Patrick Cooney

What is your current programme of study?

1st year PhD student in Metallurgy and Materials at University of Birmingham 

What A-Levels did you do? 

Physics, Maths, Chemistry 

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

I had a great lecturer teaching Materials Physics during my undergraduate degree, and it inspired me to learn more about the subject. This helped me make the decision to study nuclear fission fuels for my Master’s project, and I took my knowledge and skills with me to study nuclear fusion for my PhD course. 

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?) 

I did a MSci Physics course. My Master’s project was based on alternative nuclear fission fuels, and how they react with the metal cladding that contains them when heated in a furnace. From there, it seemed like a logical next step to go into MSE, but my focus changed from nuclear fission to nuclear fusion – both worthy areas of research in my eyes! 

What is your research about?  

My research looks at steels used as structural materials in experimental fusion reactors. The steels are very strong at room temperature but at higher temperatures – over 550 degrees Celsius inside a reactor – they lose strength and get damaged. They must also withstand being bombarded with neutrons. I’m studying the mechanisms (on a microscopic scale) of how these steels get damaged and break. I hope that my research contributes to the UK becoming a Net Zero country and reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. 

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

It was cool (but quite intimidating!) to present my Master’s project to senior academics at the University of Bristol, and to answer their questions about it. 

What do you see yourself doing in the future? 

In the future, I would like to continue my career in academia. I’m not sure yet but I think that would involve becoming a postdoctoral researcher. I would also like to have my name on a published paper one day. 

What is your favourite material ?  

Oobleck! It is a combination of cornstarch and water, and it is a non-Newtonian fluid which means it behaves in really weird ways. When you apply pressure to it, it acts like a solid. If you remove that pressure, it flows like a liquid! 

What advice would you give your 16 year old self? 

You don’t have to study only the subjects you did for your A-Levels, so look around. Additionally, do some extracurricular reading or projects that show your passion for the subject – it will pay off. That’s what universities want to see – which specific topics interest you? Finally, you might be able to get through A-Levels on “talent” alone but eventually you will hit a wall where you need to ask for help to improve your understanding. Ask your teachers and lecturers for help – it’s their job and people like to feel useful.  

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