Category: Student Work

Marius wearing his final project, a knitted jumper

Graduates 2024: Marius Moen Holtan: Sustainable Design MA

I’ve benefitted hugely from the support from both Tom Ainsworth and Sally Sutherland during my time on the course. Tom’s constructive disruption and Sally’s deep empathy has inspired me to push and advocate for the value and impact of my work. 

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences.

My work employs knitting as methodology to explore ways of knowing and the connection between wearers, clothing and cultures. I’m influenced by the relationship between the physical and meta-physical, design narratives and the intersection between practice and research. 

Knitting swatch
Tags made out of knitted wool
Close up of knitting
Knitted jumper on wooden floor
Continue reading “Graduates 2024: Marius Moen Holtan: Sustainable Design MA” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Istvan Hanzo standing infront of a University of Brighton building

Computing project exhibition 2024: Istvan Hanzo, Computer Science with Cyber Security

Studying and working with lecturers and other students has been a great experience. The good relationships I developed with my lecturers really stood out and made my experience more memorable. It genuinely felt like they do what they do because they enjoy teaching, and they are good at it, which is truly motivating.

Tell us a bit about your project.
I had two different ideas for my final year project. One was an application for tracking online user activity based on browser fingerprints and integrating AI to create user profiles based on this – a similar concept to how personalised advertisements work – and the other one was creating a password manager application that uses passwordless authentication. I am interested in these topics because they both apply modern technologies to address cyber security problems without compromising privacy or usability.

The final product was influenced by both ideas. Choosing Password Spray attacks as the main aim of detection was a great challenge, as it already bypasses basic defence mechanisms, and even large companies like Microsoft are falling victim of it. The final product – if enhanced further – could either function as a vulnerability testing mechanism to audit the effectiveness of existing security protocols, or as an additional function embedded in an existing Intrusion Detection System (IDS) or Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).

Continue reading “Computing project exhibition 2024: Istvan Hanzo, Computer Science with Cyber Security” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
bag collection on an orange background

Graduates 2024: Angus Clifford, Product Design BSc(Hons)

The best aspect of my studies would be the strong studio culture we have on the course, I’m basically in five days a week and have a permanently allocated space which has given me the opportunity to set up what feels like a mini studio.

Please tell us a bit about your work and your influences

Throughout my time as a designer, I have been exploring effective ways of rebreathing life into waste materials. I have more recently been focusing on how design can be used as a tool to raise awareness of social and environmental issues by not just developing a beautiful object, but also communicating a compelling story behind it which I believe is equally as important.

My final year project: ‘ReUSed’ is a critical design project that raises awareness of the social issues takeaway couriers face, as well as the environmental impact of their discarded uniforms.

Continue reading “Graduates 2024: Angus Clifford, Product Design BSc(Hons)” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Student Bouchra holding a phone showing the app she designed

Computing project exhibition 2024: Bouchra Mohamed Lemine, Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc(Hons)

Studying Computer Science with AI at the University of Brighton has been an invaluable experience that fostered my creativity and helped me develop a wide range of technical skills. The rigorous curriculum and hands-on projects equip students with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical applications of computer science and AI.

Tell us a bit about your project

My project was about diagnosing skin cancer using computer vision. It involved developing a convolutional neural network (CNN) model that classifies skin lesion images as benign or malignant and creating a mobile app called Skan, which enables users to scan and diagnose their skin abnormalities.

Continue reading “Computing project exhibition 2024: Bouchra Mohamed Lemine, Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc(Hons)” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Alex Moore sitting in cafe smiling at the camera

Computing project exhibition 2024: Alex Moore, Computer Science for Games

“The lecturers are great, all are passionate about their subjects and are easy to talk to. A key moment in my course was getting my final year project’s dynamic difficulty adjustments to work. I was aiming to create a game using procedural generation, with guidance from one of my lecturers, my idea was expanded to also create a system to change the difficulty of my game based on player performance.”

Tell us a bit about your project
I made a roguelike game using procedural generation and dynamic difficulty adjustments. When starting my project, I was aiming to create a game using procedural generation, a topic I am very interested in. However, with guidance from one of my lecturers, my idea was expanded to also create a system to change the difficulty of my game based on player performance.

When approaching the project, I initially researched papers on the topics and any surrounding areas, and planned out everything using Gantt charts and an agile approach. My supervisor and other lecturers provided ample support for the project offering advice or guidance throughout the process. Additionally, when testing my project I was able to use the university computer to test on other students on the course.

Computer game screen grey with yellow characters
Computer game screen purple background with play version options
Computer game screen with grey background and a green character
Continue reading “Computing project exhibition 2024: Alex Moore, Computer Science for Games” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
Izzy Hobbs smiling at the camera standing next to her project poster

Engineering project exhibition 2024: Izzy Hobbs, Aeronautical Engineering MEng

Izzy Hobbs is studying Aeronautical Engineering MEng. We caught up with her as our final year students were preparing to show their project posters at the Engineering Project Exhibition, to find out more about her project and life at Brighton.

How did you choose your course and what was your route into engineering?

I chose to study a MEng in Aeronautical Engineering after completing my EPQ (Extended Writing Project Qualification) during sixth form. Since year 9 I knew I wanted to study engineering, but I wanted to go into a specific discipline. For my EPQ, I decided to write a dissertation on “How rockets have evolved.” and I loved it, so I chose aeronautical engineering.

How would you describe your course and your time at Brighton to someone who is thinking of coming here?

I have enjoyed my time studying at Brighton. Despite joining during 2020 and experiencing lockdowns during my studies, I have made some amazing friends and made memories that I look back on fondly. My course has been challenging as expected when I first decided that I wanted to study it, however, I believe that it is manageable especially if you make sure to take during the week for yourself. For me, this has been by playing rugby with the university team and local club, everyone is in the same boat and it’s really benefited me to have this time to enjoy what else the university has to offer.

Izzy Hobbs smiling at the camera at Collins Aerospace
Group shot of Uni of Brighton women's ruby team standing in a huddle
Izzy Hobbs as part of a student team doing the pit stop challenge at the McLaren Technical Centre
Graph showing topology optimisation example
Izzy Hobbs at the McLaren Technical Centre next to a F1 car
Continue reading “Engineering project exhibition 2024: Izzy Hobbs, Aeronautical Engineering MEng” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment
Staff and students representing the Gell-P and DEPLOY! projects sitting with five at the back and three people in the front

Last minute checks for research teams as countdown for weightless flights begins

Researchers practice for zero gravity flight to put ground-breaking experimental devices through their paces

The University of Brighton teams, including Aerospace Engineering MEng student Erin Saltmarsh, will have just 20 seconds at a time to run tasks in weightless conditions.

During each flight the plane will climb to an altitude of 7,500m before the aircraft goes into a 3000m high roller coaster climb and fall during which weightlessness will be experienced for about 20 seconds. This will happen 30 times in each of the three planned flights. Not surprisingly teams will be given anti-nausea jabs prior to the flights. Staff and students from the Schools of Architecture,Technology and Engineering, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Centre for Regenerative Medicines and Devices and Advanced Engineering Centre representing the Gell-P and DEPLOY! Projects gathered to go through a series of tightly choreographed tasks in preparation for the flights at the end of the month.

The Gell P team working on the project
Lecturer and student with VC showing her the project
Student Erin standing in room with project equipment
Continue reading “Last minute checks for research teams as countdown for weightless flights begins” →

Laura RubyLeave a comment
European Space Agency logo

European Space Agency collaborative projects

Deploy! Project

The DEPLOY! Project is a collaboration between the universities of Pisa, Parma, and Brighton, as well as the European Space Agency (ESA) sponsored PETRI student project, with additional funding received from the UK Space Agency.

The project focuses on the dynamic deployment of a novel satellite radiator panel thermal interface using a flexible Pulsating Heat Pipe. This research aligns with the ongoing work on Pulsating Heat Pipes at the universities of Brighton and Pisa. The project team, consisting of five Masters’ students and one PhD student, has been mentored by experts from the partner universities, who have provided access to their expertise and key experimental equipment. The DEPLOY! team, led by Erin Saltmarsh from the University of Brighton, has been spearheading the manufacturing and mechanical design aspects of the project.

The flight campaign for the DEPLOY! Project is scheduled to start on November 20th in Bordeaux, France. To learn more about this exciting project, visit their website.

Gell-P (Gravitational Effects of Lower Limb Perfusion)

Gell-P is a collaborative project between the School of Health Sciences and the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering. The project aims to investigate the effects of gravity on foot perfusion to support a wider demographic of astronauts and mitigate injuries. By evaluating foot vascular flow under varying gravity conditions, the project seeks to understand lower limb injury healing for long-term astronaut missions.

The collaboration involves a team of podiatrists from the School of Health Sciences, led by project PI Rachel Forss, along with support from a team of engineers from the School of Architecture, Technology, and Engineering.

The experiment, designed and built at the AEB, will be tested during the 83rd European Space Agency parabolic flight campaign starting on November 20th. Read this post to learn more about this fascinating project.

European Low Gravity Research Association (ELGRA)

Dr Nicolas Miche has been selected as a mentor for the first European Low Gravity Research Association mentoring scheme. ELGRA is a nonprofit international society that promotes European research in microgravity, simulated microgravity, and hypergravity conditions. It serves as a platform for scientists interested in life and physical sciences in space.

The goals of ELGRA include representing and strengthening the scientific community of altered gravity research and involving young people in research through educational programmes.

ELGRA achieves these goals by organising scientific symposia and courses, cooperating with institutions and agencies to organise scientific events, spreading information about opportunities and new platforms, and supporting students and young scientists through grants and educational programmes from ESA.

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Kay Hendriksen

£1,000 sponsorship for my final year project!

Kay Hendriksen, is in his final year Electronic and Communication Engineering BEng(Hons) with integrated foundation year. He has secured sponsorship from StepperOnline, a company that provides a platform for industrial automation procurement for his final year project.

I approached several companies to explore potential sponsorship opportunities for my final year project, as recommended by Dr Ian Watts. I am delighted that StepperOnline have agreed to generously sponsor my project – I am developing a desktop size industrial multi-axis robot arm. StepperOnline will be providing me with essential components worth around £1000, including stepper motors, precision reducers, drivers, and a power supply.

The primary objective of this project is to construct an affordable robotic arm capable of performing practical tasks in various real-world scenarios, including applications such as automation procedures and medical tasks. The existing professional-grade robotic arms are prohibitively expensive, while the lower-cost alternatives available in the market lack the necessary functionality for meaningful real-world usage.

My aim is to integrate both software and hardware expertise to create a comprehensive solution. This entails not only designing the mechanical aspects of the entire robot arm, but also handling all aspects of electronics including electrical components and electronic systems. I will also be developing the software required to effectively control the robot arm’s movements and operations.

By combining my skills in mechanical design, electronics, and software development, I aspire to produce an accessible and practical multi-axis robot arm that bridges the gap between high-cost professional systems and limited-functionality lower-cost alternatives.

I am really looking forward to starting work on my project and am very grateful to StepperOnline for this opportunity!

Laura RubyLeave a comment
Architecture and design awards 2023

Architecture and Design end of year show and awards

Architecture and Design hosted their End of Year Show in June, showcasing the talent of our school’s creative community. In the midst of a summer heatwave, the show attracted a remarkable turnout, demonstrating the ongoing importance of our Architecture and Design reputation.

Bringing together students from various design disciplines the show included students from BA(Hons) Architecture, MArch Architecture, BA(Hons) Interior Architecture, BSc(Hons) Product Design, MA Interior Design, MA Sustainable Design, and Architecture and Design Integrated Foundation courses. Each course presented a unique fusion of creativity, practicality, and innovative design principles, with every project showcasing outstanding vision and execution.

Continue reading “Architecture and Design end of year show and awards” →

Stephanie ThomsonLeave a comment