I came into this CDT programme not really knowing what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to continue in research after enjoying my final year research project (MEng in Materials Science from Oxford University) and hence decided that a PhD was right for me. My supervisor explained that he had a project available (linked to the Diamond CDT) with funding for four years from the EPSRC and after looking into it, I decided that it was interesting and that I should apply. I've found that the CDT has cemented and built on a lot of my undergraduate knowledge as it is predominantly a materials science course. The taught modules have given me a broad knowledge base on which to start my PhD later this year and have given me some valuable skills (reading and understanding papers, academic writing, experience using equipment) that will really help over the next three years. Not to mention that I've made some great friends and generally had a good time over the past year!

PhD Title: Influence of binders on microstructure and mechanical properties of polycrystalline diamond
PhD Supervisor: Prof. Richard Todd
Institution: University of Oxford

Awards:

Diamond Science MSc Prize 2015

Leathersellers' Company Scholarship 2016/17

2017 Davidge Award of the IoM3