Nabila Nur (BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Experience, 2019)

Why did you choose to study your programme and why Queen Mary?

I chose to study Electronic and Electrical Engineering because I’ve always been interested in how technology can support a more sustainable future. Renewable energy, in particular, motivated me to understand the electrical systems behind clean power generation, smart grids, and efficient energy conversion. I wanted a programme that would give me both the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience needed to contribute to this field.

I was drawn to Queen Mary University of London because of its strong engineering curriculum and the opportunity to explore areas such as power systems, energy electronics, and control engineering. The university’s research focus and modern facilities also made it an ideal place to develop the technical skills needed to work with emerging renewable technologies. The strong reputation of the university made me feel confident that I would gain the skills and exposure needed for my future career. Overall, the programme aligned perfectly with my goal of helping drive the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

What did you most enjoy about your course?

What I enjoyed most was the supportive learning environment and the access to well-equipped labs at Queen Mary. The combination of strong academic teaching, practical lab sessions, and group projects made the course engaging. Working with other students from diverse backgrounds also helped me develop strong teamwork and communication skills.

Can you share an example of a project, assignment, or activity that stood out to you?

One project that really stood out to me was designing a small-scale renewable energy system for a hypothetical community. I worked on modelling how solar and wind power could be integrated into the existing grid, and I analysed energy demand, generation efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. It was the first time I could apply theoretical knowledge - like power electronics and circuit design - to a real-world sustainability problem. It made the course feel very practical and meaningful.

Which modules did you enjoy the most and were there any academics that had a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?

I really enjoyed the Power Electronics module, especially the hands-on labs and simulations that showed how converters and inverters work in renewable energy systems. Dr Tijana Timotijevic had a big influence on me—her clear explanations and real-world examples made complex concepts much easier to understand and inspired my interest in sustainable energy technologies.

Describe your career path since graduating.

Since graduating from Queen Mary University of London with a degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, I have focused on applying my technical knowledge to the renewable energy sector. My interest in power electronics and sustainable energy systems led me to pursue opportunities where I could work on practical energy solutions.

I am now working at Octopus Energy as a Smart Metering Specialist, where I manage and optimise smart metering systems. This role allows me to combine my engineering background with data-driven approaches to improve energy efficiency and support the rollout of renewable energy technologies. Through this experience, I have developed strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and I continue to grow my expertise in the energy sector.

How has your degree remained relevant throughout your career and are there any particular areas of your degree that you use in your day-to-day job?

My degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering has been directly relevant in my role at Octopus Energy. I use concepts from Power Electronics and practical skills from lab work every day to manage and optimise smart metering systems, troubleshoot issues, and understand how they integrate with the energy grid.