An engineering student has revealed how the confidence, skills and ambition developed during a year in industry inspired him to speak at a national research conference.
Final‑year student Farhan Tanvir secured a placement with the Ministry of Defence, where he was given responsibility within a research‑focused engineering team.
Building on this experience, Farhan represented the University at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) in Glasgow, presenting Masters‑level work to a multidisciplinary audience.
The industry placement proved pivotal in shaping Farhan’s development as an engineer and researcher. He was given specialist training and trusted to apply his academic learning to real‑world engineering challenges.
Reflecting on the experience, Farhan said: “I was trained in printed circuit board design during my placement and became the first person in my team to take on that area of work. It gave me confidence in my abilities and helped confirm the path I want to take as an engineer.”
Applying on-placement learning to Masters research
Building directly on his placement experience, Farhan’s final‑year Masters project explores high‑voltage generator systems used in pulse‑power applications.
The research examines how such systems operate, how their performance can be evaluated and how engineers approach updating or improving existing designs. The project emphasises careful modelling, simulation and responsible engineering when working with complex electrical systems that underpin a range of scientific and industrial technologies.
Pulse‑power technologies have applications ranging from laser research and infrastructure testing to emerging environmental solutions such as water treatment, and Farhan’s work demonstrates how industry‑informed research can be translated effectively into an academic setting.
Representing the University at BCUR
Farhan presented his research at BCUR, a national event that brings together undergraduate researchers from universities across the UK. Designed to challenge students to communicate their work beyond their own disciplines, the conference provided an opportunity for Farhan to explain complex engineering concepts to non‑specialist audiences.
Reflecting on the event, he said:
“It was an absolutely incredible experience. Presenting my research alongside so many talented students from across the country was truly inspiring.”
He added:
“It’s one thing speaking to other electrical engineers, but explaining complex systems to students from completely different academic backgrounds really tested my communication skills. That challenge was one of the most rewarding parts of the conference.”
National recognition
Farhan’s academic and professional achievements have also been recognised at a national level. He was recently named an IET Future Talent Boost Scholar, an award presented by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to high‑achieving engineering students in the latter stages of their degree.
The scholarship recognises strong academic performance alongside clear potential to make a future impact in engineering and technology, offering recipients financial support, professional development opportunities and access to a national network of future engineering leaders.
Reflecting on the award, Farhan said:
“Being recognised as an IET Future Talent Boost Scholar means a great deal to me. It’s encouraging to have my work acknowledged by a professional body that represents engineers across the UK, and it motivates me to keep developing both academically and professionally as I prepare for my next steps.”
University support and giving back
Throughout his time at Leeds, Farhan has benefited from a wide network of academic and professional support.
Guidance from academic staff, alongside tailored support from Poppy Beacock and the EPS Employability Team, helped him secure his year‑in‑industry placement and develop the confidence to pursue high‑level research and conference opportunities.
Academic support has continued through his final‑year project, supervised by Dr Ben Chong, who has worked closely with Farhan to translate his industry experience into academically rigorous research.
Dr Chong said:
“Farhan has embraced every opportunity during his time at Leeds. His enthusiasm for learning, willingness to step outside his comfort zone and share his research, and his commitment to developing as an engineer have really stood out. Highly self-motivated, Farhan is a role model to other students, actively turning unexplored areas into valuable learning opportunities. I have no doubt he will go on to great success, and we wish him the very best for his future career.”
Now in his final year, Farhan is also giving back to the University community.
Alongside his studies, he works as an EPS Intern for the employability team which supported him, sharing his skills to embolden other students as they explore placement opportunities and prepare applications of their own.
“Supporting other students feels like a full‑circle moment,” Farhan said. “The guidance I received made a huge difference, and it’s rewarding to help others take those first steps into the industry.”
After graduating this summer, Farhan will return to the Ministry of Defence on their graduate scheme, continuing his engineering career in industry.
Further information
For media enquiries, please contact Morgan Buswell in the University of Leeds press office via M.Buswell@leeds.ac.uk