Meet the Small Scale Hydro team...

Left to Right: Gary Bratt, Ross Laird, Matthew Martin, Peter Gent

Gary Bratt

Undergraduate Degree: BSc (Hons) Laser Physics & Optoelectronics (University of Strathclyde)

Background: After graduation, Gary began his career as a process engineer with NEC Semiconductors before progressing to a process development engineer position at Infineon Technologies and spin off company Qimonda in Germany. He then returned to Scotland as a laser systems engineer for Coherent Scotland before deciding to embark on the MSc Renewable Energy & the Environment course full time.

Project Comments: “This was an interesting and enjoyable exploration of a particular facet of renewable technology, encompassing technical, environmental, economic and organisational aspects.”

Contact: gary.bratt@strath.ac.uk or gary_bratt@yahoo.co.uk

Matthew Martin

Undergraduate Degree: BSc Physics and Applied Physics (University of Strathclyde)

Background: Matthew graduated in 2005 with the BSc in Physics and went on to work at T-Mobile for 4 years. He decided to return to Starthclyde in 2009 to study for the Msc in Renewable Energy Systems & the Environment with a view to retraining for a career in renewable energy generation. His interests in this area inlude hydro generation, photo-voltaics and issues of transmission and distribution of power including smart grid development.

Project Comments: "I have enjoyed the challenge posed by the group project and feel the skills I have learned will aid me in my future research in this field. The real deliverables from this projct have been really rewarding."

Contact: matthew.martin@strath.ac.uk or matthew-martin@ntlworld.com

Peter Gent

Undergraduate Degree: BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering (UMIST)

Background: After graduating from UMIST, Peter has spent the past 7 years working both in the United Kingdom and overseas in the sphere of broadcast engineering. He has worked across a wide range of technological infrastructure that enables local, national and international programs to be delivered across the globe. Enrolling on the Msc course Peter aims to broaden his knowledge and expand on his interest in this very relevant area of engineering.

Project Comments: “I've found the small scale hydro project very interesting. The area of power transmission has particularity caught my attention, especially using sub marine cabling in an atypical situation. Working in the group, aiming to deliver a high quality project on time has been very enjoyable indeed.”

Contact: peter.gent@strath.ac.uk or pete@gentletechnology.net

Ross Laird

Undergraduate Degree: BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Materials (University of Aberdeen)

Background: Ross graduated from the University of Aberdeen having attained a 1st class in Mechanical Engineering and looked to further his studies to MSc level. Ross has professional interests in renewable energy generation and sustainable development.

Project Comments: "I have found the combination of challenging theoretical analysis and real life project delivery to be a rewarding experience."

Contact: ross.laird@strath.ac.uk or r.laird.06@aberdeen.ac.uk