Carl Lu

What is your current job / programme of study? 

PhD candidate in Loughborough University.

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?

Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Why did you choose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

To be honest, I accidentally chose it when applying for uni, but I liked it throughout the learning process.

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?

The tight link to our daily life is the thing I enjoyed most. I can see the polymer chains in the beverage bottles and food containers, the breakdown of crystallisation when plastics melt, the promise of recycling plastic wastes, the internal structure of high-strength fibres, and tons of electrochemical reactions within a small battery. These mysteries behind normal life motivated and inspired me most.

What is your research about?

Polymer-based functional composites.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

Me and my housemates bought a 3D printer to print phone-cases for our phone.

What do you see yourself doing in the future? 

Probably doing something I like pursuing more knowledge while making money.

What is your favourite material (and why)? 

Graphene, simple structure and chemical composition, but with excellent performances in multiple aspects.

What advice would you give your 16 year old self?

Try to think deeper to figure out what exactly is my passion and hobby, and be persistent with them.

Links to Carl’s external webpages:

https://staytunedwith.me/