Dr Qinling Li

Senior lecturer in thermo-fluids

I am a senior lecturer in thermo-fluids. I am interested in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology and applications. Before moving to Sheffield Hallam, I was a research associate in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge.

I also spent part time in the CFD Lab, which is part of the Acoustics, Fluid Mechanics, Turbomachinery and Thermodynamics Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge.

From 2003-2006, I worked as a research associate in the Aeronautical and Automatics Engineering Department, Loughborough University.

I studied for a PhD degree in the Aerodynamic Flight Mechanics Research Group, Southampton University, in 2003. And I obtained my first and master degrees, and used to be a lecture at Xi'an Jiaotong University, China.

Research interests
• fundamentals of turbulence
• direct numerical simulation (DNS) of compressibility effects in wall-bounded channel flow
• large eddy simulation (LES) of fan/outlet guide vane (OGV) broadband noise prediction
• les for short take-off and vertical landing aircraft (STOVL)
• turbine blade cooling
• biomechanical
• fluid-structure interaction (FSI)

Dr Karen Vernon-Parry

Course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering

Phone 0114 225 4852
E-mail k.vernon-parry@shu.ac.uk

I studied materials science at Oxford University, and also completed my DPhil there, which was on the microstructure and properties of superconducting thin films. After a post-doctoral position at Oxford, I moved to the University of Manchester and then to UMIST. In 2004 I came to Sheffield Hallam University, becoming a senior lecturer in 2006. I have been course leader for the Extended Degree in Engineering (prep year) since January 2009.

I am interested in the correlation between the structure and the physical properties of materials at the atomic scale. In the past 10 years this has concentrated on the development and evolution of process-induced defects in semiconductors, initially ion implantation damage in silicon and silicon-germanium alloys, and more recently defects such as grain boundaries in multicrystalline semiconducting diamond. Such studies are in support of electronic device development. I also collaborate with the electroceramics group at Manchester University to investigate the role of specific dopant species in varistor formulations.

I have recently become involved in a multi-disciplinary research program developing 'intelligent' materials, particularly for healthcare applications.

I am a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College and am a Member of the Institute of Physics

Dr Mark Thompson

Principal lecturer

I gained an upper second degree in BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Humberside University in1994.

I then studied for a PhD at York University, applying artificial intelligence techniques to the control of antenna systems, resulting in the development of a software package and the publication of a number of international papers.

After gaining my doctorate in 1997, I worked as a research associate for a number of years, first at Hull University, developing fault monitoring and diagnosis systems. I then worked at the University of Sheffield developing an artificial intelligent control system for a chemical processing plant. In 2000 I became a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam.

I am currently head of undergraduate admissions for engineering and have designed courses for a number employers including Rolls-Royce, Bombardier and Kimberly-Clark in collaboration with Derby College, Rotherham College of Arts and Technology and North Lindsey College. This has helped to ensure that our courses are relevant to the needs of industry.

Chris Short

Principal lecturer

I trained as an apprentice engineer in the hand tools industry, during which time I completed a degree in mechanical and production engineering.

After graduating I worked in the design departments of a number of companies designing special purpose machine tools before beginning a postgraduate teaching qualification. I subsequently taught a range of engineering subjects in the further education sector for eight years before joining Sheffield Hallam in 1990.

My role is a Portfolio Director with responsibility for all the BSc technology degrees, and I teach on several design modules at all years of the courses.

I am a chartered mechanical engineer and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

My areas of interest and research are design, design management, the implementation of new technology and engineering education. I have completed a range of research and consultancy work with companies implementing new technology or developing new products and have written around 30 publications.

The most recent development in my portfolio has been the addition of an aerospace technology degree and this has proved very exciting for me.

Dr Andy Young

Principal lecturer

On leaving school I became a craft apprentice in a defence company manufacturing naval artillery, where I was trained as a precision miller-turner-fitter. In 1989 I was awarded a Whitworth Scholarship from the IMechE to encourage practical engineers to seek higher education, which led to my enrolment on a Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at The University of Leeds.

In my first year I transferred onto mechanical engineering to get a more general education, and by the third year I developed an interest in computer modelling of how fluids behave. I was awarded prizes from the IMechE and Sun Microcomputers for project work, a Parkinson scholarship for continued study from the University, and sponsorship from International Paper to embark on a PhD research degree into thin film generation for the printing industry.

I was then employed as a Research Fellow in the Industrial Coating Research Group, where I focused on the transference of academic research to industrial problems, working with companies such as Kodak, 3M, and Ilford.

I moved to a leading industrial consultancy company called Fluent in 1998, and became focused on thermo-fluids and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). I worked in materials processing industries, helping manufacturers apply technology to understand how to make better glass, polymer, and metals products.

In 2005 I began teaching engineering fundamentals and their industrial applications to students. I joined engineering at Sheffield Hallam leading the teaching for thermo-fluids and CFD, and supervising PhD students.

In 2009 I recognised an opportunity to start-up a new venture in the University called Hallam Energy which works directly with industry to reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions by the application of technology.

Elaine Waser, final year student

BEng Electronic Engineering (part-time)

'Having previously studied at Sheffield Hallam, I decided to return to the same university as I had only collected positive memories from my studies.

'I applied for an industrial placement in the quality department at Kostal UK, an automotive electronic switch developer and manufacturer. I contacted the HR department directly and enquired about a placement. This was followed up by an interview that involved testing my knowledge on electronics. I was successful in gaining a placement with the company and was placed in the Testfield department as a technician. This required me to test new prototype developments to industry specific standards for production verification. Tests included force-distance switching, thermal effects, drop tests and chemical resistance tests.

'Forward planning was needed to juggle my time. Starting assignments and revision earlier was a key element to success. As a part-time student I had less access to labs and resources, however working continuously instead of ad hoc enabled me to successfully manage work and study.

'From working on placement at Kostal, I was offered a full-time job. I moved to the position of new product introductions where I oversaw the coordination of prototype production and customer sample requests. I then moved on to the analysis department where I was required to analyse end of line failures, diagnose failure modes and devise methods to reduce the failure rates. My current job role is research and development (R&D) technician. I build prototype circuit boards, amend PCBs, test new designs and interface with industry customers. I enjoy working in R&D, every day is different and I'm part of the process of developing electronics for future cars.

'My advice to students taking a placement is – don’t be shy, ask. Ask if you don’t understand something and ask if you would like to be part of an exciting project they haven’t included you in, otherwise you might miss out on a great opportunity.'