Aberdeen graduate Kenneth Bisgaard Christensen is set to work on the successor to the famous Large Hadron Collider after securing a job at CERN.
The completion of his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen has helped Kenneth, 39, secure his ‘dream’ of working on the Future Circular Collider (FCC) which aims to reveal secrets about how the universe works.
If built, the FCC would be more than triple the length of the Large Hadron Collider, consisting of a new circular tunnel (approximately 57 miles long) beneath France and Switzerland.
Kenneth says: “I am really excited to start my future career as a research and development engineering fellow at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
“I can’t wait to help particle physics leap forward and aid in the development of the biggest science project ever undertaken by humankind, which is the development of the Future Circular Collider (FCC) at CERN in Geneva.
“It feels fantastic to be graduating. I have finally achieved my dream of getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. I will miss all the great times in Aberdeen and Scotland, but am excited for the next challenge.”
Kenneth, originally from Denmark, shares how he has benefitted from the learning gained and social opportunities available at the University.
“I first came to Glasgow to complete a MSc in Design Engineering and I have always enjoyed my time in Scotland.
“When researching options for further study I was offered a fully funded Scholarship by the Scottish Research Partnership in Engineering (SRPe) to conduct my PhD research at the University of Aberdeen.”
After joining the University in 2020, Kenneth decided to make the most of University life and took every opportunity to improve his learning both inside and out of the classroom.
“I enjoyed my time at the University carrying out my research and presenting it at international conferences and journal articles.
“It was wonderful to have the chance to teach undergraduates in various engineering subjects. I also met the most incredible people while completing my studies.
“I was a member of three societies: the Nordic Society, the Malt Whisky Society and ProtoTAU – an engineering team dedicated to designing and manufacturing an efficient Hydrogen-powered prototype vehicle.
“I was also the Research Student Liaison (Representative) to staff for the Mechanical Engineering Research students and a committee member for the Engineering Postgraduate Research Symposium for two years.”