🌍✨🏴 Reflecting on my incredible PhD student exchange at Northumbria University in June/July 2024, where I had the honour of being part of the LITEFLOATCON project (Light-weight high-performance concrete for modular floating structures). LITEFLOATCON brings together international and intersectoral collaboration to develop and apply innovative light-weight high-performance concrete (LWHPC) for multipurpose modular floating structures aimed at coastal space utilization.
Working alongside Dr Brabha Nagaratnam and fellow PhD student, Dishan Markandu, we explored the use of lightweight aggregates, conducted preliminary testing, and mapped out our future research. Dr Brabha’s expertise and camaraderie made our work inspiring and full of purpose. We also attended the NWG (Northumbrian Water Group) Innovation Festival where we had the opportunity to engage with some of the brightest minds from around the world, coming together to tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges.
I’d also like to express my gratitude to Dr Mohammadali (Mohsen) Rezazadeh, for joining us during our visit to Bespoke Concrete in Northumberland. A big thank you again to Dr. Brabha organising this insightful site visit, where we explored Bespoke Concrete’s practices and learned so much about the regional nuances of construction.
During my exchange, I also had the privilege of visiting the University of Warwick in Coventry, hosted by my External PhD supervisor, Dr Reyes Garcia to attend the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) West Midlands Coventry and Warwickshire Branch Seminar: Research Towards Net Zero Concrete. This event was part of the outreach program of the Monash Warwick Alliance Grant. My PhD supervisor, Associate Professor Sudharshan N. Raman delivered an eye-opening presentation, and I learned a great deal. We then visited Concrete4Change where Dr Sid Pourfalah graciously introduced us to the pioneering work on CO2 mineralization in concrete, taking the technology beyond lab-scale applications. Thank you, Dr. Sid and Dr. Reyes, for this enlightening experience, and a special shoutout to Ahmad Al Mohammad, PhD student at Warwick, for sharing your journey and advice.
Beyond the professional growth, this exchange marked my first time in Europe, and it did not disappoint! Newcastle and Coventry offered breathtaking scenery and a refreshing change from the predictable Malaysian weather. Whether it was exploring the vibrant streets of Newcastle, admiring the stunning architecture, or simply enjoying the cool breeze in Coventry, every moment was a memorable adventure.
A huge thank you to everyone, who contributed directly or indirectly to my journey—whether it was through valuable advice, detailed plans, practical tips, or heartfelt prayers. Your support has meant the world, and I’m truly grateful for the encouragement that has guided me every step of the way! 🙏🏼
#Sustainability #ResearchAndDevelopment #Collaboration #FutureOfWork
