculty leader in renewable energy.” its full economic potential. of Engineering, which is home to research expertise unrivalled in the UK. “Supporting this offshore renewable The Centre for Advanced Condition energy project will help to increase The Centre’s test facility will also Monitoring is part of the Scottish Scotland’s R&D capacity and become part of the University’s new Energy Laboratory that was launched capability in Condition Monitoring £89 million Technology and Innovation to strengthen collaboration across and the development of integrated Centre – a world-leading research Scotland’s key test and demonstration solutions for offshore operations and centre bringing together academics and facilities. maintenance. In addition, as the industrialists in the heart of Glasgow.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 22 [ New Ventures ]

New Links Built in The Gambia by National Centre

n June four new graduates from serve the whole of The Gambia’s disabled Ithe National Centre for Prosthetics population for prosthetic and orthotic and Orthotics (NCPO), now within the rehabilitation. Department of Biomedical Engineering, along with staff, Mrs Elaine Figgins and The Strathclyde team treated both Dr Arjan Buis, visited the Prosthetic and prosthetic and orthotic patients - from a Orthotic Department in Banjul, the capital baby of four months old with Erb’s palsy - city of The Gambia. to a bilateral trans-femoral amputee aged Staff and students from the NCPO 18, who having his amputations at age Since 2006 the Department of Electronic at the clinic in The Gambia nine had never had any form of prosthetic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) has treatment since the clinician in the region been running the successful Gambia source an old oven and router. These were had no experience of multiple level Solar Project (GSP), an initiative which is refurbished at the National Centre and amputees. committed to providing sustainable light shipped out to The Gambia a few weeks and energy solutions to rural schools and before the students arrived. Company The hot humid climate was a challenge communities within The Gambia. EEE staff sponsorship from Opcare, North Sea to work in since the unit had no air and students have returned each year to Plastics, Algeo, Blatchford and Ottobock conditioning, but the team enjoyed their bring lighting and power to schools and allowed tooling, equipment and plastic rewarding trip, leaving on 26 June to health clinics of the most remote rural materials also to be shipped out prior to return home. Following graduation in July villages in The Gambia – completing eleven the team’s arrival. Further sponsorship the graduates are now all in employment installations in eight villages in total to date. from the British Limbless Ex-servicemen’s across the UK, two as prosthetists and two In 2011 Prosthetic and Orthotic student Association (BLESMA) and the Orthotic as orthotists. They all have benefited from Nicola Corral was one of the students to Education and Training Trust (OETT) the experience and each one commented visit The Gambia with the GSP team. While helped to pay for the travel expenses for on the rewards of the experience of health she was there she visited the orthopaedic the graduates. and social care in a developing country as rehabilitation centre at the Royal Victoria a clinician compared to the UK. Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul and The team arrived in The Gambia on 19 noted its need for equipment and support. June to meet the small clinical team of It is likely that the NCPO will maintain Upon Nicola’s return, NCPO final year one prosthetic/orthotic clinician, two close links with the staff of RVTH with the students raised funds and managed to technicians and one physiotherapist who possibility of a return visit next year.

Another School Helped by Gambia Solar Project

his year the Gambia Solar Project to generate a modest income from the T(GSP) team from the Department of provision of the mobile phone charging Electronic and Electrical Engineering service. The revenue is used to provide returned to complete the successful free school meals for the children and installation of another solar school finance school maintenance. In addition, installation. This year Jamagen Lower many villagers now congregate at the Basic School in the village of Ker school in the evening to watch TV. Malima had a PV solar system installed. They are the last school in the regional Next year will see the Gambia Solar cluster to receive lighting and power Project tackle a more ambitious project – from the Gambia Solar Project. This providing solar power for a health clinic means that around 6,000 children of serving 3,000 people, where electricity the surrounding villages can now attend is only available for 15 days of every classes at night and local villagers month until the diesel supplies for the can charge their mobile phones at clinic generator are exhausted, meaning the school for a small fee. School that medical procedures and births are committees have taken the opportunity conducted by candle-light or torch-light.

23 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Research/Knowledge Exchange ]

Research/Knowledge Exchange Bright Future for Solar Power in Space

olar power gathered in space energy to areas where it can be used. The experiment, known as Suaineadh Scould be set to provide the However, our research is focusing on – or ‘twisting’ in Scots Gaelic, was renewable energy of the future thanks how we can remove this obstacle and an important step forward in space to innovative research being carried out use space based solar power to target construction design and demonstrated by engineers at Strathclyde. difficult to reach areas. that larger structures could be built on top of a light-weight spinning web, Researchers at the University have “By using either microwaves or lasers paving the way for the next stage in the already tested equipment in space we would be able to beam the energy solar power project. that would provide a platform for solar back down to earth, directly to specific panels to collect the energy and allow it areas. This would provide a reliable, Dr Vasile added: “The success of to be transferred back to Earth through quality source of energy and would Suaineadh allows us to move forward microwaves or lasers. remove the need for storing energy with the next stage of our project which involves looking at the reflectors needed to collect the solar power.

“The current project, called SAM (Self- inflating Adaptable Membrane), based on the research of PhD student Thomas Sinn, will test the deployment of an ultra light cellular structure that can change shape once deployed. The structure is made of cells that are self-inflating in a vacuum and can change their volume independently through nanopumps.

“The structure replicates the natural cellular structure that exists in all living things. The independent control of the cells would allow us to morph the structure into a solar concentrator to Thomas Sinn and Dr Vasile collect the sunlight and project it on solar arrays. The same structure can be used to This unique development would provide a coming from renewable sources on the build large space systems by assembling reliable source of power and could allow ground as it would provide a constant thousands of small individual units.” valuable energy to be sent to remote delivery of solar energy. areas in the world, providing power to The project is part of a NASA Institute disaster areas or outlying areas that are “Initially, smaller satellites will be able for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) study difficult to reach by traditional means. to generate enough energy for a small led by Dr John Mankins of Artemis village but we have the aim, and indeed Innovation. The University of Strathclyde Dr Massimiliano Vasile, from the the technology available, to one day represents the European section of Department of Mechanical and put a large enough structure in space an international consortium involving Aerospace Engineering, who is leading that could gather energy that would be American researchers, and a Japanese the space-based solar power research, capable of powering a large city.” team, led by Professor Nobuyuki Kaya of said: “Space provides a fantastic source the University of Kobe, a world leader in for collecting solar power and we have Last month, a team of science and wireless power transmission. the advantage of being able to gather engineering students at Strathclyde, the it regardless of the time of the day or University of Glasgow and the Royal The NIAC study is demonstrating a new indeed the weather conditions. Institute of Technology in Stockholm, conceptual design for large scale solar developed an innovative ‘space web’ power satellites. The role of the team “In areas like the Sahara Desert where experiment which was carried on a at Strathclyde is to develop innovative quality solar power can be captured, it rocket from the Arctic Circle to the edge solutions for the structural elements and becomes very difficult to transport this of space. new solutions for orbit and orbit control.

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 24 [ Research/Knowledge Exchange ]

Dame Ellen MacArthur Keynote Speaker at Conference

to explore how principles of circular huge economic opportunities that were systems, reuse, and recycling could outlined in their recently published report benefit the design and construction “Towards a Circular Economy”. industry in Scotland. Intensive workshop sessions discussed Dr David Grierson, from the Department business models, product design of Architecture, welcomed delegates, practices, reusing and recycling thanked sponsors, and introduced the of materials, and cross-sector Dame Ellen MacArthur talking with structure of the day’s presentations and relationships, all of which were delegates at the conference” workshops. Keynote speaker Dame Ellen summarised in a final plenary session. MacArthur gave an inspirational talk An enjoyable and productive day was n June the Department of Architecture on her yachting experiences in solo- closed in outlining a number of research Ihosted a successful one-day event circumnavigating the globe, and how and knowledge exchange opportunities on “The Circular Economy: New these had influenced her understanding at Strathclyde around this topic, and Opportunities in Design and Construction of finite resources, and prompted the by announcing a follow-on event on for Scotland”. Organised with support establishment of the Ellen MacArthur the Circular Economy, which will take from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and Foundation aimed at assisting the place later in the year as part of the CIC Start Online, the event was attended transition to a circular economy. The Online CPD project being led by Dr by 70 delegates, from architecture and Foundation’s CEO Jamie Butterworth Hilary Grierson from the Department of product design businesses, industry presented some of the Foundation’s Design, Manufacture and Engineering and academia. The gathering aimed recent work and highlighted some of the Management. International Conference Held at Strathclyde

he Department of Architecture, in oral sessions, posters, workshops and at Strathclyde. Finally, a network around Tcollaboration with the Universities much more, the delegates were able to the theme of Construction Therapy of Sheffield (Department of Landscape take part in five fieldtrips in and around was launched, led by the Head of the Architecture) and West of Scotland Glasgow. Department, Professor Sergio Porta. (Department of Psychology) hosted the 22nd International Conference of The main sponsors of the event were Dr Ombretta Romice from the the International Association for People Architecture and Design Scotland (the Department of Architecture retired from and Environment Studies (IAPS) in June official Patron), Glasgow City Building her four-year mandate as IAPS President 2012. The conference was opened by and Glasgow City Council, Rock DCM, and eight years as serving member of the Principal of Strathclyde, Professor Sir The Barrowlands Ballroom and Tennents the Board of Trustees during the closing Jim McDonald, and closed by the Dean Caledonian Brewery. ceremony. of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Scott MacGregor. The theme of the event Three important initiatives characterised For more information and abstracts of all was “Human Experience in the Natural the event. Firstly a strong link to local contributions visit www.iaps2012.org.uk and Built Environment: Implications for groups from the East End of Glasgow Research Policy and Practice”. who took part in sessions during the conference and interacted with delegates Over four hundred people attended the on experiences in urban regeneration event, from forty-nine Countries with across the world. Secondly, the launch large delegations from Brazil, Japan, of a Wiki resource on the application of Mexico and the USA. Excellent keynote research into practice and policy making speakers tackled urban challenges in in the field of environmental behaviour developed and developing countries studies, set up thanks to a microgrant and illustrated current research on the from the Faculty of Engineering. Whilst impact of the environment on health associated to IAPS, this resource will be The delegates visiting Dumfries House and wellbeing. As well as a number of run from the Department of Architecture

25 engineering insight [ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] [ Successful Alumnus ]

Successful Alumnus

an (John) Stalker was born and bred companies as Brazilian Gold Corporation, Iin the rural farming community of Berkley Resources Ltd and UraMin Inc, to Kilmaurs in East Ayrshire. As a young name but a few. boy, he developed a strong work ethic cramming his spare time with after-school The highlight of his career has been and holiday jobs ranging from working in with UraMin, which is a small uranium a gardening nursery to collecting eggs exploration company founded in 2005 and for a farmer and a newspaper round. But listed on the AIM stock market in early Ian felt that there was more to life than 2006. He led the team to the successful just the rural community in which he grew stock launch and multi-million dollar sale up and surprised his family by being the of the company to the French Government first to apply to university and he was in 2006. Ian made sure that everyone accepted to study chemical engineering involved, including the tea ladies, at Strathclyde in 1969. benefitted from the sale.

From those humble beginnings through to Ian admits that he loves a challenge and completing his degree, Ian’s professional really enjoys the multi-faceted thinking career has gone from strength to strength. he has brought to bear in his various He now consults at CEO level to several roles - from high level investment finance global mining corporations on multi-million to practical hands on operational mining dollar projects and investments. He has expertise. He is grateful that his job an outstanding history in developing and has allowed him the opportunity to managing mining projects across Europe, travel to most parts of the world and Africa and Australia since graduating experience many different cultures and from Strathclyde. He is grounded in his communities. assessment of his competencies and skills. While confessing that he may not He acknowledges that the current Ian believes that the secret to success is have been top of his class at University economic downturn makes life even the quality and calibre of the chemical he puts his success down to hard graft, more difficult and challenging for those engineering programmes at Strathclyde determination, personal resilience and considering or entering degree study and demonstrates that belief and a good sense of humour – the ability courses and knows that beginning a gratitude in his annual bursary and to laugh at yourself and share a joke career and starting on the work ladder is a prize which, like himself, seeks out and with others. He couples this style of very different reality to that which he faced celebrates those innovative-thinking management with, in many cases, a lateral when he first started. He still maintains chemical engineering students. approach to solving complex issues. that chemical engineering is an excellent choice of course to study as it does not Asked what advice he would offer to In the mining industry, however, his profile limit the choice of career which you can students thinking of studying chemical is well known and well regarded. He is follow. Chemical engineers are much engineering at Strathclyde, Ian responded: known to excel at taking projects from sought after in many walks of working life ”Make it fun and rewarding for yourself. exploration concept to “breaking ground” because of their aptitude for innovative The chemical engineering degree gets mining reality. Ian is famed for his team and solution oriented thinking. you to the door. It is up to you and no one working approach to projects motivating else to step through it!” everyone that works with him to feel part Head of Chemical and Process of something important and rewarding. Engineering at Strathclyde, Professor Further details of his extensive Carl Schaschke agrees: “Chemical professional work experience can be He has worked his way up from Engineering is a broad-based discipline found on this Bloomberg BusinessWeek operational roles in base and precious with opportunities for careers ranging from Executive Profile http://investing. metals companies to senior project food, oil and gas, mineral processing to businessweek.com/research/stocks/ development and Director positions with nuclear power. people/person.asp?personId=2689564 some of the largest mining companies in 9&ticker=URU:LN and a recent interview the world. He has successfully managed “Ian’s career has being remarkable and with Ian can be viewed at eight mining projects through feasibility it shows what can be achieved through http://investortoday.ca/2012/05/18/ study, development and construction hard work, perseverance and seizing interview-with-john-ian-stalker-ceo-of- phases. He served as the CEO for such opportunities.” brazilian-gold-corp/

[ Autumn 2012 - Issue 07 ] 26 Faculty of Engineering Dean, Faculty of Engineering University of Strathclyde Professor Scott MacGregor Room 5.25 [email protected] Royal College Building 204 George Street Faculty Manager Glasgow G1 1XW Dr Gayle Wilson [email protected] t: +44 (0)141 548 2749 e: [email protected] w: www.strath.ac.uk/engineering twitter: @StrathEng

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