Manasa Ammu shares her experience of an EngD at the University of Warwick in collaboration with Custom Interconnect Limited.
I am a second-year EngD student working on the development of gallium nitride (GaN)-based power modules. My research focuses on improving the efficiency, reliability, and thermal management of these modules, aiming to make them more suitable for applications such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. GaN offers significant advantages over traditional silicon, including higher switching speeds and reduced energy losses, which could play a key role in advancing power conversion technologies.
Industry collaboration: a unique advantage
A key aspect of my EngD is the close collaboration with industry. I am funded through the Future Mobility Technologies Centre for Doctoral Training (FMT CDT) at the University of Warwick, with my affiliated industrial sponsor, Custom Interconnect Limited (CIL-UK). CIL-UK specialises in power electronics manufacturing, including assembly, packaging, and testing. This sponsorship not only provides financial support but also allows me to work on challenges directly impacting the power electronics sector.
Working with CIL-UK ensures that my research is immediately relevant to industry. I have access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and real-world problem-solving expertise. While industry timelines can be demanding, and balancing academic curiosity with practical constraints is a challenge, the exposure to industry-driven research is invaluable. It enhances employability and ensures that the skills I develop are relevant my future career.
My experience so far
As I progress through my EngD, I am gaining valuable hands-on experience with semiconductor materials, power module design, and packaging techniques. The initial months have involved literature reviews, experimental setup, and networking with researchers and industry professionals. Having studied chemical engineering at undergraduate, the transition to electrical engineering has provided a steep learning curve, but the guidance from my supervisors, colleagues, and industry mentors has made the transition smoother. Attending seminars, technical training sessions, and external networking events have all broadened my perspective and further deepened my understanding of the field.
EngD life differs significantly from undergraduate study. It requires greater independence, self-motivation, and problem-solving. While the challenges are significant, the sense of accomplishment when making progress is immensely rewarding.
Why an EngD?
A major challenge of my EngD journey has been transitioning into a new research domain. My previous research focused on thermal management in batteries and fuel cells, grounded in chemical engineering. To broaden my expertise, I applied for CDT sponsorship under FMT to explore thermal management in power electronics. Although this shift has been challenging, it has been a highly valuable step in my career.
An EngD provides an opportunity to explore cutting-edge research, develop problem-solving skills, and contribute to meaningful innovation. The combination of academic inquiry and industrial collaboration ensures that my research is both theoretically enriching and practically applicable to real-world challenges.
Looking ahead
For anyone considering an EngD or PhD, I highly recommend exploring opportunities involving industry collaboration. These programs bridge the gap between research and application and offer a unique academic experience. If you’re interested in conducting impactful and industrially relevant research, an EngD or PhD in this area could be a great fit for you.