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Course: Aeronautical Engineering

Supervisors: Kevin Burke and Doireann O’Kiely

Name of Research Project/Activity: Parameter Estimation for Forced Systems Governed by Second-Order Linear Ordinary Differential Equations.

Q) Can you tell me a bit about yourself and why did you decide to study aeronautical engineering ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?

I’m a fourth-year aeronautical engineering student ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, originally from Listowel, Co. Kerry. Since secondary school, I’ve been interested in how maths and physics can help us to better understand the world around us and solve real-world problems. I was particularly drawn to engineering ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ because of the opportunities to apply what I learn through opportunities like this and the cooperative education placement.

Q) What motivated you to apply for the Summer Bursary Programme?

In my most recent semester, I became interested in how statistical modelling could be used as a data-driven approach to some of the problems faced in engineering.  This programme gave me a perfect opportunity to learn about and apply these methods with the support and guidance of my supervisors. I was also considering doing a PhD and pursuing a career in research. This programme was an excellent opportunity to gain research experience, develop skills needed for a PhD and determine if I would enjoy a career in research.

Q) What are you doing as part of your research here ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ?

My research focused on determining the governing equation of systems from noisy measurements. I focused on systems governed by second-order linear ordinary differential equations, such as mass-spring-damper systems. I aimed to evaluate methods for estimating the parameters in these governing equations from measurable input and output data. I used Monte Carlo simulations in Python to systematically compare various methods for this.

Q) What skills have you developed over the summer?

 I developed my skills considerably in several areas. I honed my research skills by conducting a comprehensive literature review, finding and reading papers in a similar field to my research to understand the state of the field better and find potential methods I could use. I refined my communication skills through weekly meetings with my supervisor, where I had to articulate complex technical ideas clearly. I significantly advanced my technical skills, learning how to use advanced statistical modelling techniques and how to code in Python using various libraries such as SciPy.

Q) What has this experience taught you and what would you recommend it to others?

The experience taught me a lot about working in research, particularly the combination of curiosity, problem-solving, and persistence needed to formulate and carry out a research project. I highly recommend the program to anyone with a research area or specific question they would like to explore in depth, or anyone considering a career in research.

Q) What are your future career plans, would you consider a career in research?

My current career plan is to do a PhD after finishing my degree in aeronautical engineering. This programme has confirmed that I enjoy research and am interested in a long-term career in the field. I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to research like this

Learn more about the BE in Aeronautical Engineering ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ