Tom Barber, Project Lead, NDE and Weld Engineering, BAE Systems

Tom studied for an EngD in the UNDT Group between 2012-2016 on the ultrasonic array inspection of non-ferrous small-bore welds, supervised by Professor Paul Wilcox and industrially supported by BAE Systems. The project involved a mixture of ultrasonic model development (to optimise array geometry and quantify the effect of pipe curvature on inspection sensitivity) whilst also exploring methods of using Full Matrix Capture data to create reliable adaptive Total Focusing Method images through rough and irregular as-welded pipe joints. Tom spent his first year at Bristol "learning the trade" and then moved BAE's shipyard for the rest of his project where he was able to test his research in a production environment and get involved other industrial NDT activities. After graduating, Tom took a role at BAE's Materials Technology Centre and now looks after a small team of engineers who are responsible for the business's NDT technology development activity and support the approval and implementation of new inspection processes into the business.

Nicolas Budyn, Ultrasonic & Signal Processing Specialist, Proceq

Nicolas studied for an EngD in ultrasonic imaging using the multi-view Total Focusing Algorithm, completing in 2020. He now works as an Ultrasonic & Signal Processing Specialist for Proceq (Switzerland), which designs and produces nondestructive testing equipment. Having pursed doctoral studies in ultrasonic testing was essential for getting this position.

Rob Malkin, Research Team Lead, Ultraleap Ltd

Rob studied at Bristol for a PhD in material science, completing in 2012; he used a lot of acoustic inspection, leading to a fascination with acoustics and NDT. He then took a post as a postdoctoral researcher in the UNDT Group to early 2020. During his time as researcher he was involved in three research projects i) looking at acoustic scattering as a method of characterising defects within metallic structures; ii) using acoustic imaging to survey the Fukushima nuclear accident site. He worked with teams in Japan and the UK and took some truly unforgettable visits to Japan's nuclear facilities; and iii) imaging defects in complex shapes. From April 2018, Rob worked part time in the UNDT team as well as being the Research Team Lead at Ultraleap Ltd in Bristol. Rob's work in the UNDT team gave him a fantastic primer for leading a research team. 

Image: Dr Rob Malkin and Professor Bruce Drinkwater in Fukushima, autumn 2017

Asier Marzo, Lecturer in Computer Science, Public University of Navarre

‌Asier was a postdoctoral researcher in the UNDT Group and is now a Lecturer in Computer Science at the Public University of Navarre (Spain). He directs the research group UpnaLab where computer science, physics and electronics are combined to create interactive devices.

Maddy Nichols, Chief Operating Officer, Spin Up Science

Working across engineering, physics and chemistry as part of her PhD in Functional Nanomaterials 2014-2018, Maddy used acoustic manipulation to fabricate ordered soft materials, with application in improving cell scaffolds for tissue engineering. Working within the UNDT group, she was exposed to projects that sparked her interest in exploring how to progress her research to have real world relevance and impact, which has led her into her role within Spin Up Science. At Spin Up Science, the focus is on empowering researchers with the knowledge and skill sets to create and lead new research intensive ventures so that more discoveries are taken along a pathway to realise their benefits into the world.

Ali Safari, Research Associate, UNDT Group, University of Bristol

Ali's PhD at the University of Bristol 2015-2019 was on improving defect characterisation using ultrasonic phased arrays by better assessing and understating the characterisation methods and optimising arrays. His post-doc research has been within the Pipebots project which aims to revolutionise the inspection of buried pipes by using swarms of small robots equipped with a variety of sensors. His work specifically focuses on development of new sensors and imaging techniques to be used for detection and characterisation of defects within pipelines.

Image: Dr Ali Safari (on left) and the Pipebots project