After studying chemical engineering in her home country of Greece, Liana developed a keen interest in the field of water treatment and came to the UK to further research in this area.
She soon found the support, facilities and expertise needed in the University’s Water Innovation and Research Centre and the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies.
Read on to hear Liana’s journey.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
While I was finishing my undergraduate studies in chemical engineering in Greece, I was keen to move abroad and do some exciting research in the field of water treatment which had caught my interest.
Bath seemed like an ideal place for this due to the growing Department of Chemical Engineering and the newly founded Water Innovation and Research Centre. I was also offered the opportunity to join the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies, which meant I could do an integrated degree (MRes and PhD) and get loads of additional support.
To top it all off, Bath looked like a beautiful place to live.
Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?
As a final-year chemical engineering student, I knew I wanted to work in research and was passionate about sustainability and making a positive impact.
The PhD in sustainable chemical technologies appealed to me because it allowed me to explore different fields and work with researchers and academics from many disciplines that are linked to chemical engineering, such as chemistry and biology.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?
I had a supportive supervisor who helped me make the most of my PhD and take advantage of all available opportunities, such as attending conferences, teaching and taking part in public engagement.
In general, I had a wonderful time studying in Bath and made lots of good friends from around the world with whom I am still in regular contact. We used to enjoy sitting by the lake when the sun was out but had to be careful of ducks or seagulls stealing our lunch! We also loved walking down the hill to the city through the Bathwick fields.
Describe your career journey since graduating.
After finishing my PhD, I worked as a research fellow in Wastewater Treatment at Cranfield University. I then moved back to Bath to work as a research associate within the SynHiSel programme grant, which is my current role.
On a typical day, I spend time in the lab and office doing both experimental and computational research. I use simulations and 3D printing to produce polymers and ceramics in complex shapes that can improve the efficiency of water treatment.
I work with academics from Bath and other universities as well as industrial partners, as collaboration is a key part of achieving impact with my research. On some days, I deliver lectures or workshops for MEng Chemical Engineering students.
How did your studies help you to develop, professionally or personally?
During my PhD I developed a very diverse skillset, including research skills, as well as organisation, communication and leadership skills. Training, including MRes courses at the beginning of my PhD, was important for this, as was taking part in different activities, including organising various events, presenting my research at conferences and science festivals, and co-supervising undergraduate researchers in the lab.
With support from the Doctoral College, I also did a three-month internship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, which was a fantastic experience. I joined a world-leading lab using advanced techniques to analyse water quality, so I learned a lot and published a very nice paper based on the results of our work. In my spare time, I had the chance to explore the east coast of the USA.
What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?
I would encourage everyone who loves research and wants to develop a wide range of technical and transferrable skills to do a PhD at Bath. There’s a lot of support and several opportunities to enhance your experience as a PhD student, and you’ll get to contribute to the innovative research happening at the university around sustainability and many other critical topics.
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