Meet our Students - Cohort 4

Student

Bio

Adam Neal

“Having finished my BSc in Computer Science at the University of Liverpool, I was given the opportunity to join the DA CDT to study reinforcement learning in the context of physically-aware cyber defence. The CDT allows for collaboration with an amazing group of individuals in both academia and industry, making it a great environment to be in. I look forward to my research and time within the CDT!”

Bettina Hanlon

"My project is focussed on learning transparent models from data driven algorithms to enhance streaming data analysis. After I graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Physics, I decided I wanted to work on problem solving with real world applications, which is why the CDT was perfect. I'm really excited to work with academic and industrial experts on a really exciting topic."

Carole Liao

"My background is in mechanical engineering with an MSc in Aerospace Dynamics from Cranfield University. I am a flight dynamicist with a special focus on data handling and analysis for modelling and simulation activities. Former KTP associate at University of Exeter and Prismatic Ltd, working on the development of Flight Control Systems algorithms for the High-Altitude Long Endurance UAV, PHASA-35."

Dominika Soltysik

"I loved my time studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester. Once I completed my MEng degree, I focused on starting a job, but I missed the challenges of academia too much. The PhD work with the CDT allows me to explore a subject that is not only fascinating but also will lead me to a fulfilling career in the future. The CDT creates a warm and encouraging atmosphere where all researchers can benefit from each other's knowledge and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

 Giorgos Chionas

“After I graduated, I wasn't sure if I would pursue a PhD path. However, when I found out about this PhD project, Algorithms and Mechanisms on Blockchain, I was very intrigued because I believe it combines perfectly my research interests. I truly appreciate the approach of CDT of working both with academic and industrial experts. Besides that, the workplace is ideal, and it gives us the opportunity to flourish. Last but not least, the diverse background of each student gives a unique dynamic to our Lab."

Harvinder Lehal

"Near the end of my MMath degree at the University of Sheffield I had begun to look at doing a PhD in a statistical field, after looking at and applying for various PhDs I decided to apply to join the DA CDT. Unlike conventional PhDs, being a part of the DA CDT means I am able to be part of a team of like-minded individuals from a variety of backgrounds which gives me a chance to see different approaches to the same problem and also to work collaboratively on projects. My PhD looks at using high-performance computing to create more efficient algorithms for fast random Bayesian forests. A PhD with the CDT offers a unique opportunity of working directly with industry partners, in my case GCHQ, and being able to do a placement working with the partner organisations themselves. I believe working with the CDT will better prepare me for a future in either academia or industry due to the collaborative approach taken.

I would strongly recommend anyone interested in wanting to make a difference in the world through research to consider applying for a PhD at the CDT or at least find out more about what we do here as it truly is a unique approach to postgraduate education!"

John Bentas

“Through my four-year Masters reading Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies, I realised programming and research were the ways I wanted to go after graduation. Wanting to keep my work aerospace related, I found my PhD with the DA CDT, which I was set on after having discussions with my now PhD supervisor Jason Ralph. The CDT enables me to be in a community of academics on the forefront of data science while allowing me to engage with industry partners from across the globe, giving an excellent opportunity to develop my future network and grow alongside my peers in the cohort.”

Joshua Wakefield

“Having completed a summer internship at the CDT it was an easy decision to apply to do a PhD. One of the driving factors of joining the CDT is the cohort structure which allows for a more social and collaborative experience, whilst also working alongside an industrial partner. My project encompasses the detection of submarines using sonar sensors to distinguish between acoustics produced from submarines and other influencing factors that also produce sound. I am looking forward to learning more about this fascinating research area and to make a real impact.”

Sarah Askevold

“During my BSc in Geophysics I developed an interest for coding, and found that this was something I would like to keep doing. When I heard about the DA CDT and using code and machine learning to solve real-world problems, it sounded like the perfect next step for me. The cohort aspect of it, working in teams like in industry, rather than working on my own on a traditional PhD, is a great way to make the most of the PhD-experience.”

Tymofii Prokopenko

“Coming soon....”

William Shaw

“I applied to the CDT after a conversation with Simon Maskell, initially doing a PhD was something that I never really considered. After discovering my project I knew it was in a problem area that I was extremely interested in as it follows well from my geophysics and data science background. The way that each project within the CDT has an industry partner and supervisor appealed to me as I know my research will be utilised to solve the complex problems they currently face.

The CDT also provides you with the skills and resources to conduct said research through access to high-performance computing with centers at Hartree and with partners like IBM research. The cohort nature of the program allows us the students to collaborate and help each other with our projects even if they seem unrelated. Overall, I’m extremely happy I applied to the program and can’t wait to see how the next four years turn out.”