Siti Nabilah Misti

What undergraduate course did you study and where?

BSc Technology Management (Production & Operation), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. MSc Mechanical Engineering, Northumbria University.

Why did you decide to study a PhD? 

I was attracted by the engineering field at a young age, as I like to find out how things work and why they behave in certain ways.

Why did you choose Northumbria University?  Why did you choose your specific course?

I chose Northumbria because of the location and environment. Newcastle is a friendly city and you can get almost everything right on the doorstep. I chose the specific course because it is significant to what I have been studying before and it is really an opportunity for me to raise my study and research skills for the future.

What makes your course challenging? How would you sum up the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate study?

Undergraduate study is all about adapting to the programme and if there is any research involved, it really just scratches the surface of the subject. Whereas, during postgraduate study, the subject must be researched thoroughly and can sometimes end up in creating new perspectives on the specific subject. Being the only girl in my department when I first start this journey was really a challenge. I thought I would need to compete with the boys but it turned out that we always supported each other.

What is it like studying at Northumbria? 

There is a huge difference studying at Northumbria compared to where I come from. Here, we are encouraged to be independent and proactive in our research. The lecturers/supervisors are also always open to any suggestions or discussions, giving us the opportunity to widen our vision and be creative.

How connected is your course with industry?  

My research required me to work closely with a company within the industry, where the project I've been doing originally came from one of their customers.

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

Dedication and understanding.

How accessible do you find our staff? 

It is easy to communicate with the staff and they are always there when we need them.

As a postgraduate student, what aspects of university life are important to you?

The support system is the most important thing. Being a PhD student you basically work alone and it is a really good when you know there will be someone to help you when needed. Facilities and community come next, which you will definitely need to progress in your work.

What doors do you think this course will open for you?

The industry may open its doors for me if my research finds a breakthrough and if this breakthrough does happen, I probably will have an edge compared to others in the same field.

Have you changed as a person?

Yes; in a good way! I have got to know myself better and others too. Sometimes the lessons that we learnt came from other people's experience and I'm lucky that I've got to know a lot of people here.

How would you describe yourself in three words before coming to Northumbria?  What are the three key skills and attributes you have gained since being here?

Lack of confidence. Skills and attributes gained: I'm more confident, independent, and thorough in details.

How would you describe Northumbria in three words?

Friendly, happening, and comfortable.

Do you feel that your course has been a worthwhile investment in your future?

Yes.