I am a PhD student studying under Professor Pierre Latteur who has been awarded FRIA funding for my project “Framework development for shape-optimised, robot-made, steel-free, carpentry style structural tree-trunk connections for multi-storey buildings and large span structures”.
Prior to beginning a PhD at UC Louvain in October, my studies were undertaken at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where I received a Bachelor of Environments and Master of Engineering within the fields of civil and structural engineering, respectively.
My professional experience ranges from teaching to working on site as an engineer in construction at various capacities. My interests in construction, sustainability, and practical applications of research in industry naturally led me to pursue a PhD with these interests in mind. As a result, I am looking forward to the coming years where within the structural engineering team at UC Louvain I will undertake experimental research developing and testing connections in the LEMSC Laboratory. This research focuses on the potential of using whole tree trunks as structural building elements to better understand the advantages and limitations of whole timber carpentry within the future of sustainable building.