Negin Khosh Amadi

Built Environment PhD

Having previously studied Civil Engineering and Construction Management in Iran, Negin decided to push herself further to pursue research at Birmingham City University. She is currently working alongside experts here in the Built Environment to create a ‘ Digital Twin ’, a method of monitoring indoor conditions for the tallest building in Birmingham.  

Thesis Title: Digital Twin Approach to Optimise Air Quality and Energy Consumption Considering User Behaviour 

“I decided to study a PhD at Birmingham City University, as I was interested in doing research into digital construction and wanted to collaborate with Associate Professor, Saeed Talebi, an expert in the field. I have always wanted to contribute to society, the economy, and industry, and believed a PhD was the best way to do this. BCU has an impactful research community and is known for its close collaborations with industry, which made it a great option for me.  

My academic journey has always been important to me. Throughout my studies and research, I’ve realised that there are areas I want to grow. I believe my field has much to offer for the future, and I want to work closely with the industry.  

During my bachelor’s degree, I was always passionate about digital construction, striving to go beyond what I was taught and volunteering at various conferences. My BA in Civil Engineering and MA in Construction Management in Iran gave me the skills to qualify to be a member of several organisations, such as the Advanced Construction and Infrastructure Manufacturing Research team, a member of the Iran BIM Standard compilation team, and Research in the Concrete Laboratory. Being a part of these organisations helped me to narrow my area of interest for my research.  

Having had previous academic experience in Iran, I decided to pursue my PhD to investigate the creation of Digital Twins for buildings here in Birmingham. A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system designed to reflect a physical object, in this case, buildings accurately.  

I am currently working on a Digital Twin Development for OneEASTSIDE, which is set to be the tallest building in Birmingham. I had the opportunity to present my PhD research in front of the West Midlands Mayor here, and it was my proudest moment as a BCU student. I truly appreciate my supervisor for providing me with this opportunity. 

This research will give me a fresh perspective on the construction industry and modern technologies for its maintenance and operation. The work can have a huge impact on critical challenges such as high energy consumption, global warming, and occupant comfort. 

Starting my PhD journey was amazing, and I was made to feel very welcome when joining Birmingham City University. My supervisors showed me around the university and helped me to settle in Birmingham. They guided me on how to start my research and encouraged me to partake in the inspiring Innovation Festival, where I presented my PhD thesis in front of an audience of other researchers. This boosted my self-confidence and improved my communication and presentation skills. 

The aspect of my academic journey that I most appreciate is the opportunities I have encountered at Birmingham City University to work with industry. I believe that communication and connections with industry are highly beneficial for students to gain new and valuable experiences with real-life case studies and issues. Connecting with industry allows me to undertake live projects for my PhD, developing a deep understanding of how to tackle real-world problems. 

BCU can be a launchpad for your dreams: you can find many opportunities to learn, study, and show off your skills. I have found that BCU can open new doors of knowledge and excellent job and networking opportunities.  

For me, ‘IAMBCU’ makes me feel proud because it's a reminder of my effort to achieve this title. It also gives me a sense of belonging to a friendly community.”