Congratulations to Dr Mthabisi Adriano Nyathi, who this week celebrates being awarded his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of South Wales.

Can you explain your PhD research?

My research focused on making it easier and faster to detect and measure damage in civil engineering structures like bridges, buildings, and roads using modern technology such as drones, cameras and artificial intelligence. Imagine being able to use your mobile phone to find cracks or other issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, and then having a computer tell you exactly how serious the damage is. This helps engineers fix problems early, keeping structures safe and preventing catastrophic disasters. The use of drones and ability to measure damage such as crack from an image or video also means inspectors can inspect bridges and tall buildings in safer manner, eliminating the risk of falling from height.

What inspired you to pursue a PhD?

I was inspired by my parents who are both academics. I’ve also always been passionate about solving real-world problems, especially in civil engineering, where safety and innovation go hand in hand. The idea of combining my engineering background with cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence was incredibly exciting. Pursuing a PhD allowed me to dive deep into this intersection and work on solutions that can make a real difference.

What was the most challenging aspect of your research, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was the lack of high-quality datasets for training AI models to detect structural damage. However, I saw this as an opportunity to fill a gap in the literature and an opportunity to contribute to the field. I created my own datasets by carefully collecting and curating images and data. It was time-consuming, but it taught me the value of persistence and attention to detail in research.

In the laboratory

What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD experience, both academically and personally?

Academically, the chance to contribute new knowledge to my field has been incredibly fulfilling. Personally, the journey has taught me resilience and the importance of balance in life. It’s also been rewarding to see how my work inspires others to think creatively about solving real-world problems. I am also grateful for the challenging and thought-provoking questions my supervisors, examiners and academics have posed along the way.

What impact do you hope your research will have on the world, and how do you see it contributing to your field?

I hope my research can make structural health monitoring more efficient, affordable, and reliable. This would mean safer buildings, roads, and bridges for everyone. This is why I designed a cost-effective structural health method which should be accessible to anyone without the need for fancy equipment. A phone could be used in replacement in the absence of a drone. My work also lays a foundation for integrating artificial intelligence to detect various other kinds of damage on different structures and materials.

Hopefully, my publications and thesis can inspire others to explore new possibilities in the field. I am currently working in the industry so now that I've finished my PhD, I’m excited to apply the skills and knowledge I’ve gained to tackle new challenges in civil engineering.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their PhD, what would it be?

Stay curious and persistent. Research can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to explore new ideas and push boundaries. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and remember to celebrate small wins along the way — they add up to something great.

Related:

Read Dr Mthabisi Adriano Nyathi’s thesis on Structural Health Monitoring Using Deep Learning

Engineering Research and Innovation Group

Apply for a PhD