Growing up playing a wide variety of instruments and having a vested interest in engineering, my curiosity in sounds and vibrations led me to completing a BEng at the University of Salford in Acoustical and Audio engineering. After graduating in 2026, I am now a PhD student at the University of Southampton researching vibroacoustics. My enjoyment of music, while no longer a focus of my studies, still remains in my spare time, where I enjoy playing all the different instruments I own. I also am a fan of word and puzzle games and I love to play board games with my wife.
Project title: Estimation of the Sound Power Radiated from Complex Engineering Systems with Multiple Enclosed Vibroacoustic Sources
Project Partner: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
University: University of Southampton
Supervisors: Professor Jordan Cheer and Dr Joshua Meggitt
Briefly, what is your PhD project about?
My PhD project is about estimating the sound power level of complex engineering systems with multiple enclosed vibrational sources. It aims to develop and expand current vibroacoustic modelling methods.
Why is it important to do this research?
This research is important because better understanding and methodology of vibroacoustic modelling allows for noise issues to be directly tackled during the design stage. This means that NVH can be tackled more easily and as a primary issue, rather than being dealt with after the product is built.
What drew you to studying this PhD?
I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD and go into research for my career; I also have a huge fascination with vibrations and vibroacoustics; and so this PhD was really ideal for me.
What does a Sustainable Sound Future mean to you?
A sustainable sound future to me means developing new technologies with noise as a primary concern rather than a secondary issue as noise has a profound impact on both human and wider environmental livelihood. By designing the future with sound in mind, it creates a sustainable place for life and wellbeing.
What were you doing before joining the CDT?
Before joining the CDT, I was an undergraduate student. Throughout my educational journey, I have also been blessed enough to have lots of experience working with SEND students: from being a volunteer ‘buddy’ to younger SEND students in an orchestral setting, to being a TA at a primary school working with SEND pupils.
What do you do on a typical PhD day so far?
My typical day so far consists of reading papers, filling in paperwork, and talking to other PhD students about our projects.
Tell us a fun acoustic fact!
Bone conduction headphones were invented in the 1500s. Hieronymus Capivacci (d. 1589) used a zither and a metal rod for differential diagnosis of patients with hearing loss. The patient bit down on the rod and he played the zither. Therefore, by some slightly wishy-washy definition, he was the first person to be recorded as using bone conduction to listen to music, ergo he invented bone conduction headphones in the 1500s.