Why did you choose Strathclyde for your physics degree?

I always had a keen interest in science, particularly physics, through my whole school career. I visited a number of university open days as part of my application process and was really drawn to Strathclyde. The lecturers were all very approachable and really keen to meet prospective students. 

The flexibility that Strathclyde offered to both move between the MPhys and BSc (Hons) courses and to specialise in later years was also very appealing. The opportunities to specialise in certain aspects of physics kept the course interesting and engaging through my final years.

What did you do after graduation and how did your degree get you to where you are now?

After graduating from Strathclyde, I joined Diodes Inc. as a Graduate Process Engineer with a focus on Plasma Etch. In my two years here, I have now become an Associate Process Engineer working within the same team. 

My degree provided me with important background knowledge for my job in the semiconductor industry, particularly my research project which gave me the opportunity to work with members of the Semiconductor Spectroscopy and Devices group. It also provided me with plenty opportunities to develop my problem solving and teamwork skills which I use daily in a fast paced and complex manufacturing environment.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

I’ve had lots of memorable moments and opportunities in my career so far. From very early on I was given the opportunity to own specific toolsets, ensuring that they are producing high quality products safely and efficiently. 
I have also had opportunities to go on courses to further develop my background knowledge, this included a week-long training course at NMIS. 

My career has provided multiple opportunities to give back to the community, we spent a day with a local charity helping with some light maintenance work and have also had multiple opportunities to attend STEM events at local schools and colleges. 

What is the best part of your job?

One of the best parts of my career has been the people that I have got to meet through working at Diodes Inc. With a wide range of experience in the engineering community here there is lots of knowledge available from the experienced engineers which is bolstered by the fresh ideas and enthusiasm of the large group of current and recent graduates. Having a large and tightknit graduate community also provided plenty of opportunities to socialise as a team and further strengthen the bond between the various groups within our engineering community.

Working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment also means that no two days are the same and the best laid plans sometimes have to be changed on the fly. This provides an exciting and challenging work environment that keeps every day interesting.

What physics-related skills do you use in your daily life/career?

I use a wide range of skills in my career. Problem solving skills, teamwork, data analysis and the ability to present data all spring to mind as skills that I now use daily. We have daily challenges in work and rely on the above skills to help obtain a solution. The answers to many of these problems or challenges often lies in the data. As an engineer it is my responsibility to find those answers and effectively present the data to help illustrate the solutions to these issues.

What advice would you give to current physics students?

Enjoy your time at Strathclyde and make the most of every opportunity that the University and Physics Department provide, both social and academic. Whether you are in your first year or your last, the time at Strathclyde will fly by and it may be time to move on before you know it.