Ishraq

Certified Tutor

I have always been intrigued about how the mechanism of our world works, and engineering is perfect as to me it combines branches of mathematics and physics to try to answer something beyond the realm of what we know is possible.
I developed a keen interest in thermodynamics, through my A-level study of Chemistry when learning about the Born-Haber cycle and its significance. I delved further into this topic by watching an Oxford University lecture on thermodynamics which explained the first, second and third laws of thermodynamics. From the lecture I learnt how the laws introduce crucially important properties such as energy and entropy. When reading about thermodynamics I learnt about the zeroth law which states that if two thermodynamics systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then the first two thermodynamics systems are equal with each other as well. In addition I've discovered that all laws of thermodynamics describe the changes in the energy state of any system and its ability to perform useful work on its surroundings. What fascinates me about thermodynamics is that it's the foundation of thermal engineering, the science which first enabled human flight, making the seemingly impossible, possible.
When I was first researching Newtonian mechanics, I came across 'Parallel Worlds' by Michio Kaku and I developed interest in String theory, so I decided to write my EPQ on how String theory can explain the universe. The theoretical framework of String theory states that beyond three visible dimensions and the fourth perceptible dimension of time, the universe exists in six further dimensions. I'm fascinated by the idea that Newton's theories can be formulated in any dimension, even those we cannot perceive. Further reading led me to Newton's famous inverse square law. According to Newton's theory of gravity the force of attraction between any two bodies diminishes with the square of the distance separating them, which measures the dimensionality of space. If a deviation is found in the inverse square law it may signal the presence of a higher-dimensional universe separated by our universe by the size of an atom. What fascinates me about Newton's laws is how significant they are in other fields and I look forward to learning more about Newton's laws at university.
A fascination with motorsport sparked my interest in mechanical engineering in sports, prompting me to join a STEM enrichment Academy in partnership with Mercedes Grand Prix. With the Academy I completed an Advanced Python course run by Firetech where I learnt advanced object-oriented programming and problem solving. I also joined the Greenpower Project where we designed and made our own eco-friendly vehicle and raced it in the Greenpower competition in Goodwood Motor Circuit. I wrote an essay on the development of engineering and dynamics in Formula One which gained me a one-week work experience placement at Mercedes Grand Prix. I worked in the Test and Development department where I learnt how to use CAD, a 2D and 3D software used to design parts of the car and improve quality design. With this software, I designed the left panel of the Greenpower car which will be raced at Goodwood. Whilst working in the Test and Development department I gained hands-on experience of doing tensile tests on different materials to test their strength and durability. During the work experience I was given the opportunity to have an interview with Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff in which we discussed the future of Formula 1 and I was also given advice about getting into the formula one industry. Balancing my schoolwork with the challenging but rewarding commitment of being part of STEM academy reinforced to me that I have both the intellect and intellectual curiosity needed for the further academic study of Engineering.