Martin Soh
 Martin Soh |
Postgraduate Award in Engineering sponsored by Clough Ltd
Media Profile
“Because of similar geography and politics, both Australia and the United States have a burgeoning industry base interested in the application of infrared (IR) technologies to homeland security, asset protection, agriculture, biomedical instrumentation, geophysical exploration and environmental monitoring. However, before portable and rugged devices can be commercially deployed the science of thin films and sensor systems needs to be improved. "
Martin Soh is a First Class Honours graduate in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Australia (UWA). Martin has won the Fulbright Postgraduate Award in Engineering sponsored Clough Ltd. This award was established with Harold Clough, a Fulbright Alumnus, in 1994 to support young practicing engineers develop their skills and gain international experience. Clough Ltd, based in Perth, is a diversified public company providing multidisciplinary engineering, construction, operations and maintenance organisations in the international oil & gas, minerals, infrastructure and property industries.
Through his Fulbright Award, Martin will undertake research at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Minnesota investigating integrating optical and mechanical coatings into next-generation sensors and filters utilising micro-systems-technology. Martin is currently a doctoral student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Western Australia on a CSIRO and Hackett (UWA) Graduate Fellowship.
Martin’s research will be conducted as a collaborative arrangement between the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the University of Minnesota (UMN) within the Optomechanical Microsystems Group at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The research will attempt to resolve the issues related to mechanical and optical coatings for sensors utilising Micro-Systems Technology (MST).
Despite the many potential applications of Micro-System Technology (MST), there is not a lot of research activity in the field in Australia. Martin’s research specialisation is in infrared sensors, utilising MST. This field is well researched in the U.S. and is highly valued in defence applications. Martin’s research aims to develop remote sensing systems with improved optical performance and mechanical reliability. It is envisaged that the research will advance the state of knowledge in the field as well as strengthen academic linkages with tangible benefits to Australia, the U.S. and their associated institutions.
Born in Singapore, Martin excelled in science and maths, along with English literature and Japanese. Following his undergraduate studies he worked for BHP Billiton in The Pilbara, Western Australia developing and implementing business improvement initiatives. Martin is a graduate member of the Institution of Engineers Australia and a student member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in the United States.