Rijuta Jeswani

What is your current programme of study? 

PhD student in Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge 

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

Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry 

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

I like how broad Materials Science and Engineering is. There’s lots of science that goes into the simple materials around us (like cutlery) and also highly specialised materials (like in jet engines). 

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 could continue my interest in Physics, Chemistry and Biology all in one course, and see how linked they are. 

What is your research about?  

I am looking into single crystal Nickel-base superalloys, which are used to make turbine blades for jet engines. In particular, I am designing non-destructive testing methods to detect and understand failure mechanisms. 

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

The coolest thing I have done is help with an experiment at DESY, the German synchtrotron. It was really cool to see how high precision experiments are undertaken. 

What do you see yourself doing in the future? 

I’m not sure, but I’ll definitely still be involved with spreading Materials Science knowledge! 

What is your favourite material (and why)?  

My favourite material is NiTi as it can behave as a shape memory alloy – where it “remembers” its original shape on heating. This is used in orthodontistry for the wires in braces, where the heat from your body causes the wire to shrink back to its original shape, pulling your teeth with it. 

What advice would you give your 16 year old self? 

Keep being curious and learning. Always ask questions! 

Links 

LinkedIn