Hollie Cockings

"Developer, Influencer, Quality Controller. I would say these are quite accurate! I do like to develop new ideas, solutions and solve problems - this is pretty much the epitome of engineering! I also take pride in developing people - whether it be students, the public or my peers. I also like to influence others, which I think links nicely with \"developing people\" - lecturing and supervision of students completely enables this. I'm also results-driven so its often easy to see how your influence on someone has directly impacted them, their results, their career path, their grades! I really like to create and leave a positive impact on people. I do appreciate good quality control, although I'm not overly prescriptive of the whole \"quality control\" process. I like a job well done, I like results that I can trust, I appreciate reliability and accuracy, and I hate being late (or others being late!). I think the quality controller in me is more of a personal trait than the way my role operates. I'm also very conscientious of my work and peoples perception of me and my professionalism. I think that can go along way in the professional world! "

"I am a Lecturer in Materials Science and Engineering but one of the main focusses of my job is research. I am currently sponsored by Tata Steel UK so the majority of my research is aimed towards improving materials, processes and the environment around steelmaking. I teach two large undergraduate courses covering all sorts of engineering disciplines, from aerospace to medical. I also supervise four Engineering Doctorate students working on projects for Tata Steel. I am currently co-managing a large project, worth £7m, known as the Prosperity Partnership which aims to develop novel alloys for various engineering applications. The starting salary for a junior lecturer is around £35,000 but as you increase in experience, you have the opportunity to work all the way up to Professor level. "

"Following my undergraduate degree, I decided to stay on at University to pursue post-graduate study. Swansea University offers sponsored Engineering Doctorate programmes of which I was lucky enough to be awarded. I worked with Rolls-Royce plc for 3 years carrying out my PhD, looking at high temperature corrosion of aircraft engine components. My project was of great interest to the company so I was able to continue my research for another 3 years as a Post-doctoral researcher. From there, I decided that I wanted to become a lecturer - continuing with research but also teaching. I found out the requirements for the role, worked on my professional development for a year and then finally applied for the role and have been doing it since March 2018. In March this year I was promoted to Senior Lecturer! "

"In my spare time, my favourite thing is travelling and exploring the world, especially to Europe in my van! I enjoy walking with my dog, yoga, swimming and stand-up paddle-boarding. I also hold a Private Pilot's Licence and until recently, taught Air Cadets how to fly in light aircraft and gliders. To achieve this, I joined the University of Wales Air Squadron while at uni and they taught me how to fly! I also received a scholarship from the Air League National Trust who helped me complete my pilot's licence and was awarded \"Best Female Pilot of the Year\" by HRH Prince Phillip. Unfortunately, over the last few years I developed major back issues and last May I had spine surgery but I still struggle with it today. The reason I bring this up is that even if you have challenges like this thrown in your way, you can still work hard to overcome them and although it may slow things down, don't let them get in your way of achieving what you want to do! "

"A day in the life of an academic changes daily and often depends on the time of year! During a teaching semester, I will be prepping for and delivering lectures, teaching up to 9 hours per week. I also hold practical lab classes for the students where they conduct experiments on different material types. Developing coursework, notes and writing exams. Marking. Meetings. At this time of year, I will also be supervising undergraduate research projects - this year looking at Mars Rover wheels, steels for aircraft landing gear, developing new steels for automotive and design against meteoroid impact!! Its very rewarding to see these students succeed, and nothing beats a student coming up to you at the end of the lecture saying \"thank you - I really enjoyed that\". It really feels like your helping them carve their future. Throughout the Summer and when I'm not teaching, I'll be trying to catch up on my core research. This will involve supervising my Engineering Doctorate students and summer placement students. Spending more time in the lab and on microscopes or testing materials till they break and then analysing them in great detail to understand why. I'm also working on a project where we are developing new alloys for automotive, pipeline and construction. We're also trying to speed up the process of how quickly it takes to create and commercialise new materials - usually it can take years, were aiming to shorten that time down to months or even weeks! My role also involves carrying out a number of different management tasks. I manage a £7m government sponsored programme in partnership with the steel industry and other universities. The management tasks includes things like visits to sites and meetings with my research partners. Attendance at corporate and academic events. I also try and attend at least one international conference every year or two. I also need to keep on top of writing up my research to have it published regularly in journals and also books/chapters! "

"PhD Materials Science & EngineeringBEng Aerospace Engineering Foundation Year in General Engineering A Levels - Art, Product Design & Physics "