Blessing Ekpe

What was Cranfield's impact

I finished my bachelor’s degree in Nigeria and worked for a while in at Rockson Engineering. I then got admission for an MSc programme here at Cranfield University. I actually came to the UK for the first time in 2010 and I have been here ever since.

I studied process systems engineering. My original background is chemical engineering and process systems engineering is an extension of that. In Rockson Engineering I was mainly doing project support to the field engineers. After my master’s I worked for a while in the UK at RWE npower and a building construction company as well.

It is the research itself that I am working on. I am learning new things every day and the course is expanding my knowledge of the power generation industry. It has been a very good and beneficial experience for me.

My research is looking at corrosion as a function of heat exchange and materials, as well as the fuel composition. It is a great importance to companies, in particular my sponsors which is why they are funding money for the research. When this critical component is damaged it leads to plant shut downs which can lead to financial penalties for the company. It is all about prevention and maintenance. I am excited about my research, because I can see it being useful for utility companies, not only for the UK but for other countries as well.

After my PhD I would like to work in the power industry because my PhD is looking at corrosion and power generation boilers. If the opportunity presents itself I would also like to remain in academia, possibly as a research fellow in the same field.