About me

I read undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering and Commerce at the University of Western Australia before moving to Oxford in 1996 as a Rhodes Scholar. I then pursued doctoral research as a member of Balliol College before transferring to Magdalen College as a Fellow by Examination and 1851 Research Fellow. Prior to taking up my St Catherine’s post in 2005 I was a Departmental Lecturer in Engineering and an Official Fellow at Magdalen College. Outside of my academic work I take a keen interest in sports and as a student I played cricket for Oxford gaining a Blue four times (1997 to 2000).

Research

I specialise in Civil Engineering and geotechnical engineering, with current research interests focusing on the mechanics of soil and applications associated with offshore engineering. Within this broad area I concentrate on two topics both relating to soil structure interaction. The first topic is on the foundations for offshore structures and most recently I have been concentrating on applications for offshore renewable energy structures, such as offshore wind turbines. The second topic relates to the behaviour of offshore pipelines. I routinely provide advice to industry through short-term consultancy contracts.

Graduate supervision

I currently supervise seven postgraduate students, most of whom are pursuing doctoral degrees in offshore geotechnical engineering. My research is sponsored by a variety of industrial funders. I welcome approaches from prospective students in these areas.

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