Congratulations to all of the brilliant WMG students who graduated, virtually.

Unfortunately the University’s traditional summer degree ceremonies were regrettably postponed due to the COVID19 pandemic. So, all students graduated in absentia until we can meet again, and hold our celebratory graduation ceremonies.

The University is working hard to reschedule the ceremonies on alternative dates later on in the 2020/21 academic year, and graduates will be notified when these have been arranged.

Graduating in absentia

This summer a total of 261 students from the Full-time Master’s and Part-time Postgraduate Programmes, including Master’s, Degree Apprenticeships and custom programmes, graduated from across WMG.

This was made up of 206 UK and 55 overseas students.

A further 22 graduated from the Postgraduate Research programme including 14 PhD, 7 EngD and one Master’s by Research students.

Find out more about all of WMG programmes here.

Talented educators from WMG have been recognised with accolades as part of the Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence (WATE) and Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE) respectively.

Announced during the week commencing 14^th July, three WMG staff members were recognised for their outstanding contributions to teaching and innovative approaches to supporting students, including Senior Teaching Fellows Shaheen Charlwood (WATE winner) and Andrew Hood (WATE commendee), as well as Nigel Denton, Deputy Senior Tutor (WAPTE winner).

Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence

Chaired by Professor Christopher Hughes, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education), and including a diverse selection panel from across the University, Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence (WATE) recognises the work of University staff as they strive to enhance, improve and expand the institution’s teaching and learning offering.

Winners receive a £5,000 injection into their respective department’s budget, whilst commendee departments receive £2,000. Shaheen Charlwood said:

“My best teachers have shown me that learning is inclusive and made me feel like I belong, so I am always very careful never to act in a way that might be perceived as elitist and to make students comfortable enough to take steps outside of their comfort zone.”

Winners will be awarded with their certificates at a Degree Congregation, and commendees will receive their awards at a celebration reception.

All University staff and current students can make a nomination for the award, so long as the prospective nominee teaches, supports students, enhances the student learning experience and supports colleagues.

Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence

Also recognising good practice, effort and dedication across the institution, the Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE) highlights the efforts of staff members in helping students through personal tutoring as a support mechanism.

Nigel Denton, Deputy Senior Tutor, was announced a WAPTE winner alongside just two other University staff members, including exemplary individuals from the Centre for Applied Linguistics and the Centre for Teacher Education. Nigel said:

“I take a leading role in the student induction process and encourage students to engage with the support and opportunities available at Warwick from the start of their degrees. I have a strong focus on employability and have developed links between the Careers Team and Personal Tutors to help students develop their career choices."

Visit this page to find out more about the Warwick Awards.

WMG Centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, with support from Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) Electrical Energy Storage Spoke, has created a series of short educational videos to help explain the process of transport electrification.

There are a total of three episodes featuring WMG’s Electric Vehicle experts Professor David Greenwood, Research Fellow Faduma Maddar, and Dr Mel Loveridge.

In each episode, the experts explain more about the research carried out at WMG’s Energy Innovation Centre and address the key issues surrounding an electric future.

The videos will now be shared with policy makers, and schools across Coventry and Warwickshire to help support STEM learning.

The three episodes can be found in WMG’s Electric Vehicle playlist here.

WMG’s Associate Professor, Mairi Macintyre, is hosting a series of special 'Lunch with…' seminars, during May and early June, where she'll be chatting to senior leaders from academia and industry.

The prestigious line-up includes experts from a mix of sectors including aerospace, engineering, entertainment, energy, finance, travel and education. Companies represented include Rolls Royce UK, Innovate UK, Hong Kong Disneyland, National Grid, and many more.

The experts will be sharing their insights and experiences of crisis management including their responses to the COVID19 pandemic. They will also share their future predictions and challenges for the recovery period.

Mairi explained: “I’ve worked at WMG for 20 years and have had the privilege of growing strong, professional and personal friendships with many industry-thought leaders – a privilege I think many of us, working at the University of Warwick, have and one I felt needed to be shared.

Many of those taking part already speak regularly to students on our Master’s programme, and also help to inform how the different courses are developed. These insights, reflections and predictions contribute in a meaningful way to the bigger conversations we are all having now as we determine the new normal.”

The ‘Lunch with…’ episodes are broadcast live to the University of Warwick community, with recordings then added to WMG’s You Tube channel here.

Congratulations to WMG Associate Professor Dr Ian Tuersley who has been awarded a IMarEST Outstanding Contribution Award 2019 for Marine Education.

“Dr Tuersley is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of both the IMarEST and the IMechE, and has been part of the teaching team at the University of Warwick for over 25 years.

His nomination for the IMarEST Outstanding Contribution Award was based on his engagement with the ‘European International Submarine Races’ (eISR) and the US equivalent (ISR) competitions over the last seven years. His involvement has reaped a substantial amount of educational benefit that he has developed and disseminated throughout the higher education sector.

Since 2013, Ian has acted as Project Director on the Warwick Submarine team supporting final year engineering students in designing and building a human-powered submarine to the exacting specification of the US and European competitions.

Ian said: “This award is wonderful recognition of a great deal of very successful work – but that has involved contributions from a number of colleagues and of course a lot of my project students. Their enthusiasm and engagement in both the Warwick Submarine project itself and the dissemination of its benefits and achievements has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career as a teacher. I am grateful for having the opportunity to have been involved in this activity with all of these people and would like to extend the recognition that this award offers to all of them.”

Ian’s teaching subjects range from applied statistics and experimental data analysis to various aspects of Engineering Business Management (EBM) at both undergraduate and Master’s degree level. His exceptional standard of teaching has been recognised with several awards including a 'Warwick Award for Teaching Excellence' (WATE).

WMG was delighted to support STEM for Britain 2020 earlier this week for the fourth consecutive year.

STEM for Britain is a poster competition with five categories including Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and Physics. It took place at the Houses of Parliament bringing together early career researchers and MPs from across the UK.

This prestigious annual event is an important date in the parliamentary calendar because it gives MPs an opportunity to speak directly to some of the UK’s brightest young researchers.

Professor David Mullins, WMG Head of Department (interim) said: “This is the only event in the year that brings together really creative, really intelligent and passionate, young PhD and early career research students.

“We are delighted and honoured that WMG was able to sponsor the engineering element along with the Royal Academy of Engineering.”

He added: “For MPs it’s a really inspiring event. They get the chance to see the work coming out and how issues including climate change and healthy aging are being addressed. These young people are our future.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP and Chairman - Parliamentary and Scientific Committee, said: “These early career engineers, mathematicians and scientists are the architects of our future and STEM for BRITAIN is politicians’ best opportunity to meet them and understand their work.”

Greg Clark MP, Chair of Science and Technology Select Committee, explained: “It is a growing field that will have a huge impact on millions of people. STEM research will change the lives of our generation and of generations to come.”

Four University of Warwick students Jake Brooks (School of Engineering), Fabienne Bachtiger (Computational Chemistry), Robert Richardson (School of Chemistry) and Jonathan Harrison (Mathematics Institute) presented posters at the event.

In a race to be clean and green the motor industry is changing, which has inspired 40 Warwick students to make an electric superbike to race this summer, 2020.

As the government has announced proposals to ban the sale of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars by 2035 the race to electrify the motor industry is on, and motorbikes aren’t to be overlooked.

The 40 students from a range of departments including: WMG, School of Engineering, Computer Science, Physics and Maths will work together to make the electric superbike possible with thanks to support from Rajputana Custom Motorcycles and Mupo Race Suspension.

School of Engineering student Aman Surana is managing the Warwick Moto team, he comments:

“The reason why I’m doing engineering is because of my interest in motorsports, be it four wheels or two. More than theory and the principles behind engineering concepts, it’s about the practical experience and finding real solutions rather than just what works on paper.

“My work experience at one of Asia’s biggest custom motorcycle shops Rajputana Custom Motorcycles helped reinforce my passion for motorcycles and is the reason Warwick Moto exists.

“It’s great to have the support from our sponsors Rajputana Custom Motorcycles and Mupo Race Suspension, and further support from WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, leading academics in the industry are helping us to make this possible.”

The students will work in sub-teams focussing on:

1. Battery and Drivetrain

2. Chassis

3. Design and Aerodynamics

4. Finance

5. Marketing

6. On-Board Auxiliary systems

Superbike rider Tom Weeden has agreed to ride the electric superbike for them, and will be involved in all the testing and trials ready for a self-organised technological demonstration event in July 2020, he comments:

“I’m over the moon to be signing to ride the Warwick Moto electric bike in 2020 and hopefully beyond. The electric class is something I’ve been interested in and keen to be involved in for some time now.

“I’m looking forward to working with the students to develop a package that we can build for the future. Hopefully one day we can go to the TT and take it to the big budget teams.

“The passion these guys have is truly inspiring and I’m looking forward to learning more about how the technology works and adapting my riding to suit the different characteristics of the electric motor.

“I’ve ridden my brothers electric trials bike for the past few years and I know just how much torque and instant linear power these bikes can produce. The bike is based on the Honda Fireblade which has a brilliant handling chassis so should be an awesome platform to build from. Fingers crossed we can bring the budget that this team deserve to put together and develop the technology of the future!”

The students will have the motor and invertor delivered and tested in the next month, and will test the battery at the same time. They hope to have the prototype module testing in March.

The bike will then race at events over summer, but the long-term objective is to compete with a podium qualifying time at the Isle of Man TT 2022.

The team are looking for more supporters to make their first electric bike, you can sponsor them or donate to them here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/warwickmoto

Follow their journey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warwick.moto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warwickmotoracing/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warwick-moto/

ENDS

DATE

NOTES TO EDITORS

High-res images available credit to WMG, University of Warwick at:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/february2020/tom_20.jpg
Caption: The full team of students and academics with the driver, Tom Weeden

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/february2020/tom_04.jpg
Caption: The students and some academics working on the Warwick Moto team with the bike

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/february2020/tom_08.jpg
Caption: Tom Weeden, left with students and the bike

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/february2020/tom_18.jpg
Caption: Tom Weeden, on the electric superbike

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
University of Warwick
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 574 255 or +44 (0) 7920531221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
University of Warwick
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 574 255 or +44 (0) 7920531221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

The WMG Outreach team, funded by the lmagineering Foundation, has delivered a special CAD and 3D printing programme to more than 200, ten and 11 year olds across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Four University of Warwick undergraduate engineering students delivered the programme, throughout 2019, in a series of workshops designed to raise awareness and knowledge of CAD and 3D printing.

Workshop 1: Introduction to the programme and learning about 3D printing

In the first session the team explained the role of engineers in the design process. The children were also shown how 3D printers are used to create prototypes.

Ice lollies!

In small groups the children were tasked with designing, (using CAD), and creating, (using 3D printing), an ice-lolly drip tray. During the design process the Outreach Team explained the importance of taking accurate measurements to ensure that the designs would actually work.

The challenge

Using a hairdryer (to create the feel of a warm summer’s day!) the children were presented with the problem of dripping lollies! The challenge to design a suitable drip tray was then set.

The children used life-sized 3D printed ice lollies on sticks to take key measurements needed for their drip tray designs. The pupils discussed and sketched design ideas including adding key measurements. These measurement and design sheets were then used in the next two workshops to help develop their CAD designs.

Workshop 2: Using Tinkercad to draw lolly drip tray designs in CAD

A video tutorial was used to show the children how to use Tinkercad. Building on their design work from Workshop One, the children began producing CAD drawings for the drip trays.

Workshop 3: Using scaled digital lolly model to assess and improve designs

Pupils put the finishing touches to their designs and used the scaled digital lolly models to visualise and assess their designs, considering any design modifications that were needed to ensure the drip tray was effective. The children were encouraged to continue this process until they were confident the design would work.

Towards the end of the workshop, the class shared their finished designs. The class then voted for their favourite two, these were then 3D printed and returned to the school as a momentum.

Diane Burton, Project Officer STEM Outreach explained: “The school pupils had fun learning key design principles, and they have successfully produced products that are both functional and creative.”

You can find out more about all of WMG’s Outreach activities here.

This week, as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2020, WMG welcomed 38 local students and staff to a Degree Apprenticeship Insight Day.

The primary focus of the day was to help students learn more about Degree Apprenticeships and explore digital health, technology and engineering career paths.

The event included a range of practical workshops and demos including engine stripping in WMG’s engineering hall, an introduction to programming and electric circuits as well as finding out about airflow over an aeroplane using a wind tunnel. Existing apprentices also gave a short talk on their apprenticeship journey and some of the exciting projects they are working on.

Rebecca Archer, Business Engagement and Student Destinations Manager, at the WMG Academy for Young Engineers Solihull, said:

“An excellent and insightful event to give a fantastic introduction to Degree Apprenticeships in the digital health, technology and engineering sectors.”

Steve Maggs, WMG’s Director of Undergraduate Programmes added:

“I’d encourage teachers, parents and students to attend more Degree Apprenticeship events to understand what engineering, technology and healthcare careers are available, and research how diverse, varied and stimulating studying and working in these area can be.”

WMG will be hosting further events of this kind to raise awareness of STEM career paths and Degree Apprenticeship programmes.

Congratulations to all our brilliant WMG students who graduated at the University of Warwick’s Winter Ceremony this week, held in Butterworth Hall.

Alumna speaker for both ceremonies was Zoe Chilton who graduated from WMG in 2012 with an MSc in Engineering Business Management.

This year a total of 1,440 Master’s, Postgraduate Research and Undergraduate students graduated from across WMG.

There were 1,347 Master’s students and a further 19 graduated from the Postgraduate Research programme including 5 EngD, 13 PhD and one Master’s by Research students.

The final 74 were from Jaguar Land Rover, Network Rail IAC and TRW studying on WMG’s Applied Engineering Programme (AEP).

Professor Dave Mullins, WMG said: "Our graduation ceremonies are one of the highlights of our year as our new graduates celebrate their success in the company of their family and friends and prepare to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained in the career that they pursue."