Richard Pemberton Ship Science and European Studies PhD, 1999

Yacht designer

Hi, I'm Richard Pemberton and I studied Ship Science and European Studies PhD, 1999 within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

I learnt a great deal outside my area by sharing an office with people researching different topics. I also enjoyed the international atmosphere of the research group, with people coming from all over the world to study at Southampton.

My undergraduate degree was in Ship Science and European Studies. On completing my final year of study in Germany, I felt that I wanted to work in the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) area of the marine industry. The best way to do this was to do a PhD. The PhD at Southampton was a highly enjoyable and educative three years. Not only did I further my technical understanding of fluid mechanics, I reinforced my fundamental knowledge by having to hold tutorials for undergraduate students.

I learnt a great deal outside my area by sharing an office with people researching different topics. I also enjoyed the international atmosphere of the research group, with people coming from all over the world to study at Southampton.

Since leaving academia, I've been working in the racing yacht industry, and the skills I gained during the PhD have often been of use. My problem-solving ability has improved, and my ability to assess new concepts objectively is also stronger. I continue to live in the Southampton area and regularly see former fellow students.

About Richard

Richard studied as an undergraduate at Southampton before deciding to study for a PhD in 1999. He is currently a yacht designer, having worked for America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race teams. He is 32.