César Gallardo Sánchez, an alumnus of the PhD in Engineering Sciences with mention in Electrical Engineering, is a clear example of the impact that a solid academic background can have on professional development and international projection.
Currently, César is a Research Fellow at the prestigious University of Nottingham, a position that combines research in industrial projects with the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students. His work focuses on the design of electrical machines, applying analytical models and advanced numerical simulations to optimize their performance, with a special focus on the automotive and aerospace industries.
The road to Nottingham was not without its challenges. According to César, the application process was demanding, with the technical interviews conducted in English being one of the biggest challenges. Despite not feeling completely confident with the language, he didn’t let that stop him. In addition, the process included submitting letters of recommendation and demonstrating how his previous experience aligned with the university’s lines of research.
César emphasizes the importance of the PhD in his professional career, as “it was a fundamental pillar in my development. It allowed me to acquire in-depth knowledge, develop research skills and establish a network of international contacts through events, conferences and internships. These skills were key to accessing high-impact projects,” he said.
During his PhD, César also collaborated with national companies, such as Komatsu, in their research and development department, which strengthened his experience in industrial projects. These connections between academia and industry were decisive in his successful application to the University of Nottingham.
