Our students

Tell us why you decided to go to university and why you chose Teesside?

My family has always valued Higher Education and so obtaining a postgraduate degree from a globally recognised university in the UK has always been my goal. Among the fantastic options available in UK schools, I was drawn to Teesside because the University has modern learning facilities and emphasises on both theory and practice.

Teesside is one of a few universities in the UK that offers a master’s in food processing engineering, with intensive modules, and outstanding links to industry. The location of Teesside University was also a major attraction for me, the living costs in Middlesbrough, where Teesside University is located, are relatively affordable compared to other universities.

Why did you choose your subject?

I grew up in a country where agricultural farm produce is surplus, but wrongly preserved and processed. Nigeria has a large population and abundant green vegetation. Despite almost half of its citizens being involved in agriculture, many farm products are processed and preserved incorrectly. There is a great need for knowledge and skills in proper and appropriate food processing and preserving methods. I chose this course because it focuses on converting and processing agricultural produce into high-quality, sustainable products that meet human needs while having zero impact on the environment. It spans across solving today’s problems and creating future solutions in critical sectors like Environment, Energy, Transportation, Space exploration, and Climate Change.

What do you like most about your course and why? Are there any modules which you really enjoy?

Due to the complexity of food materials, food engineering combines the study of more specific chemical and physical concepts, such as biochemistry, microbiology, food chemistry, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, rheology, and heat transfer. I believe that this course is giving me the opportunity to acquire a more innovative approach in tackling complex situations.

I have found Food Manufacturing Engineering and Food Chain Composition module especially interesting because it reviews and develops the fundamental concepts of food supply chain, processing, and handling using robotics and advanced packaging technology.

What do you think about the campus and the services offered (Careers, Students’ Union, The Library)?

The services I have received at Teesside University so far have been of high quality. This includes the lectures, the student support, and the overall administrative management. I am particularly impressed with the refurbished University library facility, which provides a comfortable and serene reading environment and access to many learning resources, such as e-books and over 100,000 journals. Additionally, the modern international-standard laboratory complex, BIOS, located at the heart of the campus has greatly improved the standard of the learning experience.

What are the differences between studying in your Home country compared to studying in the UK?

There are wide-ranging differences between studying in my home country and studying in the UK. I have enjoyed the opportunity to relate and compete with peers from diverse backgrounds from around the world. Also, the quality and standard of educational operations between the UK and my home country differ significantly. This is one of the reasons I chose to study in the UK.

Are you a member of any clubs or societies, a course rep or student ambassador?

I am an active member of the Food Talk Society, a former committee member in charge of event management. As a member of the society, I plan and organise events by coordinating logistics, booking venues, and managing budgets. I work with the Student's Union staff and vendors to secure event-related products and services. Additionally, I manage event registration and ticket sales and collaborate with others to manage the society's finances. I am the current Student Course Representative of my cohort (2023). It is my responsibility to liaise with the relevant academic staff and school representatives on any issues affecting students on the course and their overall wellbeing.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement?

As a second-year student, you can choose an industry placement or research programme to either gain industrial or research-based experience. I opted for research, and I am currently supporting Dr. Eskandari, Fatemeh, a PhD fellow under Professor Zohoori Vida on a live research study. The study focuses on the critical aspects of fluoride intake and its impact on the dental health of children aged four to six years. The study further aims to provide insights into the diverse sources of fluoride ingestion, contributing valuable data for the development of targeted interventions to safeguard the dental health of children globally.

What skills/experience have you gained at Teesside that you feel will help you in your chosen career?

The choice of studying this course has equipped me with a lot of skills and upscaled my critical thinking skills and technical experience. I have gained personal and academic skills, including analytical, intellectual, and communication.

What are your ambitions for the future?

After completing this master’s, I plan to continue my education and with a PhD so that I can have a long-term career in research and teaching. I will conduct research and encourage sustainable methods for food manufacturing and processing of agricultural waste to reduce environmental pollution in Nigeria, Africa, and worldwide. I will use my experience to teach, and mentor students and as well advance their insight within the industry. Studying the master’s in food processing engineering at Teesside University is equipping me with the relevant skills, tools, and knowledge to achieve my career goals.