PhD: Nuclear Track Physics

• Carried out experimental research and developed computer-based radiometric thermometry models to assist petrologists and other researchers in unfolding the thermal history of terrestrial, lunar and meteoritic rocks. My PhD thesis was concerned with evaluating the thermal stability of heavy-ion tracks in minerals.

• In parallel with my PhD research, I undertook detailed computer simulations of an innovative dosimetry technique for assessing the exposure of radiation workers to high-energy neutrons.

• Selected results of both areas of my research were published in peer-reviewed papers in the journals Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Nuclear Tracks and Radiation Measurements, and Radiation Protection Dosimetry.

MSc: Applied Radiation Physics

• A one-year partly taught course covering radiotherapy, dosimetry, medical radiography, radiochemistry, reactor physics, non-destructive testing, geochronology, statistics and risk assessment.

• Placed top of my year in the final examinations.

• Project work carried out as part of this course, together with extra-curricular research, formed the basis of an article published in Studies in Conservation (the journal of The International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) in 1986.

BSc(Hons) First Class: Physics with Astrophysics

• A three-year taught course covering all of the major subjects normally included in conventional Physics degree courses.

• Additional modules on astronomy, cosmology, stellar physics and solar physics illustrated some of the more extreme physical processes occurring in the universe.

Awards

The University of Birmingham's Fremlin Prize for original research into radiographic imaging techniques applied to conservation of decorative architectural plasterwork.

Membership of Professional Bodies

Member of the Society of Authors

Fellow of the Institution of Analysts and Programmers

Elected to the Fellowship, the Institution's most senior grade, in October 2000