Postgraduate profile: PhD civil engineering

Chris Middleton's PhD arose from his enthusiasm for engineering at undergraduate level.

For my undergraduate dissertation I examined the dynamic properties of a footbridge, comparing its motion to the guidelines on crowd loading. I enjoyed the project so much that I wanted to continue in the same area and my supervisor suggested doing a PhD.

My postgraduate studies

I study the dynamic property of floors, examining how energy is dissipated and finding ways to reduce vibrations. I focus on high-frequency floors where delicate processes take place, such as operating theatres and microelectronic processing plants. To start with, I'm doing a literature review to find out what other people have done.

My course is research based but I go to any masters lectures that interest me. It includes an ICE training scheme so I can start working towards chartered status. My department does some consultancy work, visiting structures to measure responses to shaking. This isn't all directly connected to my study but it develops my knowledge.

A balanced life

The first year has lots of leeway so I work an average of six hours a day. I will have to work harder as I progress, but fortunately my department is flexible and I can work at home. I love climbing and Sheffield is the best place in the country for it.

My PhD is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. I get an untaxed grant of £13,500 a year, the equivalent of £17,000, and I'm paid for helping out with the consultancy work. I earn pocket money by helping with first-year labs, which keeps my skills up to speed.

Future plans

I have several options. My department has close ties with some civil engineering consultants so I could work for one of them as a specialist. Alternatively, staying in academia would give me flexible hours, less stress and let me continue doing research.

Chris studied a PhD in civil engineering at the University of Sheffield.