Alumni
Over the years our students have left us in our various guises and gone on to excel at their chosen career. Some have remained in the polymer profession while others have diversified and used their degree as a basis for other careers.
Here is what some of our recent graduates have said about their time here and career since they left:
|
Tommaso Bartalucci , Karina Hernandez and Olumide Ojo-Oratokhai successfully completed an MSc in Polymer Science & Engineering at LMPC in 2006. Since completing their course they have set up their own consultancy company. Here is what they say:
We came to London Metropolitan University from across three continents. You may liken our experience at LondonMet to a simple chemical reaction. We being the reactants (from Chemical Engineering backgrounds) came to LondonMet - the reactor, and ended up as a very valuable product - Katolu Limited.
Just as with all reactions/processes, the absence of the right conditions could distort the end-product. At London Metropolitan Polymer Centre (LMPC), the course structure, the lecturers and their experience, the delivery pattern, the practical sessions and most importantly the interests of lecturers in the students offered Katolu Ltd. the solid foundation it could have had from nowhere else.
LondonMet not only saw to it that we emerged as just good graduates, but also that we continuously receive business advice and support from the university's business development unit - Accelerator.
Further information on Katolu Ltd can be found at www.katolu.co.uk |
|
Innocent Chikurunhe,
Polymer Science and Engineering MSc
|
Innocent was born in 1973 in the Eastern side of Zimbabwe. He studied for a National Certificate in Plastics and Rubber at Harare Polytechnic College from January to December 1996 and became the second best student in the class and was given a Plastics and Rubber Institute award for this achievement. In 1997, he enrolled for a National Diploma in Plastics and Rubber and qualified in 1998 and became the second best student again, having achieved one Distinction and six credits. He then went into industry and worked as a Quality Assurance Controller at Megapak, before moving on to Technical Manager at Prodorite where he worked for three years. In 1999, he did a Diploma in Marketing (LCCI Diploma).
In 2002, Innocent was contacted by the Head of the Department of Harare Polytechnic College to return to lecture in Plastics and Rubber, as a full-time member of staff. In 2004, he enrolled for the Higher National Diploma in Plastics and Rubber and received three Distinctions and three Credits, graduating in 2005. Innocent also worked as Assistant Programme Co-ordinator helping students and developing the curriculum. When he completes his Masters, he intends to return home to spearhead the launch of a degree programme in Polymer Science at Harare Polytechnic College, as this is currently unavailable and there is a large demand. "I'm delighted at having the opportunity to study for my Masters at London Metropolitan University and extremely grateful for my scholarship." |
|
Waqar Khan,
|
There were a few reasons, personal and academic, which made graduate study here in London Metropolitan university a very important goal for me. I was lucky enough, with much help and assistance, to meet that goal and now something that was an ambition and a wish is a reality.
I completed my B.Eng Polymer degree in the summer of 2006. By the time I graduated I had a job lined up as a Quality Engineer at one of the biggest and leading manufacturer in the UK, dealing with clients all across the globe such as Hewlett Packard, Jaguar, Aston Martin etc. My job requires me to know a great deal about the materials, engineering solutions and processing techniques of which I gained a lot of knowledge throughout my studies. My studies have helped me to developed my managerial, technical and people skills and I am confident now to seize every new opportunity offered for development in my dynamic and interesting job. You are empowered very early on in your career with responsibility which is both extremely stressful but completely rewarding at the same time. The University has excellent facilities, especially the libraries and Polymer Laboratory where I spent most of my evenings. I really enjoyed studying Polymer Engineering and all the teaching staff were very approachable and helpful. During my studies at London Metropolitan University, I was given the opportunity to undertake six month placement at the London Met Polymer centre as a Trainee Engineer. I particularly enjoyed my work placement. I still remember the day when I accidently caused one of the machines in the Polymer Laboratory to blow-up in smoke and the building had to be evacuated. Overall, I really enjoyed my time at LMPC and I strongly believe that it gave me a great deal of knowledge and experience that I am very grateful for. |
|
John McKee,
PhD
|
John is the Technical & Development Manager for Marley NZ, a regional subsidiary of Aliaxis, New Zealand's largest pipe and rainwater manufacturing company. Marley employs over 300 people and exports product worldwide. John gained his PhD in 2005 and his role within Marley NZ involves providing leadership and management for 10 people performing the Technical, Scientific, Quality, Registered Test Laboratory, Product Development, Standards Compliance and Intellectual Property facets of the company. ISO 9002 and 14001. Professionally John also sits on 6 separate Australian and New Zealand Joint Standards Committees. He has membership of Auckland Universtiy Polymer Reaserch Technical Committee and the Plastics New Zealand Environmental Committee. He also acts as a consultant for both New Zealand and Fiji. |
|
Tauseef Ahmed,
|
I always had a fascination about chemicals. After my GCSE’s I wanted to choose a field which belonged to the chemical industry. Polymer Technology is the fastest growing industry in chemicals and is a creative and productive field.
After completing my ND in Polymer Technology, I was looking for an institution which is highly recognised by the industry, especially in Europe; and I found London Metropolitan University (Formerly known as University of North London). A former polytechnic institute with a good reputation and the best institute for polymer studies all across Europe. I did my HNC and HND and then decided to do my Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer Technolog. Course tutors were very helpful and always willing to help. A well equipped laboratory also helped a lot to have a better understanding of processes. My strongest memories at London Metropolitan University are the great team of people I studied with, the caring and enthusiastic staff and the excellent quality of teaching. I had a great time at London Met and it will be a memorable period of my life. Sports activities also played a vital role during studies; escpecially cricket. Since my graduation I have been working as a Quality Engineer in an automotive components company called McKechnie Plastic Components, producing parts for blue chip customers like Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar, LandRover/Range Rover, Ford, Toyota and Honda.
|
|
Glyn Bufton,
|
"Before joining London Metropolitan University I worked in the polymer industry and completed a modern apprenticeship in engineering. Having worked for a global rubber company, supplying prestigious customers such as British Nuclear Fuels Ltd, I decided that the best way to achieve my career aims was to complete a degree. I chose London Metropolitan University because of its excellent reputation within the industry and the course's engineering content. The practical part of the course is very useful in the learning process. The quality of the lecturers is excellent, and they are willing to give up their own time to help you with problems. My job as a mould tool designer was initially only going to be for the summer holidays, but I decided to stay on and finished my studies on a part-time basis. Although I currently use only part of the broad range of material covered by the University, the knowledge I have gained will be invaluable in developing my career further." Glyn completed an excellent project as part of his final years' work. This won the Cadzow Smith award from the Worshipful Company of Engineers for the best engineering graduate in and around London. |
Glyn being presented with his prizes by the Duke of Kent and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Engineers - Major General E. G. Willmott CB OBE |
Iskander Muflikhanov
MSc Polymer Science and Engineering graduate
|
"I'm from Russia, Republic of Tatartstan. My home city is Kazan; it's the capital of my republic. Before joining London Met I did my first degree in Polymers at Kazan State Technical University. Apart from studies, I was involved in lots of extra-curricular activities, such as organising scientific conferences for alumni. I was also a singer in a rock band, and I enjoyed boxing, karate and athletics. But, to be honest, nothig else attracted me like science did. Inventing a new formula for plastics may sound boring to someone else, but I find the ambience of research work great. It's not only that; it's also about when you participate in different symposiums, when you meet new, interesting people, when you socialise with academics and professors. And you get to travel as well - different conferences are held in different cities and sometimes in different countries. After my degree, I was awarded a scholarship by our President Vladimir Putin to come to London Met. Before coming here, I could have chosen to study at any of the English-speaking universities in the world. But two students from my home city studied here before me, and they had even done their PhD's here. They strongly recommended London Met. The University itself changed me a lot. I worked here for several departments, and I studied and went clubbing here. Thanks to the University, I made so many good friends. And last but not least, I improved my English considerably. Since graduating, I have also taken a Diploma in Polymers at Kazan Technological University, and one in Technical Interpreting, gaining distinctions in both. Now I'm working at the Republic of Tatarstan President's Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs, as an aide to the PM on external economic activity.The Republic's major profit is gained by means of oil production and petrochemistry. My first education was polymers, which involves petrochemicals, plastics, rubbers, technology (by way of production, machinery etc). So I apply my educational knowledge every day. I also deal with foreign relations, cooperation with the different institutions of our Republic, and work closely with our external relations department and the ministry of trade." |
|
Yasir Arain
BEng (Hons) Polymer Engineering graduate, first class honours
|
"I am from one of the largest cities of Pakistan - Karachi. I was an affiliated student of London Met before coming to London, as I had completed a diploma from the Plastics Technology Centre in Pakistan. Mostly students there go for electronics and computing, but I found the base materials of these fields fascinating - from who manufactures electrical and electronic appliances and what materials they are made from. The plastics industry to me is a creative, productive and vast field.
|
|
 |
| London Metropolitan Polymer Centre |
|
| Centre Activities |
|
| Technical Evenings |
|
| Alumni |
|
| Photo Album |
|
| Schools Events |
|
 |
