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Nada El-Hariry's bursary placement

Nada El-Hariry from Loreto College in Manchester spent Summer 2009 working at AMEC in Knutsford with Dr Ahmed Aslam. The project involved a study of gamma ray transport through small penetrations within an Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) store. The scope of the work was very challenging including:

• advanced knowledge of Nuclear and Radiation Physics
• the use of complex Monte Carlo techniques
• statistical analysis of results

Nada successfully completed the project in just four weeks.

Dr Aslam said: "We would like to pass on our good wishes to Nada for her future studies, and would also to thank the Nuffield Foundation for providing such an outstanding student. The results from the study are invaluable to AMEC in the area of decommissioning and storage of nuclear waste."

We asked Nada some questions about her experience and what she learnt from it...

How did you get involved in the Nuffield Bursary Programme and why did you want to take part in the programme?

I was looking for something to do over the summer holiday. Then, I found a notice in my college about the Nuffield Foundation Bursary Programme that caught my interest. My teachers encouraged me to take part in it. It was a fascinating opportunity to have a new experience in something that I enjoy.

What did you learn most from your bursary experience?

I learned more about the research project area (The Transport of Gamma Ray Radiation Through Small Penetration) and realised the significance of statistical methods in solving such complex scientific problems. I developed my IT skills as I used a lot of computer programmes in carrying out my research project.

How have you shared your bursary experience with others at school?

After the Christmas holiday, it is planned that I will present my research project to other students at my college.

What are your longer term plans and how did your bursary experience affect these plans?

I am applying for science based courses at university. The Nuffield Foundation Bursary Programme experience did really make me taste the excitement of being a scientist.

Last Updated Mon, 30 November 2009