My journey into engineering was a somewhat unexpected one. Despite my limited understanding of what engineering truly entailed before entering university, my love for mathematics and physics guided me towards this field. It was the hands-on, practical aspects of these subjects that particularly resonated with me, ultimately steering me towards engineering as a natural fit for my interests.

‘In my younger years, a fascination with the idea of becoming a surgeon captured my imagination, fuelled by my avid consumption of medical dramas. Choosing Bath was a deliberate decision. I remember really enjoying the open day and finding the campus very homely. I was also very impressed by the emphasis they put on students doing a placement year and the help they provided. All the different companies’ students had worked for sounded super exciting!’ — Molly Holmes, MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Professional Placement (2025)

Taking on cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a major global threat, leading end-stage heart failure patients to seek heart transplants. Due to strict eligibility requirements and a shortage of organs, the disparity between demand and availability has grown. This gap has driven advancements in mechanical circulatory support, notably the total artificial heart — a device replacing both ventricles. In vitro testing, like using mock circulatory loops, is crucial for medical device development, replicating the complexities of the cardiovascular system.

Team Bath Heart strives to design, prototype, and assess a proprietary artificial heart for the annual international competition, the Heart Hackathon. I had the honour of attending and presenting at last year's event in Japan, where our team clinched victory for the second consecutive year!

I joined Team Bath Heart as one of the Mechanical Leads, working on enhancing a total artificial heart. My focus was the exploration of autonomic regulation within a simulated circulatory loop tailored for artificial heart assessments.

My project revolved around augmenting our Mock Circulatory loop with autonomic reflexes replicating the cardiovascular system's responses to fluctuating metabolic demands, such as the baroreflex. Just as the body adjusts by dilating vessels when the heart rate spikes and blood pressure surges, I replicated this phenomenon within the test rig using pressure sensors and a motorised control valve. This functionality is pivotal for scrutinising a prototype under varying heart rate scenarios.

Embracing challenges

I found a profound appreciation for the diverse nature of the tasks at hand during the project. The blend of practical, hands-on tasks with research, coding, and data analysis allowed me to navigate between my desk and the lab seamlessly. While I cherished the hands-on aspects, they also presented some of the most formidable challenges, given the inherent unpredictability of such work. I thrived on the thrill of swiftly devising solutions to practical dilemmas.

Engaging with the software aspects of the project, which had previously been a realm I shied away from, proved to be a transformative experience. Despite my initial reluctance, immersing myself in this domain enabled me to significantly enhance my proficiency across various programming languages. This newfound expertise played a pivotal role in the project's overall success.

As a culmination of our efforts, the completion of the test rig stands as a testament to our dedication and hard work. This milestone marks the readiness of the rig for utilisation by Team Bath Heart, empowering them to assess their prototype in preparation for the upcoming competition. The project's triumphant conclusion underscores the value of perseverance and adaptability in overcoming challenges and achieving our goals.

A Journey of validation

After being encouraged by my supervisor, I decided to apply for the IMechE Mechatronics student of the year award. Their support gave me the confidence to showcase a project that holds significant meaning and embodies a wide array of mechatronics principles, yielding successful results.

Presenting and winning at the event was a remarkable experience. Addressing the judges and IMechE members was a privilege, allowing me to delve into the project's profound significance, especially for those unfamiliar with artificial hearts. The day was enriching, hearing about other student projects, and clinching the win was incredibly fulfilling, validating the dedication I poured into a project I deeply care about.

After graduating, I've embarked on a journey of travel, with plans to continue exploring diverse locations over the next year while working in different environments. Immersing myself in new cultures has been immensely gratifying, offering a refreshing pause from engineering. My heart is set on returning to the field, particularly delving into the realm of medical engineering.