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PhD Students - Past and Present

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PhD Students - Past and Present

A Ph.D. in Engineering and Innovation is a testament to a scholar's deep commitment to advancing knowledge in the field, both in the past and present. Historically, individuals pursuing this doctoral journey have been at the forefront of groundbreaking innovations, contributing significantly to the evolution of technology and engineering principles. In the present, a Ph.D. in Engineering and Innovation represents a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible through rigorous research and the exploration of novel ideas. This advanced level of education is crucial for shaping the future of engineering, as it equips scholars with the skills to conduct original research, solve complex problems, and drive technological advancements. In essence, a Ph.D. in Engineering and Innovation serves as a cornerstone for progress, fostering a culture of continuous learning, critical thinking, and transformative research that propels the field forward.

The high technology metal 3d printing turbine parts the sample of automotive parts from rapid prototype manufacturing concept

Ehsan Afshin

Thesis Title: Mesoscopic Deformation Behaviour of Inconel 718 Fabricated by the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Row of different female clothes hanging on rack in hipster fashion show room in shopping mall trendy women wear

Tanveer Ahmed

Thesis Title: Pluriversal Fashions: Towards an Anti-Racist Fashion Design Pedagogy

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Modern corporate office building captured from a low angle during a vibrant sunset-symbolizing-business-success-growth-and-future-development

Jane Anderson

Thesis Title: Reducing Embodied Carbon in the Built Environment: The Role of Environmental Product Declarations

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Thick aluminum rods in warehouse remelting non-ferrous or ferrous metals metallurgy manufacture of foil and metal products

Suzanne Cheney

Thesis Title: The Validity of Using High Resolution Digital Image Correlation to Investigate the Influence of Stacking Fault Energies on Deformation Mechanics

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Geometric soundproof foam wall textured background

Yishan Dong

Thesis Title: Acoustic Testing on Engineering Materials

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

High definition treeline isolated on a white background

Alice Fraser-McDonald

Thesis Title: Landfill Site Trees: Potential Source or Sink of Greenhouse Gases?

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Sheet metal and rolled stainless steel in a factory or warehouse

Aniket Joshi

Thesis Title: Evaluation and Optimisation of the Small Ring Test and its Amalgamation with the Small Punch Test

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Multi colored puzzle faces with different people showing diversity and inclusion equity and belonging

Maxim Lamirande

Thesis Title: Exploring Practices and Understandings of Designing Inclusively

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Close up of sewing machines in a modern sewing factory

Helen McGilp

Thesis Title: Recording in the Fashion Design Process

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Forest and tree landscape aerial view forest ecosystem and healthy ecology environment concept

Javier Ruiz-Ramos

Thesis Title: Continuous Monitoring of Environmental Disturbances by Cumulative Sums of Dense SAR Satellite Timeseries

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2023

ORO: View my publications

Machines for dyeing fabrics in an industrial dyeing

Gauthaman Chandrabose

Thesis Title: Heterostructured Metaloxide Photocatalytic (Copper Oxide and Titanium Oxide) for Degradation and Removal of Organic Pollutants

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Ventilation system for hospital room providing fresh air and preventing the spread of disease created with generative ai

Darren Jones

Thesis Title: Strategic Energy Management within Hospitals: Barriers to Energy Efficiency and the Impact of Design Margins

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Online coding class flat illustration generative ai

Derek Jones

Thesis Title: Studio Use in Distance Design Education

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Industrial power plant at sunset generative ai

Madhu Madhavi

Thesis Title: Global Governance of Energy Systems Transition in a Geopolitical Context - Looking at the Emerging Dynamics of Oil and Coal Beyond the High-Income Countries

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Abstract industrial background of carbon steel heat exchanger tube bundles

Johannes Nicol

Thesis Title: Effect of Prior Plastic Strain on the High Temperature Creep Deformation and Damage Response of Type 316H Stainless Steel

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Post-it notes on a desktop computer laptop

Erika Renedo-Illaregi

Thesis Title: Co-Design As Healing: Exploring The Experiences Of Participants Facing Mental Health Problems

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Aerial view futsal team athlete of a soccer field outdoor stadium artificial grass

Ruggero Rossi

Thesis Title: Hypernetworks Analysis of RoboCup Interactions

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Nuclear fuel bundle

Yadukrishnan Sasikumar

Thesis Title: Investigating the Solubility of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Different types of soil as background

Kamrun Suravi

Thesis Title: The Influence of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) In Soils From Long-Term Experiments: Measurements Of Compression Properties, Water Release Curves, Thermogravimetry, Acoustical Impedance And Neutron Tomography

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Designer sketching drawing design development product plan

Arno Verhoeven

Thesis Title: Designing Objects and Texts: An Exploratory Examination of Narratives, Texts and Reflecting on Difference Inside Product Design Projects

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Rustic elegance wooden slate shingles texture - generative ai

Freya Wise

Thesis Title: Reducing Carbon while Retaining Heritage: Retrofitting Approaches for Vernacular Buildings and their Residents

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2022

ORO: View my publications

Different video making equipment on brown wooden table with copy space indie movie production essentials

Charlotte Foster

Thesis Title: A 'Self-Production Approach for Charities': Supporting and Developing In-House Video Production in Small UK Charities

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

Professional female architect in work drawing building design and preparing construction documents woman with successful career in the maledominated architecture field

Laura Harrison

Thesis Title: Shape Grammars for Motion: Generative Tools for the Construction and Qualitative Evaluation of Designs with Moving Parts

Research Theme: 2021

Year: Design

The tops of old brick buildings surrounded by skyscrapersin downtown Toronto

Thomas Morton

Thesis Title: Grassroots Perspectives of Gentrification and Community-Led Design: The Social Relations Underlying The Design Of Housing

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

Harnessing solar energy for sustainable green power generation - generative ai

Mai Nguyen

Thesis Title: A Critical Investigation into Whole System Transitions to Low Carbon Futures and New Sources of Energy Flexibility in Great Britain's Electricity Sector

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

St Mary church barnes gem

Matthew Steele

Thesis Title: The Conservation and Adaptation of Historic Anglican Churches in England for Secular Community Use and Continued Worship, Post‐1945

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

Inside the nucleus of a nuclear fission reactor in operation

Andy Wilson

Thesis Title: On-Demand Electricity from Future Fission Energy Systems

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

Nuclear reactor close up

John Brokx

Thesis Title: Modelling Peak Shifts not Resulting from Lattice Strain in Anisotropic and Inhomogeneous Materials using Monte-Carlo Simulation of Neutron Diffraction

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2021

ORO: View my publications

Giving a helping hand on sky background relief and support concept

Alessia Cadamuro

Thesis Title: Beyond The 'Untold': Encountering Autism: Situated Insights on Ways to Enable Participation In Design

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2020

ORO: View my publications

Hydrogen renewable energy production hydrogen gas for clean electricity solar and windturbine facility

Manan Mehta

Thesis Title: Structural, Optical And Photo-Electrochemical Properties Of H:TiO₂ Nanoparticle, TiO₂-MoS₂ Nanocomposite And TiO₂-BiVO₄ Core-Shell Nanoparticle Structures

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2020

Busy highway with fast moving vehicles in beautiful sunset

Steve Mellish

Thesis Title: Modelling Of Sound Attenuation by Periodic, Rectangular Structures

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2020

ORO: View my publications

Abstract metal background with sparks

Ellies Muyupa

Thesis Title: Measurement of Deformation in Varying Stress Fields

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2020

ORO: View my publications

Plastic rubbish pollution in ocean environment underwater view

Ahmed Nawaz

Thesis Title: Microbial Colonisation and Degradation of Plastic Pollution in the Marine Environment

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2020

Fusion reactor toroidal chamber with a magnetic coil device for carrying out a controlled thermonuclear reaction - 3d-render

Richard Pearson

Thesis Title: Towards Commercial Fusion: Innovation, Technology Roadmapping for Start-ups, and Critical Natural Resource Availability

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2020

ORO: View my publications

Abstract design element spiral circle sound wave vector dots halftone spiral

Alex Stronach

Thesis Title: An Investigation of the Sound Field Above a Surface with Periodically-Spaced Roughness

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2020

ORO: View my publications

Forklift loader pallet stacker truck equipment at warehouse

Miguel Zapico

Thesis Title: Product Family Design Using Product Simulation and Multi-Objective Optimisation

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2020

Rolled up alloy in steel industry

Anas Achouri

Thesis Title: Advances in the Contour Method for Residual Stress Measurement

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Power supply for electric cars

Maurizio Catulli

Thesis Title: An Investigation into the Social and Cultural Dynamics that Shape Product Service Systems Consumption

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Close up of solar panels

Paheli Ghosh

Thesis Title: Engineering of Materials for Hole Transport Applications in Perovskite Solar Cells

Research Theme: Energy

Year: 2019

Illustration of a musical note with multiple smaller musical notes surrounding it - Generative AI

Richard Seaton

Thesis Title: Pitch Drift in 'A Cappella' Choral Singing

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Sheet metal cutting with sparks

Beverly Stewart

Thesis Title: Controlling Deformation Errors in the Contour Method for Residual Stress Measurement

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Stainless steel piping flange valve component gtaw tig welded

Rahul Unnikrishnan

Thesis Title: Characterisation of Inelastic Strain in Type 316H Austenitic Stainless Steel using Electron Backscatter Diffraction

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Wavy digital mesh network with glowing orange highlights

Zuochao Zhao

Thesis Title: Mesoscopic Modelling and Simulation of Fluid Phenomena in Material Processing

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2019

ORO: View my publications

Ancient clarinet detail on a black background

Kurijn Buys

Thesis Title: Development and Evaluation of a Hybrid Wind Instrument

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

Rainbow colors clothes on wooden hangers

Philippa Crommentuijn-Marsh

Thesis Title: Understanding Consumer Behaviour Regarding the Sustainable Consumption of Clothing

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

Abstract metallic surface background

Avishek Dey

Thesis Title: Applications of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Surface Engineering

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

Engineering and technology technical-drawing

Safaa Lebjioui

Thesis Title: Investigating and Managing Design Margins throughout the Product Development Process

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

Midcentury ceramics

Lynne Maclachlan

Thesis Title: Making Rules, Making Tools: How Can Shape Grammar Support Creative Making?

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

UK Bedford old river channel boats sailing upstream

Alex Rowbotham

Thesis Title: Designing for Fluid Transitions to Sustainable Infrastructure: The Case of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

A black man in a suit casts his vote drops a piece of paper into the ballot box elections and voting day

Bryon Qually

Thesis Title: Design and Democracy: Transformative Agency within Indigenous Structure

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2018

ORO: View my publications

Chrome-plated Industrial background

Yadunandan Das

Thesis Title: Characterisation of Stresses and Strains Involved in the Martensitic Phase Transformations

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Green grass field under blue sky during daytime

Geraud de Ville de Goyet

Thesis Title: Evaluating How Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Interventions Affect the Wellbeing of Indigenous Communities in the North Rupununi, Guyana

Research Theme: Technology and Innovation Management

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Empty hospital bed inside room

Pamela Garthwaite

Thesis Title: Resilient Hospital Refurbishment

Research Theme: Applied Systems Thinking in Practice

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Gray apple wireless keyboard beside black tablet computer and stylus pen

Karl Jeffries

Thesis Title: Skills for Creativity in Graphic Design: Testing the Relationship Between Visualisation, Written Comprehension, and Graphic Design Creativity

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Purple and blue light digital wallpaper

Cristian Jiminez-Romero

Thesis Title: A Heterosynaptic Spiking Neural System for the Development of Autonomous Agents

Research Theme: Technology and Innovation Management

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

A table topped with lots of office supplies

Yan Liu

Thesis Title: A Decision Tool for Supplier Selection That Takes into Account Power and Performance

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

50737 - Photo by Alain Pham on Unsplash

Abdullah Mamun

Thesis Title: Origin of Creep-Fatigue Back Stress and its Effect on Deformation and Damage

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Electrical tower on grass field - 52360 - Photo by Thomas Despeyroux on Unsplash

George Matthew

Thesis Title: Sustainable Low-Carbon Isolated Island Electricity Systems - Policy and Investment Impacts Assessed Using System Dynamics

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Clear glass measuring cup on white table - 52547 - Photo by RephiLe water on Unsplash

Stephen Nneji

Thesis Title: Development of a Robotic Positioning and Tracking System for a Research Laboratory

Research Theme: Technology and Innovation Management

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Green grass field during daytime - 50841 - Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

Patricia O'Flynn

Thesis Title: From Knowledge to Invention: Exploring User Innovation in Irish Agriculture

Research Theme: Technology and Innovation Management

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Grass field - 49284 - Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Catherine Seale

Thesis Title: Learning How To Inform Extension Practices Related To Mandatory Agri-Environmental Policy

Research Theme: Sustainability

Year: 2017

ORO: View my publications

Gearboxes and bearings in modern technological mechanisms enhancing efficiency and functionality in industrial and transportation sectors

Gerardo Carvajal

Thesis Title: Reliability of Automotive Transmission Bearings

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2016

Modern medical office interior with computer and examination table

Richard Dune

Thesis Title: Evaluating Evaluations of Clinical Decision Support Systems: Case Studies from NHS Clinical Settings

Research Theme: Applied Systems Thinking in Practice

Year: 2016

Details of a clarinet with silver keys and golden sockets

Paulina Kowal

Thesis Title: Investigating Physical, Acoustical and Perceived Differences between Different Model Clarinets

Research Theme: Acoustics

Year: 2016

Black and white round frame - 61302 - Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Nida Naveed

Thesis Title: Improving the Spatial Resolution of the Contour Method

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2016

ORO: View my publications

Carbon fiber texture for background

Jeferson Oliveira

Thesis Title: Characterisation of a Novel Metal Matrix Composite and Improved Residual Stress Measurement Method

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2016

ORO: View my publications

Yellow metal tower with yellow metal frame - 54943 - Photo by Luca Upper on Unsplash

José Rodolpho de Oliveira Leo

Thesis Title: Creep and Anelasticity of Conventional and ODS Steels

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2016

ORO: View my publications

Aerial view photography of room - 48053 - Photo by Frederic Köberl on Unsplash

Darren Umney

Thesis Title: A Design Analysis of Parliamentary Debate

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2016

ORO: View my publications

Blue and Brown Metal Bridge - Engineering Design and Supply Chain Management - Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Saad Hasan

Thesis Title: Engineering Design and Supply Chain Management

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2015

Welder welding frame - 61483 - Photo by Filipa Saldanha on Unsplash

Shanmukha Moturu

Thesis Title: Characterisation of Residual Stress and Plastic Strain in Austenitic Stainless Steel 316L(N) Weldments

Research Theme: Materials

Year: 2015

ORO: View my publications

White and black car in front of white building during daytime - 44667 - Photo by Precious Madubuike on Unsplash

Alan Miguel Valdez Juarez

Thesis Title: Developing a Business Innovation Perspective of Electric Vehicle Uptake: Lessons From Milton Keynes' Electric Vehicle Programme

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2015

ORO: View my publications

Person holding green and black circuit board - 61374 - Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

Khadija Tahera

Thesis Title: The Role of Testing in Engineering Product Development Processes

Research Theme: Design

Year: 2014

ORO: View my publications

We aim to make an impact on individuals, organisations and communities that have to design, develop, build and manage complex systems involving technologies of all kinds. Our disciplines combine both analysis and synthesis, ranging from engineering, through design and systems thinking to environmental and technology management.

We take a broad view of engineering and innovation in all our activities. Our teaching covers many forms of formal, non-formal and informal courses and educational resources. Our wide ranging research and scholarship covers several Research Excellence Framework (REF) units of assessment. Our expertise is used in various commercial, not-for-profit and grant funded activities both nationally and internationally.

We are committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and aim to enhance our reach into, and impact on, currently underserved groups and organisations in line with The Open University’s mission.