Mon, 25 January, 2021
Meet one of the latest PhD students to join the National Structural Integrity Research Centre.
Adriana Castro Vargas has started her journey to becoming a Doctor of Philosophy on the NSIRC PhD programme. Support for Adriana's PhD research is provided by the University of Leicester and Lloyd's Register Foundation.
NSIRC is managed and operated by TWI Ltd, a research and development organisation, internationally renowned and recognised for industrial innovation and technology development.
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Get to know Adriana in 6 quick questions...
First of all, congratulations Adriana on beginning your PhD with NSIRC!
Please could you tell us a little about yourself and why you wanted to pursue a PhD?
Thank you very much! Hello, I am Adriana Castro, a Metallurgy Engineer and I obtained a Master degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
Regarding my background, I have both higher education and industrial experience in corrosion, coatings, thin films, and failure analysis. After my studies, I worked in the oil and gas industry with Confipetrol and for the last four years I have been working as a professor at The Technological University of Bolívar in Colombia.
I wanted to earn a PhD degree with NSIRC and TWI because it offers a unique experience by combining academia and the industry. This will help guide my research towards making a real contribution to the field of offshore corrosion, and support the improvement of international standards.
As well as that, being at TWI in Cambridge will allow me to learn from a network of internationally recognised experts and harness the expertise of highly qualified professionals.
What is your research topic, and could you outline the project objectives?
My research topic is the Protection of offshore wind turbines using low-cost, damage tolerant, sacrificial coatings, which can replace the combined systems, anodes, and dielectric coatings, currently used in the offshore industry.
Offshore inspections demand high costs. Developing a damage-tolerant system will significantly enhance offshore structures' lives and reduce maintenance and repair requirements.
How have you been coping with the Coronavirus pandemic?
The COVID -19 pandemic has affected everyone's way of life and this situation has caused stress, anxiety, and fear.
Working-out is a great way to relieve stress! In these times, I have been thinking positively, exercising at home, sharing time with my family and keeping in-touch with my friends.
Do you have a New Year's Resolution for 2021?
I have a few resolutions...
To improve my scientific writing skills, be a good management time, keep my physical exercise routine and, build a great network of colleagues and friends.
What is your favourite song in the world right now?
I consider myself a music lover, then I do not have a unique favourite song, but if I had to choose one, it definitely would be The Scientist by Coldplay.
What would you say to someone who may be hesitant about applying to be a PhD Student?
If you are passionate about a field of study and want to advance your professional career, do not hesitate to apply for a PhD studentship. It is not as complicated as it may seem.
Since I started my application, I have received support and guidance from TWI, my supervisor, and the university. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I am glad to belong to this doctoral program.
So, trust in yourself, think about your goals, and if you want to be a PhD candidate, then do it!