Peter Culmer

Peter Culmer

I was struck by Leeds as soon as I visited and my first impressions proved true. I love the fun, vibrant atmosphere of the city and university; there is something for everyone, but still on a scale that feels personal. This alongside its reputation as a world-class university is a great balance for work and play!

I chose to study Mechatronics because the course combined all my interests: mechanical, electrical and computing engineering, which is put into practical use. I was trained in a broad range of skills and got really ‘hands-on’, which was important to me then andstill is. 

I am now working as a Research Fellow to develop new surgical technologies. This has been a perfect application of my Mechatronics degree. It’s really rewarding to design new tools that aim to solve practical challenges in modern healthcare. 
I also teach computing to undergraduate students in mechanical engineering, so I've come full circle. My experience as an undergraduate here helps to keep my course relevant, interesting and linked to current research. I want to make sure I don’t just teach the technical aspects either, but also work skills such as time management and formal presentations. 

My undergraduate days in Leeds were great and gave me the perfect training for what I do now. Hopefully my teaching is helping to repeat this for my students today.