Derby exchange student develops 3D printer

A Brazilian engineering graduate who spent a year studying at the University of Derby has designed and built his own 3D printer.

During his postgraduate studies in mechatronic engineering at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), João Victor Araújo Tavares spent a year at Derby University. His exchange was part of Science Without Borders, an overseas study programme that has seen the UK welcome more than 11,000 Brazilian students over the past three years.

While at Derby, João studied motorsport engineering and completed a three-month internship with local tech company, TDI (Transmission and Distribution Innovations). As well as expanding his skill set, the time studying abroad also helped inspire João to look at the process of product design and production from a business angle.

“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,” he said.

That entrepreneurial spirit is now being put into practice back in Brazil, where João’s 3D printer is currently at the pre-incubation stage at the UFRN. On top of this, João has also been selected as a finalist for the Science Without Borders Ambassador for 2016.

“We are extremely proud of all our Science Without Borders students,” said Nick Slade, director of International Development at the University of Derby.

“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.”