Lewis McLaughlin

Ever since I was young, I have always enjoyed designing, building, and creating things.

Having ADHD has also shaped the way I think, as I have always liked developing ideas, being creative, and finding practical ways to bring them to life. I have had a strong interest in art, music, and design, so when I discovered engineering, it felt like the perfect subject for me. I studied Engineering at A-level and then applied to Edge Hill to study Electrical Engineering, which I have really enjoyed ever since.

The main reason I chose Electrical Engineering comes down to three key interests. Firstly, I have always been fascinated by circuitry and how programming can change the way a system operates. Secondly, I have always enjoyed designing and drawing, so seeing how ideas and blueprints can be turned into real working systems really appealed to me. Lastly, I am interested in the changing energy sector and how renewable sources can be used to produce and harness energy in more sustainable ways.

The main reason I chose to study at Edge Hill was the amazing campus and the quiet yet exciting town of Ormskirk. I was never really interested in higher education until I visited Edge Hill and saw what the campus had to offer. It immediately felt like home, from the wildlife to the natural surroundings, and I found it really inspiring. The University also has a strong reputation, and the Electrical Engineering course seemed to offer a lot of opportunities. So far, it has lived up to every expectation.

For me, the top three skills I have developed are simple but impactful: communication, confidence, and accountability. Firstly, communication has been a key skill. Whether it has been communicating with classmates and lecturers, or with friends, family, and my girlfriend, university has helped me understand the importance of expressing myself clearly. Being in that environment has brought so many benefits and has helped me learn more about myself and others. Secondly, confidence has been a huge area of growth for me. I was not always confident in my work or when meeting new people. I often felt one step behind and did not always have the motivation to take chances. However, university is full of opportunities, and those experiences have helped me build my confidence. I now feel much more comfortable with my work, meeting new people, and expressing my ideas. Lastly, I would say accountability has been one of the most important skills I have developed. At university, your actions, ideas, and progress are your responsibility. Deadlines, meetings, lectures, and independent work all help build strong character and teach you time management and planning. Learning to be accountable for yourself is challenging, but it is also a really positive and valuable part of university life.

The most memorable moment of my degree so far has been the 2026 Project Showcase. Although presenting my project was highly rewarding, the main reason it meant so much to me was because of the amount of time and effort I had dedicated to it. From the early stages of the idea to the final showcase, the project taught me so much, and I am very proud of the outcome. This achievement has helped me grow in confidence and has made me feel more aware, capable, and motivated within the field of engineering. Receiving positive feedback and recognition for my project has been extremely rewarding, and it is something I will take with me into the future as I continue to develop my skills and follow my goals. I have also had such a memorable time at Edge Hill University overall. I have experienced so many different opportunities, including events such as the Advanced Engineering UK trip and the Law Ball hosted by my girlfriend. I have also made great memories with my girlfriend and friends while living on campus and spending time in Ormskirk.

My End-of-Year Showcase project was an HVAC micro-turbine energy harvesting system. The idea was to use airflow from a vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to spin a small turbine and generate electrical energy. The project was inspired by renewable energy and the idea of reducing wasted energy. In vehicles, airflow is already being produced through the HVAC system, so I wanted to explore whether some of that energy could be captured and reused. My prototype used a small turbine, a DC motor acting as a generator, a converter, a rechargeable battery system, and Arduino-based monitoring with an LCD display. The real-world problem it could help address is energy efficiency. Although the amount of energy generated is small, it could potentially help power low-energy auxiliary systems such as LED lights, sensors, or monitoring displays. Overall, the project shows how renewable energy and energy-harvesting ideas can be applied to everyday systems to make technology more efficient and sustainable.

My favourite thing about my degree subject has been working in groups, meeting new people, and building friendships through project work. I have especially enjoyed the Professional Practice modules, where each year we were assigned a project to work on throughout the semester. These projects were really enjoyable because they allowed me to apply what I had learned in a practical way, while also developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. They taught me a lot about how engineering projects work in real situations and helped me become more confident in sharing ideas with others.

The best thing about Edge Hill University has been the memories, the life lessons, and the people I have met along the way. Edge Hill has many benefits, but one of the most important to me is the way it brings people together and creates a real sense of community. I have learned more here than I ever expected, both academically and personally. From finishing school to graduating, the difference in myself is very noticeable, and Edge Hill has played a big part in that growth.

My favourite place on campus is honestly the campus itself, as every part of it holds a special memory for me. Edge Hill has such a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, and I have always enjoyed spending time around the natural areas on campus. One place that stands out in particular is the benches around the big pond. It is a calm place to sit, reflect, and enjoy the surroundings, and if you wait long enough, a little feline friend may even come and join you.

I hope to take everything I have learned during my degree and apply it to future job opportunities, or possibly further education. I am still open-minded about the exact path I want to take, but I know that I want to continue developing my skills and using what I have learned in a practical way. I am also passionate about my personal goals and hope to keep working towards achieving them. University has helped me become more confident in my abilities, and I want to carry that confidence with me into the future.

One thing I have learned about engineering is that there is not always one true right or wrong answer. Engineering is about improving, adapting, testing ideas, and learning from the process. That is what makes it so interesting and rewarding. My advice would be to not lose track of your goals and dreams. They are only dreams until you put the work in to make them a reality. Stay patient, keep learning, and remember that every challenge is part of the process.

Edge Hill has supported me a great deal throughout my degree. I have always found there to be strong communication with module leaders and lecturers, which has helped me feel supported academically. The University has also offered a lot of help with areas such as accommodation, finance, additional support, and opportunities to get involved. I am truly grateful for the guidance and encouragement I have received during my time here.