Reece Ellingham

Reece Ellingham graduated from the University of Leeds in 2021 with an Energy and Environment MSc degree, and now works as an Environmental Engineer at National Gas Transmission.

The challenge to decarbonise energy

Reflecting on his decision to study Energy and Environment MSc, Reece said: “I've always thought that the challenge to decarbonise energy is an exciting and crucial field. Midway through my undergraduate Mechanical Engineering degree, I realised I wanted to specialise in energy to meet this challenge.” 

“The environmental element of the course was also a pull for me; I wanted to try something different to what I’ve previously studied and push myself out of my boundaries.” 

“As for Leeds, I was impressed with both the city and the university while frequently visiting over the years. The quality of research and facilities at the University were exactly what I was looking for.”

I've always thought that the challenge to decarbonise energy is an exciting and crucial field.

Studying a wide variety of optional modules

Reece liked the variety of modules on offer, which allowed him to cover topics he felt familiar with, and others that he had never considered before. He added: “A noticeable step up from undergraduate to a Masters was the expectation to analyse information more in depth and propose your own interpretations.”

“It was a solid set up for the world of work post-university. The course also encouraged me to think critically about topics and the interpretation of data.”

Collaborating with industry to research biomass fuels

Reece collaborated with an industry partner for his second semester research project. He said: “For my research project, I researched new types of biomass fuels made from second generation feedstock, such as waste from agriculture, produced through a process called torrefaction - like roasting coffee beans.” 

“These are turned into pellets and can be used as a low carbon replacement fuel for solid fuel power stations or local heating.” 

“I delved into a chemistry heavy topic, despite coming from a mechanical engineering background, but was able to apply what I learnt from my Bioenergy and Waste to Energy module into the project and had brilliant support from my supervisor, Professor Jenny Jones.”

“Working with an industry partner during this research project was a great way to prepare me for securing and succeeding in my first role post university. I learnt effective communication, report writing and workload management.” 

Working with an industry partner during my research project was a great way to prepare me for securing and succeeding in my first role post university.

Excellent practical and theoretical teaching 

The professors in the programme team have contributed to globally renowned research, which feeds into the course. Reece said: “The quality of teaching at Leeds was very specialised in each subject matter.” 

“What I liked the most was that you were taught by academics pushing the boundaries of engineering in their own research, which was translated in the course material. I was introduced to new subjects that I wasn't as invested in before the course, but found a new interest in them through the passion by those teaching them.”

Alongside his degree, Reece enjoyed exploring Leeds. He said: “Student life in Leeds is really like nowhere else, I felt I was part of a thriving community and there was always something going on. Leeds is truly a diverse city and has a vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, events, green spaces and transport links.”

What I liked the most was that you were taught by academics pushing the boundaries of engineering in their own research, which was translated in the course material.

Building a career as an Environmental Engineer

Reece is currently an Environmental Engineer at National Gas Transmission after successfully completing their graduate scheme. He explained: “During my masters I secured a graduate role at the electricity and gas transmission operator - National Grid. I did a variety of placements around the company including Environmental strategy, Business Strategy and Construction Engineering.” 

“My current role since finishing the scheme is an Environmental Engineer, working for National Gas Transmission. I focus on emissions reduction, management of environmental impacts during construction & demolition and implementing new practices to ensure our gas network will enable the clean energy transition in a sustainable way.” 

“A broad understanding of the energy industry is critical to my role and the varied modules of all areas of the energy industry was perfect to set this up. The knowledge from module topics such as Atmospheric Pollution, Renewable Technologies and Pollution Sampling & Analysis were a good foundation into understanding the impacts from our assets, how to measure and quantify emissions and implement sustainable alternatives.”

During my masters I secured a graduate role at the electricity and gas transmission operator - National Grid.

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Find out more about studying Energy and Environment MSc at the University of Leeds.