Daisy Thomas

I am studying for an interdisciplinary MSc/PhD in the Doctoral Training Centre for Bioenergy

E: py11dbt@leeds.ac.uk

Background

I previously studied at the University of Leeds doing an Integrated BSc and MPhys in Physics with Astrophysics.

Research Interests

I work in the field of biofuels and their use in transport technologies. I am interested in biofuel combustion properties, emissions from combustion, and optimisation of biofuels for transport. My PhD research project investigates the emission of pollutants from cars. Portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) installed into vehicles quantify their emissions in real-time, allowing an investigation into how differences in fuel makeup, driving conditions and engine technology affect these quantities in the real world. A Toyota Prius car will be employed to investigate how the use of hybrid technology may alter the patterns of pollutant emission from that of standard cars, and whether increased introduction of biofuels into gasoline further affects this.

Why I chose the CDT in Bioenergy

I have had an interest in renewable energy for some time, and I also have the ambition to pursue an engineering-related career in the future. This CDT in Bioenergy is therefore well suited to my future aspirations, and is ideal because it accepts a broad range of undergraduate disciplines. The extensive teaching and training involved eases the transfer from physics to engineering, while the various projects and modules necessary for the MSc component allow me to have a wide experience of the field before I choose my PhD topic. The University of Leeds is at the forefront of innovation in bioenergy research, and with excellent facilities and teaching I cannot think of a better environment in which to study this exciting subject.