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The University of Southampton
Engineering Postgraduate study

Xiaoxu Zhou MSc Aerodynamics and Computation, 2011

Head of Aerodynamics, Shanghai 333 Racing

Xiaoxu Zhou's Photo

The University of Southampton helped me to achieve my dream, to work in a Formula 1 team. After I finished my masters, I was offered an aerodynamicist job in a Formula 1 team.

Can you provide a brief summary of your time at Southampton?

The University of Southampton helped me to achieve my dream and was a great starting point for my career; it changed my life.

Why did you choose Southampton?

I chose to study at Southampton because so many great Formula One aerodynamicists have come from the University, for instance Adrian Newey.

What did you enjoy most about your masters?

It’s hard to choose the most enjoyable thing about my masters; for me, every single moment was great.

I enjoyed the academic time no matter whether I was in the lecture, lab or library. I also enjoyed my leisure time in Southampton, with good sunshine, convenient transportation, and a friendly city.

What were the engineering facilities like here?

The engineering facilities are very professional and useful. They help students to understand formula one car aerodynamics, but also help them to apply engineering theory into practice in the real world.

Did you undertake a design project as part of your course? What did you find most useful and interesting about it?

Yes, I did. My final research was the F1 Front Wing, which has been introduced into the master's courses. It was very an interesting and useful project, and through it I achieved good CAD and CFD package skills. I also used knowledge from tutorials and previous research from the University of Southampton.

What does your current job involve?

It involves theoretical aerodynamics knowledge and logical engineering analysis ability. The most important thing is my attitude. The spirit of the University of Southampton is ‘Changing the world’; this impressive spirit and attitude drives me in my career.

How did your course help you to get the career you wanted?

The University of Southampton helped me to achieve my dream, to work in a Formula 1 team. After I finished my masters, I was offered an aerodynamicist job in a Formula 1 team.

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