Welcome to DEM Group
The DEM group is led by Dr Nguyen (PhD, DIC from Imperial College), working under Prof. Guy Houlsby (i.e. under "the spiritual guidance" of Guy Houlsby). This group is part of the Civil Engineering group.
Before I studied at Imperial College, I had had some offers with scholarships from Christ Church Oxford. But I chose to study at Imperial instead because Imperial has "a very nice Queen tower" that was built in the 19th century, in the year 1887 as far as I can remember. I am grateful for the support provided by the Imperial Dean's Fund which has changed my life.
Here is the Faculty of Engineering Case Study Questions
Why did you choose to study at Imperial?
Before I became a member of the geotechnics section at Imperial College, I had had some offers with scholarships from Christchurch Oxford. At the time there were two main reasons why I chose to study at Imperial instead. First, the geotechnics section at Imperial is home to many leading figures, including one of the fathers of my research field, Sir Alec Skempton. Many alumni are Rankine lecturers who inspire me so much. Second, using particles in the simulations is a very powerful approach as everything in our lives is made of particles, from very tiny sand to a giant star. I think it is time for us to turn to use particles or combine both elements and particles in simulations instead.
What do you enjoy most about Imperial?
Imperial has a very nice Queen tower that was built in the 19th century, in the year 1887 as far as I can remember. In addition, the Skempton building where I have studied and carried out research is surrounded by Albert Hall and some museums, with just a few minutes to walk. If someone has a chance to visit Imperial, these special places are highly recommended.
What’s your favourite part of your course?
Attending conferences and workshops where I can meet researchers from different research fields is a great part of my course. For example, in my first year PhD, I attended the GM3 organised at UCL where simple explanations from Professor Malcolm Bolton inspired me. Another example is the Powders and Grains 2017 in France, where the speech from a professor from MIT left me a strong impression, not only the way he solves engineering problems but the enthusiasm I can feel from his talk. In my third year PhD, I had a special chance to attend an event for Newton scholars that the British Council organised in the houses of parliament where Professor Lord Robert Mair shared his view of the role of engineering science, especially civil engineering which inspires me so much. These help me be aware that collaboration is a must for many projects in this century. The fact that many current exciting projects take place at the boundary between two or more disciplines.
Are you working on any placements or projects at the moment that you find particularly interesting? What are you working on and why is it important? Is it something you would want to pursue further in your career?
It is the TBS project. Many people have supported and encouraged me, so it is time for me to do something to pay back. This project aims to somehow bring more chances for the potential students in my country. Many youngsters in my country encounter great difficulties when pursuing their dream. If they have chances to fulfil their potential they will be able to flourish in their chosen careers and contribute something to my country. My neighbouring country, I mean Singapore, has many highly ranked universities. I think many people would be happy if my country has a new version of “Caltech or Churchill College” in Southeast Asia.
Are you part of any clubs or societies? How have they impacted your time at Imperial?
Geotechnics at Imperial is a great society in which alumni support one another. It is a great honour for me to be a member of the geotechnics section at Imperial College. The first two years I was actively involved in society and this gave me great pleasure; however, for the last two years some pressures came from the shortcoming of funding, so my time was fully occupied with studies and part-time jobs. Recently, I have joined the Summit Lighthouse which is essential for my spiritual life. Before I left my country for study at Imperial, it was by chance that an old man came and gave me some lessons about using the violet flame to heal body, mind and soul (i.e. he might be a guru I guess). I myself found it useful to empower me during my time at Imperial.
Do you have any ideas at the moment about what you may want to do after you finish your degree?
Mapping out what I will do is not my habit, but serving not mastering is what I learnt from the book: “The world as I see it”. My country has thousands of scientists, but notable ones are just a few. Figuring out chances to support the potential students in my country is my choice. My father’s generations did not have many chances to pursue their dreams, so I wish youngsters in my country had a chance to do something in their lives.
How has the Dean’s Fund helped you? What impact has it had?
The Dean’s Fund comes at the time I really need it. It is not just financial supports. I can feel compassion and spiritual encouragement from the alumni and friends who raised the Fund, so it brings joy and happiness whenever the Dean’s Fund was awarded to me. The Dean’s Fund is like a “spiritual friendship” to me, standing by my side when I really need the supports.
As the Dean’s Fund is solely supported through the generosity of alumni and friends, do you have a message for donors to the Fund?
“Your gifts have changed my life” is a message that I would like to send to donors to the Dean’s Fund.