PhD Graduate Jordan Noronha: Making an impact through metamaterials research

After graduating from RMIT with an Honours degree in Biomedical Engineering, and working in the industry for two years, Jordan decided to return to university to follow his passion for research.

Jordan decided to undertake research in lattice metamaterials, due to there being many global experts in the field accessible at RMIT.

“It’s also a young area that has only really existed for the past 20 years so I could have a tangible impact,” he said.

Jordan found his College and the Centre for Additive Manufacturing provided a strong support system that fostered community and positive discussion.

This helped him to feel prepared for his milestone presentations throughout his PhD journey.

“My supervisors Professor Ma Qian, Professor Martin Leary, Dr Elizabeth Kyriakou and Professor Milan Brandt invested countless days and nights positively shaping my research and fostering my development,” he said.

“I am truly fortunate to have had such inspiring mentors, whether it was designing experiments, teaching me how to present at conferences (around the world) and write high-level publications, or providing me with opportunities like running RMIT’s additive manufacturing machines.”

After four years of working towards his PhD, Jordan said he feels amazing to finally be graduating this May.

“As I consider graduating, the weight of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice runs through my mind,” he said.

I have a sense of pride in knowing that I've reached the pinnacle of academic achievement in my field, yet it's also a moment marked with nostalgia and reflection.

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RMIT graduate Jordan Noronha

The road to graduation has not always been easy, as Jordan reflected, one challenge he faced from time management.

“As the success of your PhD is entirely dependent on you, it can often become an obsession,” he said.

“To overcome this, I always made sure to ‘clock off’ on the weekends and maintain a healthy social life.”

When asked what he would say to any students considering undertaking a PhD at RMIT, Jordan stressed the importance of taking advantage of the RMIT community.

“The best advice I can give is to not try and do it all by yourself,” he said.

“RMIT encourages a community of researchers who are always accessible and open to discussion.

“Many of these people not only share your passion for research but have also experienced the same challenges you may be facing, so don’t be afraid to reach out.”

Watch the graduation live stream here

09 May 2024

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