Richard has a Bachelor's in Mechatronics from University of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. He says, "NSW has the largest number of foreign students -almost 30%. The environment there is very multicultural." And what motivated him to come all the way here for a Master's? "Good question," he laughs. "I believe the work level in my field is higher in Europe than elsewhere. Originally I planned to study in Germany. During an internet search I came across UT, was impressed with their programme and decided to come here. Besides, I had visited a few places in Europe, barring the Netherlands."
Richard's current project for the company Imotec in Hengelo is on the development of a servo linear actuator. Actuators are driving units, smaller version of which are used in, for example, small assembly lines, and really large actuators enable flight simulators to make realistic movements. Imotec is developing a new type of actuator called a Fast Shaft Driver (FSD), which has a new operating principle. Richard's contribution involves developing a servo version of this FSD, ultimately to give the operator more control of the actuator's position and velocity through automation.
On one of the striking differences between the Netherlands and Australia he exclaims, 'Oral exams! I was shocked when I first heard of them! Also I love the fact that here biking is a more common form of commuting, back home one bikes mainly for recreation.'
Besides being closely associated with SMIT, he DJs for some of their parties and even met his Dutch girlfriend at a SMIT party, Richard is a proud member of the UT Ice Hockey team, Enschede Slapping Studs. In fact he started playing ice hockey for the first time after he came to Netherlands. He reminisces about his most extraordinary experience here, "Last year, there was a night ice hockey tournament. We played from 10 pm to 7am! I can't even begin to describe the amazing feeling - it was night, we were playing hockey, the sun came up and we were still playing hockey!'
After completing his Master's, Richard plans to go home for a month and come back to look for work. He explains, 'Opportunities exist in Italy, Germany but I prefer the Netherlands. I would like to work in a company like Philips.....their work is simply brilliant. Besides, there's ice hockey that beckons me!'
Hometown : Sydney
Languages : English, Slovak (spoken only),bit of Dutch
Favourite food : Spaghetti with sea food
Favourite music : Dutch rap
Favourite movie : Leon (French)
Best part of living in NL : Dutch beer! (Grolsch)
Worst part of living in NL : the weather
