In this podcast series from xSeriCon, we explore a range of topics related to process safety and functional safety, discovering how to achieve safety more effectively for less effort and cost.
EP.5 From Classroom to Control Room: Degrees vs. Reality - Dr. Linda Kotta
What happens when textbook theory meets the unpredictable reality of an operational chemical plant?
In this episode, Dr. Peter Clark is joined by Dr. Linda Cotter, Senior University Teacher in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, to explore why traditional engineering education often leaves graduates underprepared for the plant floor—and how we can fix it. Drawing from her international academic career across South Africa, Australia, and the UK, Dr. Cotter breaks down the hidden structural challenges of teaching complex process design and the critical need to demystify industry practices.Whether you are an engineering educator, a plant manager onboarding fresh talent, or an engineering student preparing for your first placement, this conversation provides an honest look at what it takes to turn textbook learners into resilient, industry-ready engineers.Key Episode Highlights
The P&ID Reality Check: Why students confident in standard British Standards struggle when faced with proprietary, real-world plant documentation.
Scaffolding Process Safety: The case for introducing fundamental safety concepts—from hazard identification to HAZOP, LOPA, and ALARP—starting in Year 1 rather than cramming them into a final-year design project.
The Sociology of Engineering Education: How classroom dynamics, background, and academic workloads inadvertently impact student success in complex design modules.
The ROI of Industry Engagement: Practical ways industrial partners can bridge the theory-practice divide through structured mentorship, site access, and guest lectures without risking intellectual property.
Advice for Future Engineers: Why curiosity, asking for help, and learning to risk-assess everyday life are far more valuable than simply chasing exam scores.
About Dr. Linda Kotta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-kotta/
19 Jan 2026
EP.4 Engineering Beyond Infinity - Noah Tibasiima
Noah Tibasiima discusses how experienced engineers surpass traditional boundaries, standards, and tools, which fosters safety, innovation, and practical engineering, in this interview.
18 Feb 2025
EP.3 A Legacy of Safety - Simon Lucchini
Lessons in Safety & Leadership: Dr. Peter Clarke & Simon Lucchini
In this episode, Safety Pioneer - Simon Lucchini, sits down with Dr. Peter Clarke to discuss his career in process safety, industry challenges, and the future of functional safety. They explore key lessons from his book, insights on industry trends, and advice for engineers navigating career transitions. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion with one of the industry’s leading experts.
20 Oct 2023
EP.2 Introduction to CHAZOP
CHAZOP (Control systems HAZOP) is a process hazards analysis (PHA) method for assessing the impact of control system failures on the process under control. This podcast explains the purpose and benefits of performing a CHAZOP study, and describes one possible method for carrying out the study. Examples are presented from case studies. For further information, see this video and download xSeriCon's whitepaper.
20 Aug 2023
EP.1 Spreading the process safety message in your plant
In this process safety themed podcast from xSeriCon, we explore some reasons why safety incidents occur during maintenance of chemical facilities, and discuss ideas for improving safety awareness across the plant.
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