Heather Turnbull's research has been presented to international audiences in her journey towards a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Aberdeen - now she is ready to turn what she has learned into reality to drive innovation in the renewable energy sector.
Heather (32), who lives in Aberdeen City Centre, is a Project Manager at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), which is an innovation catalyst providing real sea testing facilities for wave and tidal energy technologies, an R&D ecosystem for green hydrogen, and is pursuing the development of a floating offshore wind test site. Her current role involves managing a large portfolio of projects – mainly in tidal energy – where she works between academia and industry to capitalise on ideas for technology development that will drive innovation in the sector.
Her PhD studies at the University’s School of Engineering were sponsored by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation Centre for Safety and Reliability Engineering, enabling her to complete her studies as part of a larger research group and present her findings to international audiences.
“My research involved a combination of experimental and numerical simulations designed to detect damage to wind turbine blades” she explained.
“Using a laboratory scale wind turbine blade as an experimental specimen, I was able to demonstrate accurate damage detection methodologies on this structure which helped to strengthen the work of the research group.
“I was encouraged by my supervisor Dr Piotr Omenzetter to share the research throughout the academic community through conferences and journal papers, meaning my research was presented on the world stage in Oregon, Colorado, Rome, Manchester, and in London. I’m looking forward to travelling to Delft next week to present our final paper, which following my graduation is a nice way to cap off my time at the University.”
Heather added: “It feels surreal to be graduating. Submitting the final version of my thesis and passing my viva was a great achievement after all the hard work over the last few years. I am delighted and privileged to be a graduate of the University of Aberdeen.”