The Secret Life of Number 8 - the science of everyday materials Photo: Neil Broom
Prior to taking an academic position teaching engineering at the University of Auckland, Neil Broom was a research fellow for 20 years, applying his engineering skills to tissue biomechanics research - specifically in the areas of bio- prosthetic heart valve development, cartilage and osteoarthritis, and spinal disorders and engineering.
Then, during his lecturing career he introduced thousands of first year engineering students to the science of materials.
The course proved extremely popular and ultimately led to Professor Broom's newly released book, The Secret Life of Number 8 - the science of everyday materials.
He says it is written with the lay person in mind, and is aimed at any reader who is simply curious about why quite ordinary materials behave the way they do.
Neil Broom is a Fellow of the Royal Society of NZ and an Emeritus Engineering Professor from the University of Auckland.
