7 questions with Ulrike Drahne

This week, we put seven questions to Ulrike Drahne, a UCL Mechanical Engineering PhD student.

Why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

My PhD project is related to the acoustics of bubbles. That basically means that I'm sitting in the laboratory, listening to air bubbles fragmenting in a water tank. It sounds a bit strange, but once you're involved in the subject you can't let it go (and I personally don't want to let it go!).

I've always been interested in water, the ocean and been curious about what's going on in our oceans. Water is a magnificent element that, until the present day, hasn't ceased to amaze and fascinate me.

What do I plan to do in the future? Not sure yet: staying on the academic path, doing some research and teaching, or trying something new - who knows? But whatever it is, it surely has to be something to do with water.

What is the most interesting thing you've done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

There are plenty of things: the universe of bubbles, the New Atlantis exhibition, scuba diving… Currently, the most exciting thing I'm involved with is the Swimathon, organised by Sport Relief, which takes place from 18 to 20 March.

The Swimathon is a personal challenge to swim yourself proud by swimming 1.5km, 2.5km or 5km and raise money for Sport Relief in the process. I'm doing the 'Simply Swim', a flexible variation of the Swimathon, and I'm aiming to complete 10km this weekend.

Like every participant, I'm looking for sponsors to raise money for Sport Relief (and people living in developing countries), so I, and Sport Relief, would really appreciate any donations - you can donate on my giving page.

If, like me, you think that swimming and fundraising is a meaningful combination, then you're welcome to donate or even take part (there are also running and cycling events).

Have you discovered any 'hidden gems' during your time at UCL?

I got to know the area of Forty Hall in Enfield. It's a nice park and you can walk, run or cycle next to small rivers and lakes of various sizes. It's slightly outside of London, but this only contributes to its charm.

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London.

I'm generally not good with heights, but friends have recommended that I visit the Sky Garden - it is a 155m high tower offering a panorama view over London. It's free of charge, but booking is required.

Another recommendation is to see the musical The Phantom of the Opera. I've never seen a musical, but why not try something new?

And I'm pretty sure the Natural History Museum is worth a visit.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

I would initiate the provision of more individual office spaces for research students. The current work spaces are alright and some students already benefit from personal spaces; I believe UCL is heading in the right direction, but the efforts need to continue.

I would also initiate the refurbishment of the ceiling of the pool at Energybase; the ceiling material doesn't give a very good first impression!

Who inspires you and why?

My mum. She is a strong woman who has faced numerous setbacks and difficult situations throughout her life, but she's never given up. Her resilience deserves respect and it acts as inspiration for me.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

One of my weaknesses is physics and mathematics. However, my undergraduate studies were in physical oceanography, which is a strongly physical-mathematical area. Now I'm in the Mechanical Engineering department, looking at the physics of bubbles. I don't know how that really works, but up to now it does!