From lean principles to lasting love: A Cranfield PhD journey

From the bustling streets of Turkey to Cranfield University, one graduate’s journey embodies the power of academic pursuit, industry connection, and unexpected life events. This is the story of Zehra Canan, a PhD student in Lean Product and Process Development—a story that unfolds far beyond the textbooks.

A deep dive into lean: The Cranfield years

Zehra, originally from Turkey and now living in the vibrant city of Dubai, embarked on a full-time PhD programme at Cranfield University. Graduating in 2017, her research focused on the intricate world of lean product and process development, specifically exploring the creation and application of trade-off curves within a set-based concurrent engineering process. Zehra feels that this specialism allowed her to explore a deep dive into optimising product design and manufacturing processes, streamlining decision-making in product development.

Choosing Cranfield: A meeting of minds and industry partners

The decision to pursue a PhD at Cranfield was sparked by a desire to specialise in lean manufacturing. Zehra had a pivotal moment when she discovered the CONGA project, a UK government-funded initiative involving Cranfield and industry partners like Rolls-Royce and Airbus. This connection to such prominent names immediately captured her attention. A conversation with project supervisor Dr. Ahmed Al-Ashaab further solidified her choice. The unique approach of bridging academic research with real-world industry needs resonated deeply with her. Coupled with Cranfield’s renowned expertise in aerospace, manufacturing, and management, the decision to join felt like a crucial step towards achieving her long-term career goals.

A rigorous yet rewarding experience

The PhD programme was undoubtedly demanding, but equally rewarding, according to Zehra. The structured curriculum, combining academic lectures, industrial collaborations, and practical projects, fostered significant personal and professional growth. Zehra felt the strong ties Cranfield maintains with industry partners provided invaluable insights into real-world challenges and solutions. Beyond academics, the supportive campus environment played a crucial role. From well-equipped libraries to recreational facilities, the resources available fostered a balanced student life. Extracurricular activities, particularly volleyball, provided both joy and stress relief, leading to lasting friendships.

 A day in the life: More than just a student

A typical day at Cranfield felt less like traditional student life and more like being part of a professional research community for Zehra. Mornings were spent in the office, immersed in research, fostering focus and creativity. The early stages of the PhD involved extensive time in the library, building a solid foundation through literature reviews. Despite the demanding workload, Zehra maintained a healthy work-life balance, with evenings often dedicated to recreational activities and social gatherings. The sense of community, with professors treating students as colleagues, created an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration.

From learning to teaching: Shaping future engineers

Currently, Zehra works as an academic at the University of Sharjah in the Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department. Teaching, research, and student supervision now fill her days, bringing a deep sense of fulfilment. The skills and insights gained at Cranfield are now instrumental in shaping her approach to academia, informing both research and student engagement.

A transformative UK experience

Living in the UK for five years, with three at Cranfield, proved to be a transformative experience for Zehra. Immersing herself in a new culture while pursuing academic goals broadened her perspectives and fostered a global mindset. The opportunity to build a professional network at Cranfield was unparalleled, forging lasting connections with peers, professors, and industry professionals. Participation in extracurricular activities, such as think tank events, industrial workshops, and conferences, further enhanced her knowledge and developed valuable soft skills. The emphasis on real-world applications, thanks in part to the guidance of supervisor Dr. Ahmed Al-Ashaab, proved invaluable.

Looking ahead: Inspiring the next generation

Zehra’s future vision is clear: contributing to innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and quality in products and manufacturing processes, and becoming a respected professor, inspiring young minds to make meaningful contributions in engineering and technology.

Advice for future lean leaders: Embrace opportunity and build connections

Zehra’s advice for those interested in lean manufacturing is to “embrace the opportunities available beyond the classroom, particularly the resources and networking events offered by institutions like Cranfield. Staying curious, proactive, and open to interdisciplinary learning is crucial in this rapidly evolving field. And, importantly, never underestimate the power of building relationships.”

 And finally, a love story began on the volleyball court

And now, for a fun fact: Zehra met her husband at Cranfield. A shared passion for volleyball brought them together, leading to a beautiful story that spans countries and cultures—a German and a Turkish meeting in the UK and living in Dubai now. This unexpected turn of events is a testament to the global and inclusive environment at Cranfield, proving that the university can not only shape careers but also transform personal lives. So, keep your eyes open—you never know what might happen!