I am Civil Engineering, specialising in Education and Research connected with Building Materials. I manage the Environonmental and Material Characterisation Laboratory, an analytical facility focused on cement and concrete research work. We attract commercial and research funding to help Cement and Concrete industry transition to net-zero. We have been successful in attracting RCUK & industry focused funding with which we have built a full analytical characterisation facility, to support current and future research needs. We are also delivering some highly ambitious and rewarding projects. You can read further on the list of past and current projects and impact.

My work specialises on few areas that fall within concrete technology, ranging from cements, cementitious materials, precast concrete and sensor enabled digitisation in concrete production/construction. 

Currently I am managing 8 projects, total value of £2.35m, KTP, Innovate UK and Industry funded research. This brings my average annual research income to be £240k/year.

I developed Whole Life Management of Structures as a master module and its now offered at MEng level. I developed Surface Water Management for Widening Participation Programme which is a key initiative by Queen's to enhance participation from the wider society. I also developed Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) Programme with my colleague Dr. Daniel McPolin and I am the programme Director responsible for the delivery of this programme. HLA has been running since 2023 and has entered it second year of studies successfully.

I also teach Structural Mechanics - Eurocode 2 and 3 to our Level 2 Undergraduate Students. 

My biggest achievements are my PhD students, most of whom are academics at Queen's or elsewhere. Some have established successful SMEs and some are making a significant difference in the industry with their knowledge and drive.

Quality Education for all aligning to SDGs 4 and 10 is one of my passions. Widening Pathway Programme, Higher Level Apprenticeship and my work with Institute of Concrete Technology are all aimed at these SDGs.

For the fun side of eductaion and research

Concrete Canoe Race 2013 - watch the YouTube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKoQWaNq2bg

4 canoes - 1 GeoPolymer, 1 composite with basalt fibre reinfrocement, 1 traditional concrete canoe and 1 super light weight silica based canoe & 8 UnderGraduate students.