Personal Statement

During my degree, and particularly the dissertation and advanced

dissertation modules, I have begun to develop areas of interest
surrounding biomimetics, form-finding, optimisation, geometry, fluid
dynamics and computational design. My dissertation was focused around
numerical and analytical form-finding methods. As such, I have started to
build experience in coding languages, such as C, C# and Java, and a
number of software packages, for example Grasshopper and Processing,
which could have applications in many projects in a research setting. In
addition to this, as part of my advanced research dissertation I am
currently looking at perforated grid shells, differential geometry and the
theory of shell structures. This research module will help me gain skills in
writing journal papers, grant proposals and organising public engagement
activities and events. Through both the dissertation units I have enjoyed
undertaking independent learning and research of these complex design
methods, not including in degree modules, and applying them to a new
investigation.
Since my initial interest in civil and architectural engineering I have
sought out the opportunity to gain industry experience. I have now
completed several summer and year-long placements with ARUP, working
in buildings, bridges, highways and research and development sectors.
This experience has been valuable in not only gaining insights into the
industry as a whole and but observing what each area of a large
organisation has at its forefront. This experience, though, has made me
want to specialise in areas that involve independent research,
experimentation and working with unique design opportunities. I have
realised that researching novel methods and solving problems is exciting,
challenging and can benefit the building sector to better improve industry
design methods and knowledge.