Questions

What do you hope to achieve during your postgraduate study at Birmingham?

During my postgraduate study at Birmingham, my main goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the field of seismic risk assessment, specifically in the context of bridge infrastructure. I aim to refine and validate the fragility models I have developed and, ultimately, produce research that can help improve the resilience of bridges in earthquake-prone regions.

Beyond academic achievements, I also hope to expand my professional network by collaborating with researchers from different disciplines, both within the university and internationally. I believe this will be crucial for my future career, whether in academia or industry, as it will allow me to exchange ideas and apply multidisciplinary approaches to real-world problems.

What are you looking forward to most on your course?

What I’m most looking forward to on my course is the opportunity to deepen my research while engaging with leading experts in the field. As I continue developing my work on seismic risk assessment of bridges, I’m excited to apply advanced methodologies and further refine my models with the guidance of experienced academics. The chance to collaborate and discuss my ideas with both my professors and fellow students is something I really value.

What have been your first impressions of Birmingham so far?

My first impressions of Birmingham have been of a city full of vitality and modern energy. What really stands out to me is how Birmingham manages to strike the perfect balance between its modern infrastructure and its green, open spaces. You can walk through vibrant urban areas one moment and then find yourself in a peaceful park or garden the next. This combination makes the city feel both dynamic and relaxing, which is ideal for balancing the demands of postgraduate study.

What was your motivation for postgraduate study?

My motivation for pursuing postgraduate study stems from my deep passion for solving complex engineering challenges, particularly in the context of seismic risk. Growing up in Ecuador and later working in Chile, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating effects earthquakes can have on communities and infrastructure. This exposure ignited my curiosity about how we can better protect critical structures like bridges from seismic events.

After completing my Masters degree and gaining practical experience working on various projects, I realised that the challenges I was most interested in addressing required a deeper level of understanding and research. I wanted to contribute to the development of more resilient infrastructure, especially in regions with high seismic activity. That’s when I decided to pursue a PhD, where I could focus on this topic and work towards creating innovative solutions.

In addition to my interest in seismic engineering, I was motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field, engage in meaningful research, and expand my academic horizons. I believe that the knowledge and skills gained during my postgraduate studies will allow me to make a lasting impact in the field of civil engineering, both in academia and industry

Tell us about yourself and your journey to postgraduate study.

My name is Henrry, and I’m originally from Ecuador, although I’ve been living in Chile for the past few years. After completing my Masters degree in Civil Engineering, I worked at a university in my hometown, leading and participating in various engineering projects. This experience not only gave me practical insights but also strengthened my interest in research and academic work.

It was during this time that I decided to pursue a PhD, realising the importance of advancing knowledge in seismic risk assessment, particularly in regions like Chile that are highly prone to earthquakes. Now, I am in the final year of my PhD, specialising in the seismic vulnerability of bridges, which has allowed me to combine my academic and practical skills.

Currently, I am spending six months at the University of Birmingham as a Visiting Research Student, where I’m further developing my research in collaboration with leading experts in the field. This journey has been a transformative one, providing me with the opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions while preparing for a career that bridges academia and industry