Endzhe Matykina

Endzhe Matykina, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Corrosion and Protection Centre, School of Materials

After completing her MSc in Electrochemical Engineering and Surface Finishing, followed by a PhD in Chemical Sciences at Kazan State Technological University in Russia, Endzhe joined The University of Manchester (then UMIST) and completed a further PhD, which focused on fabrication of ceramic coatings on titanium by plasma electrolytic oxidation for biomedical applications.

I chose to do a second PhD as I was interested to learn and explore the western style of scientific research and approaches and gain international experience in my field of research. Opting for a full-time PhD course proved to be an excellent opportunity to broaden and develop my professional background and skills.

Endzhe explains why she chose to study at the School of Materials at Manchester:

The Corrosion and Protection Centre in the School has an international reputation and recognition for excellence in research and is one of the few in the world, specialising in corrosion. As a specialist in electrochemistry and corrosion, I was already familiar with the works of the Centre, and saw it as a perfect environment for my professional growth.

And it wasn't all work, the social side of the School was important too:

I enjoyed greatly the multicultural vibrant environment of the city and the Centre, where everybody, including staff and students, were genuinely friendly and helpful. I had a great experience of living in the student residence halls too, making friends with my international flatmates.

It was extremely important for Endzhe that the facilities in the School were state-of-the-art:

Because the Corrosion and Protection Centre and the School of Materials is equipped with excellent state-of the-art research facilities, I had an excellent chance to learn and become a specialist in a variety of research and analytical techniques and used some unique instrumentation during my project. I also liked the fact that facilities are accessible across different departments of the University. I improved immensely my communication and presentation skills, and became a recognised specialist in my research area, through presenting at many international conferences and publishing the results of my research.

During my PhD I also won the highly prestigious Bodycote Paper Prize competition. Bodycote are an industrial company specialising in surface treatments, and have been known to boost many careers.

Endzhe goes on to explain how her time at the School has influenced her career choices:

I have been employed by the School since my graduation and I also received employment offers from organisations, including The University of Delft and Bodycote Group. This was possible due to professional connections built during my PhD as a result of international acknowledgment of the quality of research in School of Materials and its graduates.

I am going to continue my research project for another 2.5 years in order to take it to the level of in-vivo trials of biomedical implants and development of a commercial product.

I believe Materials Science is a very fast developing area of research, directly responding to industrial needs and inspiring new applications. It is a fusion of diverse technical backgrounds. I think it can make you a very on-demand specialist and take you towards a very successful career whether academic or industrial.