Kate Devereux MEng Ship Science / Yacht and Small Craft
Current student
My supervisors have been very approachable and supportive, both in terms of managing workloads and life outside of university. They encourage me to work hard, make the most of every opportunity that is presented to me and are always happy to help.
Can you provide a summary of your time at Southampton?
I spent my first year getting used to living away from home and competing as part of the University’s Wessex Sailing Club. My second and third year was a mix of a little bit more work and a little less sailing. I have now started my masters year and can look back on some incredible times, achievements and memories at Southampton.
What has been the highlight of your time as a Southampton student?
Winning the Student Yachting World Cup in La Rochelle in October 2015 with a team of fellow Ship Science students was an incredible experience. We met students from all over the world and proved that Southampton is at the top of university sailing.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
As Ship Science is a small specialist course (maximum 50 people in a year) you end up knowing most people in your year, and the older/younger years. There also are a range of marine-themed socials throughout the year that bring all the lecturers and students together.
What are your supervisors like? Have you found them supportive?
My supervisors have been very approachable and supportive, both in terms of managing workloads and life outside of university. They encourage me to work hard, make the most of every opportunity that is presented to me and are always happy to help.
Have you undertaken a project as part of your course? What did you enjoy most about it?
Whilst completing my dissertation on composite propellers last year, I worked with industry propeller designer and manufacturer CJR Propulsion. This was very rewarding as it meant my project was applied to a real life situation. I was thrilled to win the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) Donald Maxwell Undergraduate award for it. Now in my masters year, I am part of a Group Design Project (GDP) designing and building a flapping foil propelled underwater robot. The project is exciting as it is innovative and involves using a range of computer software.
How have the facilities available at the University helped you with your research and project work?
The Boldrewood Innovation Campus is a great facility for individual and group project work. I spend most of my time working in the Design Studio. It is also handy having lecturers in the same building if you need to ask questions about an assignment, or are stuck with work.
What are your career ambitions?
Graduate! I am currently working out what comes next. After a year out travelling Australia and New Zealand I aspire to work at a Naval Architecture firm.
In what ways has the course you took at Southampton helped to prepare you for your chosen career?
Throughout my time at Southampton I have gained confidence in my own academic ability, as well as general life skills such as independence and time management. I have learnt that if you work hard, it will be rewarded. I believe the skills I have gained mean I can go forward and fit into any job required, and hold my own in a male-dominated environment such as engineering.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I was lucky enough to win two awards in my third year, one from the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights for my exam results, and the SMI Donald Maxwell Undergraduate award for my dissertation: “Investigation into the suitability of composite materials for the construction of marine propellers.” I am very proud of them both!
What advice would you offer to potential students?
Make the most of all the opportunities that come from being at University. Join all the clubs and societies you can, and then when the time comes to knuckle down and work hard, use all the resources around you and never be afraid to ask stupid questions!