Aparna Viswanath

Aparna Viswanath

Why did you decide to study a masters at the University of Leeds?

I was looking for a top university that offered an integrated course having both engineering and management modules. I found that the University of Leeds was one amongst the top 5 universities in the UK for electronic & electrical engineering. Also, this course was the best fit for me.

What has been the best aspect of studying on your course and at the University so far and why?

The best aspect of studying my course was the ability to gain different skills such as technical, management, team building, and leadership. This was possible through  classroom trainings, group assignments, and individual projects. The skills that I have gained from this course have made me ready to enter the corporate world. The best aspects about the University were its facilities such as libraries with massive resources, state-of-the-art laboratories that give practical exposure, world-class leisure and sport facilities to unwind, and the numerous societies to socialise and do what you are passionate about!

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have completed.

I have been able to implement quite a few projects on emerging technologies in this course, out of which the most exciting ones are:

  • “Operating model for Building Applied Photovoltaics” - which aimed at developing a robust operating & supply chain model to harness solar energy using solar cells attached to surfaces of high-rise buildings.
  • “Smart floating farms”- which aimed at developing a strategy and roadmap to commercialise this emerging agricultural technology, as a solution to reduce world hunger.
  • “Bacterial separation to reduce antibiotic resistance”- which aimed at developing technical and business management solutions to produce accurate cell separation kits, that can aid in reducing antibiotic resistance.

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students?

Leeds offers students a mix of modern city life and the beautiful English countryside, through its surrounding towns and villages. The city offers affordable living through various student accommodations and has various high-street malls and shopping avenues, to satisfy one’s shopping needs. It has a wide variety of restaurants and street food stalls serving different cuisines, and is also known for its vibrant night life. Another thing I would surely recommend is the Christmas market. 

What are your ambitions for the future?

I look forward to using the skill set that I have gained from my course, to work on emerging technologies and get into a leadership role at atop global organisation.

What experiences at Leeds do you think will help you in your future career?

During my time in Leeds, I was able to improve my communication and networking skills. Through the course, I had the opportunity to interact with professors and fellow students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Through the university’s Get Out Get Active society, I was able to make friends with varied interests during the walks & tours we went together in the picturesque English countryside. 

What would you say to students coming to do the same course?

The Engineering technology & business management course has the right mix of technical and management modules for you to standout. Both the city of Leeds and the University have so much to offer. Plan your time effectively to maintain the balance between your assignments and studies, and the various leisure activities offered so that you can have a wonderful and memorable time at Leeds, the same way that I did. All the best!