About

After completing my IT MSc in 1991 I was responsible for an EPSRC Link project at Loughborough University developing a production rule based expert system to aid the diagnosis of flat roofing faults. I was responsible for all stages of the technical development, project management and partner liaison.

On completion of this project I joined the Building Research Establishment. My role focused on the research project and consultancy work related to the development of advanced systems to aid the real time monitoring of structure and processing of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) data. I then managed a number of projects related to the application of IT system to improve the performance of construction practices and systems and the application of non-destructive testing. After 2002 I lead a team within the Centre for Concrete Construction whose remit focuses upon forensic investigations, non-destructive testing and monitoring and the development of IT system to support engineering tasks.

In 2004 I left BRE to work for myself as an independent consultant providing a range of technical and project management services mainly to the construction industry.

In September 2007 I joined the Construction Cost and Surveying Group at Sheffield Hallam University as a Senior Lecturer. From September 2008 I have acted as the course leader for the Building Surveying undergraduate degree.

In May 2011 I became a principal lecturer within the Department of the Built Environment undertaking various roles including undergraduate programme leader and Learning Teaching and Assessment (LTA) lead. From January 2014 I have led the Real Estate and Building Surveying staff group.

Teaching

I deliver modules in a range of subject at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The subjects addressed include

Sustainable construction, with a particular interest in Material Resource Efficiency
Information technology applied to construction
Structures

Other activities

I have a range of research and scholarly activities:

Specialist expertise is focused on the use of Advanced Information Technology applied to problem solving such as monitoring, diagnosis and product selection.

In-depth experience in the development of computing systems using of a number of Artificial Intelligence and advanced computing techniques including; Knowledge Based Systems, Neural Networks, Image Processing and Genetic Algorithms.

Detailed knowledge of a number of building and engineering domains including: Flat roofing, Real-Time Structural Monitoring, Non destructive Testing and Ground Penetrating Radar.

Extensive knowledge of sustainable construction issues with a particular focus on materials resource efficiency.

Application of IT to teaching of construction (E-Learning)

Improvement to (including automation of) the assessment moderation process.

I carry out consultancy and am a member of the British Computer Society.

I undertake a number of other tasks for the department and the faculty.

I am a complaints investigator for the faculty

Academic Champion on the Future Learning Spaces Group

Represent the department on the DS IT liaison committee