We’re delighted to welcome four brilliant new starters to our Manchester office. The four new team members are: Graduate Engineers; Ekaterina and Nandakishore, as well as a Trainee Engineer; Max, and a Fire Engineer Apprentice; Malachi. 

Ekaterina Krasnova, Graduate Engineer

Ekaterina holds a joint MSc in Fire Safety Engineering from Ghent University, Lund University, and the University of Edinburgh. She also has a BSc in Civil Engineering from Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Sibstrin). During her Masters’ studies, she has learnt about Fire Dynamics, Human Behaviour in Fire, Active and Passive Fire Protection with a focus on performance-based design. In her Masters’ thesis, she analysed the behaviour of concrete elements in a post-fire phase.

Ekaterina has experience working as a Structural Engineer in the oil and gas industry, which motivated her to enhance her professional knowledge in fire safety.

To relax, she likes to read books, learn new languages and study the history of art. She also loves to explore new destinations and savour a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Nandakishore Pattath Murali, Graduate Engineer

Nandakishore completed his MSc in Fire Safety Engineering from Ulster University, Belfast. He also holds a Bachelors’ degree in Fire and Safety Engineering from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, India.

He has four years of experience as a Fire and Safety Engineer in the oil and gas industry, during which time he was involved in several firefighting and rescue operations. He also has some commissioning experience of fire protection facilities for process plants.

His masters’ dissertation was on the subject of  “A Comparative CFD Analysis of Electric Vehicle and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle Fires in a Car Park”, where he compared the potential for fire spread and tenability conditions during an EV fire and ICEV fire in a generic car park with an additional focus on the impact of mechanical ventilation and sprinkler systems for a typical EV fire.

Nandakishore is a huge cricket fan and would love to spend his free time playing cricket and travelling to new places.

Max Cox, Trainee Engineer

Max introduces himself; “I am currently studying at the University of Central Lancashire, completing an MEng in Fire Engineering. Earlier in 2023, I completed a Summer Placement at DFC, during which I got to work amongst the team and get a taste of what working in the industry is like. Having thoroughly enjoyed my time on the placement, I was pleased to receive a job offer to stay on at DFC in a part-time role whilst I complete my degree.

Outside of work and University, I love being outdoors. This is mainly through cycling, running and swimming, taking these hobbies to different countries including Germany and Switzerland, which I not only enjoy for the outdoor opportunities but also the architecture and cultural aspects.

I also have an interest in classic cars, owning one upon which I have completed all the work myself.”

Malachi Fearnhead, Apprentice

Malachi recently completed his Graphic Design, Geography and Business Studies at the Holy Cross College in Manchester. During his time there, Malachi became interested in fire, through a Graphic Design project on sustainable construction methods, part of the project involved designing means of escape and fire safety systems.

He learnt about DFC’s Fire Engineering Degree Apprenticeship programme through his father who is a Senior Officer with the Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service. Malachi has already attended his first university syllabus, where he learnt about Combustion Processes and Thermodynamics. He is looking forward to meeting new friends through his studies and establishing himself as a Fire Engineer within the industry.

In his spare time, Malachi enjoys riding his mountain bike around the local trails and going to the gym.

Malachi commented: “During my first week at DFC, I have learnt how to use Bluebeam Revu software and have learnt some basic fire engineering calculations. I have also attended a construction site with a senior member of the team to look at an external wall system project. This was of particular interest to me as the tragic event at Grenfell has inspired me to explore fire engineering as a career.”