ABOUT ME
"Engineers are an unruly bunch who never really want to commit to something when they can keep on being creative." - Andy Cowell
DAN
HOPKINS
An award winning Design Engineer from Bournemouth, Dorset.
Education
Bournemouth University (2015 - 2019)
BSc (Hons) Design Engineering
Second Class Honours (Upper Division)
Bournemouth School (2008 - 2015)
A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Design Technology
AS-Level in Computing
12 GCSEs including Maths, Physics, English and Engineering (Double-Award)
Practical Skills
I am greatly experienced in the field of advanced computer modelling. I have used numerous CAD packages including SolidWorks, SolidEdge, NX, Radan, AutoCAD and 2D Design. I am also highly proficient in the use of photo manipulation and drawing software such as Serif DrawPlus and Photoshop.
I also have hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing techniques, particularly metal fabrication, welding, laser and plasma cutting, sheet metal design and CNC machining. I have also used rapid prototyping methods including various types of 3d printing.
Down Time
Outside of design, I enjoy playing golf at Ferndown Golf Club and volunteered at the annual charity golf day for over ten years. I have also represented both local and school cricket teams.
Competitions and Awards
In 2015, I was chosen to lead the Bournemouth School team for the Rotary Club Challenge. I returned to the Rotary Club Challenge in 2018, this time as a member of the judging panel for the Key Stage 5 Advanced task. I have since been invited back to judge the Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 3 tasks in 2019 and 2020, respectively. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with young engineers and to see this event from an alternative perspective.
In 2016 I entered the IMechE Challenge alongside two of my coursemates. Later that year, I was fortunate enough to receive recognition in local magazines and meet Mark Webber after winning a design competition run by the Haynes Motor Museum.
During the final year of my studies at Bournemouth University, I undertook a project in cooperation with Wimborne based company Marden Edwards. The TTDF Wrapping Machine is a table-top, manually operated overwrapping system. For this project, I was awarded the JP Morgan Prize for Excellence in Technology.