Graduate’s passion for motorbikes drives forward his learning journey
It was whilst working at a Ducati dealership in Brazil that Motorsport Engineering graduate Vinicius Dreher first learned about the course at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD).
It was already an exciting time for Vinicius, who had the privilege of supporting a professional rider – but intrigued by the possibilities of expanding his learning, he reached out to Dr Gregory Owen, Academic Director of Engineering at UWTSD, to find out more.
Vinicius said: “Dr Owen responded graciously, sharing the following words with me: ‘We aim to give you all the training and education to become a professional engineer. This does allow you to work in places like WSB, Moto2, and MotoGP, but you must work very, very hard to get there.’
“Those words resonated deeply with me, and for several years, I nurtured a dream to pursue this course. Finally, the opportunity presented itself, and I am grateful to have joined UWTSD to embark on this exciting journey.”
Vinicius, who graduates with a first-class honours degree this week, said he’s always been fascinated by the intricate nature of motorcycles and yearned to delve deeper into their mechanics, design, and engineering principles.
“The opportunity to acquire comprehensive training and education in this specialised domain was what truly inspired me to select this course.” he said.
“One of the standout aspects of my course has been the remarkable facilities available to us within the university. We have access to cutting-edge resources, such as 3D scanning technology and CNC machines, which have been instrumental in our learning experience.
“Additionally, the presence of motorcycles for practical application has added an element of hands-on exploration and experimentation, making the learning process even more engaging and impactful. These highlights have undoubtedly enhanced my educational journey and provided invaluable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.”
During his final year, Vinicius had the opportunity to undertake a specialised project focusing on hydrogen.
As part of this project he developed a free, open-source software that enables users to calculate engine performance metrics, including pressure, temperature, work done, and emissions.
“The software offers a range of 24 fuel options and allows for adjustments to the stoichiometric ratio. This specialized work not only expanded my knowledge and skills but also contributed to the broader community by providing a valuable tool for engine analysis,” he said.
Balancing the responsibilities of being a parent to two children and a full-time job at the University’s Wales Centre for Advanced Batch Manufacture (CBM) – an industry-focused advanced research, new product development, and batch manufacturing facility – alongside his studies proved to be quite demanding for Vinicius - but these were challenges he overcame with a close network of support.
Vinicius said he would highly recommend this course to others.
“It is a unique and specialised program that offers a degree with a distinct emphasis on motorcycles, which sets it apart from other courses. The opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and expertise in this specific field is unparalleled,” he said.
“This course has been immensely beneficial to me both professionally and personally. It has provided me with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in my professional endeavours, enabling me to confidently tackle challenges in the field of motorcycles.
“I am also excited to share that as a result of my successful completion of this course, I will be commencing a PhD programme at UWTSD.”
Dr Owen Williams, Director of Motorcycle Engineering at UWTSD said: “It was clear from the moment I met Vinicius that he was a very passionate and enthusiastic person with a great interest in motorcycle, motorcycle racing and all things engineering. During his time with us he has made every effort to learn all that he can and to take advantage of all our facilities to further his skills and academic development.
“He has worked incredibly hard over the course of his degree and has always looked to be innovative and original in his studies, embracing new opportunities and using the latest technology to better develop his understanding of the motorcycle and its applications in a high-performance environment.
“We are very proud of what he has achieved and are very excited that he is staying with us as a member of our research group to develop further innovation in the field of motorcycle engineering.”
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071