Rufus Adjetey

Course studying

Research area

Smart and Sustainable Solutions for Railway trackbed

What made you want to become an engineer?

When I was growing up I was inspired by a fictional character, Michael Schofield (portrayed by Wentworth Miller). I was inspired after watching Prison Break where he was a Structural Engineer. I then read about it and realised it was a sub discipline of Civil Engineering which was a broader field, and this made me pursue my first degree in Civil Engineering.

My interest grew more and more during and after studying the course and realising a career in Engineering is a highly reputable one. I got to know how Engineers through their incredible designs and inventions highly impact and change the world fixing problems. Albeit the challenging problems involved, it gives you the chance to generate innovative and creative ideas to solve problems.

One day I would like to design something that can help solve a problem and make an impact to the field of engineering and the world.

Rufus Adjetey stood in front of a book shelf.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

In the next five years, I would like to see myself as a young academic/lecturer in the area of civil Engineering carrying out engineering designs, research and delivering lectures to impart knowledge into students as well as the world of academia. I want to be in a position where I can help and be a mentor to the younger generation.

Why is Black History Month an important celebration for you?

The celebration is important to me because other Black people like myself are being recognised for their efforts and achievements. More importantly, the purpose of the celebration reminds us what our ancestors fought for and to thank them for the hope and opportunity they have given us today. It serves a great purpose to make people aware of this struggle for freedom and equal opportunity.

What are your experiences as a person of colour in the UK?

In my personal experience, having spent most of my time in the UK in university environment, I have not encountered racial discriminations towards me to the degree some may have experienced. Maybe because of the education and the university’s stance on it. On the other hand, my first encounter of racism was in a pub where I was not served by a bartender in a queue when it was my turn to be attended to but served others behind me which I thought was unfair.

Who would you say your role model is?

I do not have a single role model, but I would say my role models are my academic supervisors, Prof Andrew, Prof Airey and Prof Nick because I look up to them. They are top researchers, lecturers and leaders in academia, who are always happy to assist and help and I am always happy to learn from them. Their selflessness and commitment to imparting knowledge to students and academia inspires me a lot.

How do you think the faculty and University can further progress inclusion and diversity?

Firstly, I would like to commend the faculty and the University for their commitment in equality, inclusion and diversity. Although I commend the university/faculty on their measures to promote inclusion and diversity through diverse demographic. I would encourage an active drive to increase BAME footprint through increased opportunities and initiatives to make the environment more conducive to foster innovation and co-creation.