It has already been more than a year into my PhD journey, and one of the highlights so far has been my secondment at the Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing (UNDT) Lab at the University of Bristol, UK.

From the very beginning, I was impressed by the vibrant atmosphere of the lab. It was a true melting pot of expertise and cultures — with PhD students and postdocs from across the world, all working side by side. The layout of the office encouraged daily interactions, and with supervisors always nearby, it was easy to exchange ideas and get feedback. It felt like a space designed for creativity and collaboration.

On the research side, these two months were incredibly productive. I explored several innovative methods, but the most exciting challenge for me was working on a machine learning–based approach (NARX) for compensating temperature effects on NCWI data. This was an excellent hands-on experience with machine learning, and applying it directly to my own experimental data made it even more rewarding. Beyond that, I experimented with different techniques and tools, each adding a new layer to my skills and confidence as a researcher.

Another highlight was sharing this experience with my fellow USES² network doctoral candidates, Nalin Kamath and Olga Nesterova. Their presence made the academic journey lighter and the social side a lot more fun.

But this secondment was more than just research. It was also my first visit to the UK, and it couldn’t have been timed better — right during the Iranian New Year (Nowrooz). Thanks to the strong Iranian community at the University of Bristol, I got to celebrate with friends and fellow countrymen, making me feel at home despite being miles away.

Outside the lab, I took every chance to explore. From wandering the historic streets of Bristol to short trips to London and Bath, I discovered some of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. Each place added a unique flavor to the experience, balancing intense research with cultural exploration.

Looking back, my time in Bristol was truly unforgettable — a mix of professional growth, cultural connection, and personal adventure. I definitely miss it, and I’m looking forward to more such enriching experiences ahead!