Hal Phillips

What is your current programme of study?

Automotive Materials, but I work part time as a waiter at a pizzeria.

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

Physics, Maths, Design & Technology 

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

I felt it opened more doors to me than mechanical or another kind of engineering – more opportunity for various industries. I want to feel like the work I am going to do will matter, and I think materials science will be at the forefront of much of the discovery that will be made in the 21st Century. 

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course? (If you didn’t do a MSE course which course did you do and what led to you MSE?) 

Most of all I enjoy the practical applications of materials science, specifically use of lab equipment here at Loughborough – the electron microscopes and impact testers are my favourite! 

What is your research about?  

I am an undergraduate, but this year I will begin my dissertation that I hope to do on industrial applications of graphene, or perhaps on emerging mass production methods of graphene. 

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

A work experience placement at Williams Racing Formula One Team – getting to meet the people behind the car and to see how much everyone loves to be a part of it was inspiring. 

What do you see yourself doing in the future? 

Perhaps working at a materials startup/research company, perhaps in formula one. Wherever I work though, I want to be on the cutting edge – developing new technologies or materials for use elsewhere in the world. 

What is your favourite material (and why)?  

Wood – because it is beautiful, and perhaps one of the rarest materials in the universe! 

What advice would you give your 16 year old self? 

I would tell myself that I don’t have to have everything figured out, that its okay to not know what I’m doing, and that succeeding isn’t about how often you fail, but how you respond to the failures. 

Links

LinkedIn