What our students say
My EngD helped me gain my current role
Noemi Arena
Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability EngDn
“Studying for an EngD within Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability helped me to gain my current role. The course enabled me to spend four years working on research which related directly to industry. My work was focused on the absorption process of carbon dioxide on activated carbon, which involved the application of life cycle engineering principles of industrial ecology including life cycle assessment and closed loop use.
As part of the course I also completed a training programme which included sustainability modules along with personal development training covering topics such as project management, leadership and teamwork.
One of the best things about the course was the multidisciplinary approach it encouraged students to take, which has enabled me to adapt to different projects and environments made up of people from different cultures, nationalities and interests. The holistic sustainability approach the course taught me was absolutely unique.”
Very good opportunities for collaborate
Mercio Cerbaro
Environment and Sustainability PhD
“I was drawn to study at Surrey for my PhD because it has the best combination of expertise in satellites and in sustainability.
My experience here has been very positive, and I’ve had great experiences attending international conferences and workshops. My research allowed me to work in the Amazon region, as well as in workshops in the UK, and my supervisors have all been very supportive and always encourage me to go the extra mile.
Surrey has very good opportunities for collaboration. I’m working with researchers at the University of Reading, for example, and I’m particularly proud of starting an official international collaboration between the University of Surrey and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) in Brazil. Surrey and INPE signed a memorandum of understanding because of me, and I’ve been able to take advantage of INPE facilities in São José dos Campos in Brazil to support my research.”
An exciting and educational experience
Paschalia Mavrou
Practitioner Doctorate in Sustainability EngD
“The EngD in sustainability is a good opportunity to conduct research in an industrial environment. It is a combination of a classic PhD that also allows you to understand how a multinational company like Unilever (in my case) conducts research.
I am really enjoying studying at Surrey. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and I’ve interacted with social scientists, people who have been working in the industry for years but decided to come back to academia, and people straight out of university. I’ve also learned a lot about sustainability. Overall, it’s been an exciting and very educational experience for me.
One of the great things about working in such a multicultural environment as Surrey is meeting people from different disciplines and backgrounds, which can be very thought-provoking. Another thing I really enjoy about Surrey is its beautiful campus. A coffee break by the lake is the best way to unwind before going back to tackle your research.”
