About

In my role as Provost - Innovation and Research, I drive forward the University's strategic ambitions for research excellence, knowledge exchange and commercial and enterprise activities.  

I spend much of my time engaging with external businesses and organisations, across the region, to ensure our expertise is having real impact for our partners.

As Provost - Innovation and Research, I provide the leadership to further promote and embed an innovation and research culture aligned with our strategy. I will build upon the excellent progress the University has made towards achieving its ambitions around the Research Excellence Framework (REF), which accounts for the quality of our research, and the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF), which provides an indication of our engagement with businesses and community.

Teaching responsibilities

My teaching background is rooted in the areas of control systems and dynamics. I specialise in vehicle dynamics, chassis control systems and automotive mechatronics.

I spent many years supporting Formula Student racing projects and have become advanced in the application of computer modelling techniques to simulate and test engineering systems. My passion is enabling students to take a holistic view of theory, simulation and practice to innovate in a timely manner.

As a senior leader in the organisation, I am also called upon to support teaching in engineering leadership and management, including projects and programmes.

Research interests

Much of my research studies the impact of novel control algorithms and architectures on engineering systems. I have explored smart systems for vibration control, model-based algorithms for vehicle chassis control, driver-in the loop modelling for advanced driver assistance systems and estimator design for virtual measurements of vehicle dynamics.

My research has been carried out through EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and industry funding. One of my EPSRC-funded projects, in collaboration with the Leeds Institute of Transport Studies, used a state-of-the-art driving simulator to investigate the effects of automated systems on driver safety. 

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering - University of Leeds
• BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering - University of Salford

Experience in industry

• Consultant Engineer to various automotive companies including Rover Group, TRW Automotive and Red Bull Racing
• Graduate Engineer at Colgate Palmolive
• Placement Engineer at Chloride Motive Power Batteries

In the media

I enjoy engaging with the media on the topic of my research into advanced vehicle control systems or, more generally, into issues facing STEM subjects in higher education.

Recent publications

My publications and citations can be found on Google Scholar.