Jessica Fletcher Noise and Vibration Engineer, Dyson

MEng Acoustical Engineering, 2014

I was interested in music and physics and wanted to study a subject which encompassed both of these elements. Southampton offered a degree which fitted the bill. I came here on an Open Day and the staff really inspired me.

Why did you choose to come to the University of Southampton?

I was interested in music and physics and wanted to study a subject which encompassed both of these elements. Southampton offered a degree which fitted the bill. I came here on an Open Day and the staff really inspired me. They organised a tour of the facilities but also staged a workshop demonstrating interesting phenomena such as the difference between the excitation of a glass bottle and a wine glass. These demonstrations really grabbed my attention and I knew that Acoustical Engineering was for me.

What was distinctive about your course?

I really enjoyed my degree. The staff were wonderful and I have learned so many fundamental skills that have been essential in my job at Dyson. Our Group Design Project (GDP) was with the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre. We investigated noise shielding of a silent aircraft and had the opportunity to use the large anechoic chamber for a whole week; not many universities have such impressive facilities. In a team of three, we completed the project and also learned skills for the workplace such as negotiation, time management, team work and communication.