Programme start date: 16th September 2013

EngD Thesis Title: Combined wave-current scale model testing at FloWave

Educational background

I studied Civil Engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Initially, I enrolled for the Civil and Offshore Engineering course, however this was more focussed on the oil and gas industry than I wanted. I therefore transferred to Civil with Environmental Engineering, specialising in hydraulics and hydrology, graduating with an MEng in 2004.

Industrial experience

I then worked for the multi-disciplinary consultancy Mott MacDonald for nine years. Initially based in Inverness, I worked on a range of flood risk assessment as well as river and coastal defence projects, in the UK and in Ireland. Seeking a change, I transferred internally to the small hydropower team based in Glasgow. There I was involved in range of project, primarily in Scotland, but also around the world. My key focus was the planning, design and consenting stages for run-of-river hydropower schemes of about 1MW capacity.

What attracted you to studying with IDCORE?

I was considering further academic study for a number of years, however had not found the right topic with available funding. The IDCORE programme tied in well with my experience and my aspirations, and I was delighted to be offered a position.

What attracted you to offshore renewables industry?/ What aspects of the industry do you find most inspiring, interesting or important for the future?

The renewable energy sector provides an opportunity to contribute something towards a better future for society. The offshore element also involves working at the cutting edge of technology, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. I was most keen to work on wave and tidal technologies, as there is huge untapped potential. And after a slow start over the past decades, real progress is now being made at EMEC and elsewhere.