Hugh Boys has added many achievements to his CV since completing an MEng in Design & Innovation (now Design, Innovation and Creative Engineering). He is now a researcher in electroactive polymer haptics; a freelance technology consultant for Bushra Burge studios; and CEO of Heap Technologies (a company exploring the use of smart materials for wearable haptic feedback systems).
As a researcher I spend half my time in the lab iterating through designs of polymer actuators and theother half of my time programming, developing circuitry, designing user testing, CAD design, writing reports and reading papers.
As a freelance technology consultant, I will work with a team that are typically trying to develop a high-fidelity prototype for something,or develop their minimum viable product.
As a researcher, you get to be involved in cutting edge research and get paid to study! Not much, but still a luxury. Also, you get to travel a lot (conferences, training schools, etc.), plus you get the opportunity to work with people who are experts and passionate about what they do.
Through Queen Mary connections.
I didn't want to choose between science, engineering and design, and the programme I joined offered this mix.
University enables you to have the time to explore ideas and concepts without the pressure of producing commercially viable products. This affords you the time required to learn skills and discover areas of interest, which can then be turned into a successful career and an interesting life. Queen Mary has been great, as it has enabled me to work on things I genuinely find exciting.