Space uni: the student perspective
Dr Matthew Tetlow is experiencing space - without leaving Adelaide! He's among the handful ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns and more than 100 international students currently studying as part of the International Space ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (ISU) visit to South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. Dr Tetlow is a recent PhD graduate and is now Research Associate with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's School of Mechanical Engineering. He took time out of his studies to speak with the Adelaidean about the "Space Uni experience". Q: What is the basis for your interest in space, and how have you developed that interest? A: I have always been interested in aircraft in general, and when I was given the opportunity to go to Stuttgart ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (Space Systems Institute) for my Honours project, I took it as it seemed quite interesting. The more I got into space, the more I liked it. I decided to do a PhD in the aerospace field as I knew it would interest me. The German contact was also really good as they work on "serious" space projects, i.e. those that actually fly. I researched launch vehicle system design and also developed a new guidance system for launch vehicles. I have presented a number of papers at conferences in the US and ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. This is an important networking tool and I have managed to meet some interesting people. I was also a founding member of the Adelaide ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ student branch of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and run the Aerospace research group at Adelaide Uni. I now work on trajectory analysis to support the HYSHOT scramjet program, so there is some potential for me to stay in the aerospace field. Q: What did you hope to achieve from attendance at the Space Uni and how has that matched up to your expectations so far? A: I sort of expected it to be a broad introduction into space in general so I was not expecting it to be too specific. It has exceeded my expectations as the material is very interesting and extremely well presented. Q: Some of the ISU students like to concentrate on studies outside their realm of expertise. Have you done this, and if so, what have you concentrated on and why? A: Yes, I am in the Business and Management faculty. With a PhD, I have plenty of experience in the technical aspects of my job, and I have good analytical skills and all the other stuff you pick up from a PhD. I don't, however, have much experience in the business or project management side of things. I was considering doing a project management diploma or something like that to broaden my skills base. The ISU has therefore been very useful to me as I have had a series of courses and workshops in both project management and business. Q: Any other comments you wish to make? A: I am very happy with ISU and am glad I took the opportunity to attend. Interested in studies in space? The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide offers degrees suited to careers in the space industry, including the Bachelor of Science (Space Science & Astrophysics) and the Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering), among others. For more information visit the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide's Open Day - Sunday, August 15.
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