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However, working at frequencies higher than the human ear can hear, we can also use sound – or ultrasound – to learn about the properties of materials that sound waves travel through or bounce off. By doing so, we can create better products, protect against material failure by checking for defects, and design novel materials.

In her inaugural lecture, Professor Pinfield will show how waves are scattered by small objects in their path and how building models can help us use these scattering phenomena to provide information from ultrasonic measurements. She will explore what mayonnaise, fibre composite components for aircraft and stealth coatings for submarines all have in common.

Professor Valerie Pinfield joined the University as a Lecturer in 2012 after a diverse career in both industry and academia, including spells at The Welding Institute and Cadbury’s chocolate factory.

Valerie completed her degree in Natural Sciences (Theoretical Physics) at the University of Cambridge in 1990. She was awarded her PhD at the Food Science Department of the University of Leeds, in 1996, under the supervision of Professors Dickinson and Povey.

Subsequent research posts at the universities of Leeds and Nottingham linked the worlds of food, pharma and aerospace through the application of ultrasonic sensing technology.

Her research focuses on the mathematical modelling of ultrasonic wave scattering in heterogeneous media with associated computational and experimental investigations.

She is also developing the application of machine learning techniques to material design, surrogate models and optimised control for electrochemical systems for energy applications and for more sustainable chemical production without fossil fuel feedstocks.

She is currently Acting Dean for the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering – having previously served as Head of the Chemical Engineering Department and Director of Student Experience for the School.