Riaz Akhtar - PhD in Materials, MEng Biomedical Materials Science with Industrial Experience

Academic history: MEng Biomedical Materials Science with Industrial Experience from UMIST (now part of The University of Manchester), graduated 2003.

Now studying for a PhD in the School of Materials looking at the Structure/Property Relationships of Healthy and Diseased Bone.

As an undergraduate student

I came here as an undergraduate because of the University's reputation, and high standard of teaching for engineering and science courses. The staff were excellent; all the students had a very good relationship with the lecturers and tutors because the number of students per year was relatively small (approx. 30 per year). The same applies to the students - because we were small in number everyone knew each other and the common room was quite social.

My 12-month Industrial Experience placement was in Swindon for Tyco Electronics. It gave me the opportunity to see the real life application of materials science in industry. I was working in the Energy Products Division for a group of six people who worked really well as a team and made the working environment very lively and one where it was fun to be. As part of the year, we had to write a substantial report on the research work we were involved in. The placement year contributed to 20% of my undergraduate degree.

As a postgraduate student

I chose the PhD project because I enjoyed my MEng final year project, and hence took up the opportunity to build on the work I had done as an undergraduate.

I chose to study at The University of Manchester because I gained my degree in Manchester and had enjoyed my time at the University so it made sense to continue my studies at the friendly and familiar environment at the Materials Science Centre.

My course, like most other PhD's is completely research-based. I use techniques such as nanoindentation to study the mechanical behaviour of bone. There are opportunities to attend international conferences. I recently attended the Materials Research Society Fall 2004 meeting in Boston, USA.

The facilities at the Materials Science Centre for my research are excellent. I have access to many cutting edge testing instruments and software packages.

The academic staff have been very supportive, including those that are not directly linked to my project. In addition, the technical staff are really helpful when it comes to dealing with day-to-day issues that arise in all research-based projects.

I have gained many valuable skills such as time and project management. In addition, taking tutorials and laboratory classes for first and second year undergraduate students has helped develop teaching skills.

A PhD is generally considered training for research and so progression to a career in research seems natural for me.