Science Without Borders student develops 3D printer

João’s 3D printer, which can be used in the manufacture of prototypes, is currently at the pre-incubation stage at the UFRN.

From 2012 - 2015, the innovative scholarships programme saw the UK welcome more than 11,000 Brazilian students looking to study undergraduate sandwich courses, sandwich course PhDs and full PhDs. The students came from prestigious universities, and over 200 studied at the University of Derby for a year.

During his time at the University of Derby, João studied Motorsport Engineering and completed a three month internship with a local high tech company, TDI (Transmission and Distribution Innovations).

João said: “My experience at the University of Derby and TDI not only gave me an understanding of the necessary stages in building a product but also awakened my entrepreneurial spirit.”

Founder of TDI, Simone Neve, worked with João during his placement. He added: “While João worked at TDI, I developed a very high regard for him based on the outstanding contributions that he made in the office throughout the period. He was extremely productive and an absolute pleasure to work with. I am really pleased that his time here has inspired him to develop a business idea.”

TDI has been working closely with the University of Derby offering work experience and internships.

Nick Slade, Director of International Development, the University of Derby, commented: “We are extremely proud of all our Science Without Borders students. We invested heavily in the work placement element of the programme, as we knew that this was a key part of the scheme and would help prepare the students for work after study. João is a fist class example of what students can achieve if they are hardworking, talented and inspired.”

More recently, João was selected as a finalist for the Science Without Borders Ambassador for 2016.