My Net-Zero Journey So Far…
27/05/2021

This time last year, I made the career-changing decision to pursue an MSc as opposed to finishing my undergraduate with an MEng. 9 months since starting my course, I can thankfully say that it has been one of the best academic decisions that I’ve made!
The Advanced Chemical Engineering course is quite like normal chemical engineering in terms of typical modules such as separation processes. However, it stretched my learning even further by its application to industry and added elements of computational modelling.
My first module required the use of MATLAB in modelling reaction kinetics for carbon capture followed by Computational Fluid Dynamics for industrial design. I was able to apply knowledge gained during my bachelors while also picking up brand new skills that I hadn’t yet encountered during this time. This really kept me on my toes as it was a constant learning process.
I recently completed my group project which was centred around using nuclear power to produce clean fuels. Nuclear generation is an area that I have a lot of interest in following a previous internship within the nuclear defence sector. I had previously completed a group project during my undergraduate however, Cranfield gave me the opportunity to work with students across the School of Energy and Power. This multidisciplinary approach exposed me to engineers outside of my own course while also giving me a real-life example of how engineering disciplines overlap within the workplace.
My Net-Zero journey also takes me outside of academia as I’m an avid advocate for STEM education. I was recently appointed as an Alumni Trustee for EDT (Engineering Development Trust), a nationwide charity engaging young people through STEM-focused experiences. Furthermore, I sit on the executive board for AFBE-UK (Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers) where I work with a team to co-ordinate university programmes. Even though my days are filled with zoom meetings, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Ultimately, joining Cranfield has taught me the importance of finding and pursing your genuine interests during university. I’ve personally come an extremely long way from being a confused 2020 graduate to a motivated post-graduate with a passion for sustainable energy production.
I’ve recently began my thesis which will be based around the feasibility and techno-economics of exploiting geothermal power in contribution to ‘Global Net-Zero’ within developing countries situated across Eastern Africa. Furthermore, I’m super excited to start my new role in September as a graduate engineer in the nuclear division within Rolls-Royce!

Categories & Tags:
Leave a comment on this post:
You might also like…
Royal Air Force Officer Kathy: Why I chose to study Safety and Human Factors in Aviation MSc
Growing up in Southampton with her father, an Air Cadet Instructor, Kathy had an interest in aviation from an early age and was committed to join the Royal Air Force from the age of ...
My journey since completing my Counterterrorism MSc
Richard Robinson, a Chevening Scholar, completed his course in Counterterrorism MSc in the Summer of 2023. After traveling to Cranfield from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Richard was the Head of School for the Caribbean Special ...
Net zero in asset management: The concept and the challenge
The concept of net zero has emerged as a key solution in addressing the pressing global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability. Industries across various sectors increasingly recognise the need to reduce their ...
My career after doing a Design Thinking MSc
Hello, my name is Chioma Ezeanaka and I am currently working as a Technical Liaison Officer at CHAP. The Design Thinking MDes programme was a positively transformative experience for me, and in hindsight, I ...
Use academic libraries across the UK for free!
If you are studying or working away from our two University sites, you may find it more convenient to use a library service nearer to you. The SCONUL Access scheme gives all our staff and students free ...
Renewable Energy MSc alumnus Laurie Cusick: Life after Cranfield
After completing his Renewable Energy MSc this year (2023), alumnus Laurie Cusick jumped on a flight to Northern Peru to volunteer as an intern in the renewable energy team at EcoSwell, gaining valuable work ...