LIFD Early Career Researcher Spotlight: Megan Richards

 

Thesis title:

Theoretical analysis of fluid flow in microfluidic biomedical devices

School/ Faculty:

CDT in Fluid Dynamics, School of Computer Science

Supervisors:

Dr Sam Pegler and Dr Sally Peyman

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am going into the final year of my PhD as part of the Fluid Dynamics CDT. I did my undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Durham University followed by an MSc in Computational Applied Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. I had never studied Fluid Dynamics before starting my PhD, but I knew I wanted to continue studying maths and decided to apply to the CDT as it sounded like a good opportunity to keep learning more about a diverse range of subjects.

Outside of work, I like to go to the gym and spend time outdoors – I am currently training for a triathlon in September and a marathon in October. I also enjoy baking and/or eating cakes and biscuits.

What is your research about?

Currently, I am looking at modelling surface-tension-driven thin-film flows that are not affected by gravity. These capillary flows are difficult to model analytically and so I am working on developing an asymptotic moving-boundary theory to explore limits beyond what is possible using direct numerical solutions. Since these flows arise in many research areas including microfluidics, my model can provide an alternative and simplified approach to complex numerical simulations, in particular in the case of a 3D geometry.

What did you wish you knew before starting a PhD?

When doing research, it is very normal to get a bit stuck. Many of the problems I have worked on during my PhD have been more difficult than I first thought and have taken longer than planned. At first, this is difficult to deal with but eventually you get used to it and realise that you might not be able to get everything done that you first thought. Being adaptable is important; the contents of my PhD has changed a lot from the first draft.

What are your plans for the future?

I am still trying to figure out what I want to do after my PhD. I would like to move abroad and try living in another part of the world. I am considering applying for a postdoc position as I feel the problems I have studied within my PhD have natural follow-up problems that I would also like to look into.