Primarily, my role at the University of Plymouth was to develop and maintain the isotope mass spectrometry facilities within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. This involved setting up and maintaining a:

Stable Isotope Laboratory with two Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (IRMS) for measuring light stable isotopes (C, N, S, O and H).

Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) laboratory with a single TIMS instrument to measure heavy stable and radiogenic isotopes (Sr, Os, Nd).

Semi-clean laboratory suite for sample digestion, distillation and column chemistry.

These facilities were designed to support research and teaching through technique development and the provision of analytical services for measuring the isotopic composition of a range of environmental samples and other materials.

As the stategic focus of the University has changed over time, my role has diversified. The TIMS has been moved to Durham University, and one of the IRMS was relocated to the University of Strathclyde. I still manage and maintain the Stable Isotope Laboratory at Plymouth. This currently houses sample preparation facilities and a Thermo Scientific Delta V Advantage IRMS with frontend peripherals including a Flash CNSOH Elemental Analyser (EA Isolink), Trace 1310 gas chromatograph (with GC Isolink oven), and GasBench II (equipped with a PreCon gas concentrator). 

Alongside running the Stable Isotope Laboratory, I also manage and maintain a Project Laboratory with microscopes and chemical preparation facilities for undergraduate and post-graduate research, and an Imaging Suite with specialist microscopes including Nikon Eclipse LV100 polarising (1) and non-polarising (1) microscopes with automatic stage control and scanning capacity, Leica S9i stereozoom microscopes (x2) with LAS X Image and Analysis Software, a CITL CL8200 MK-5.2 cathodoluminescence microscope, and a Joel JCM-700 Neoscope Benchtop scanning electron microscope (SEM).

I work closely with the students and researchers using these facilities, and this often involves developing new and existing methodologies to suit a diverse range of research projects.

2015 – Pres. Current teaching includes the supervision of MGEOL project work, and training of post graduate and post-doctoral researchers in laboratory techniques and isotopic analysis

2010 Associate Lecturer (Geology), Understanding the Continents (S339), Open University

2003, 04, 07, 08, 10 Senior Tutor (Geology), Mountain Building in Scotland (SXR339), Open University

2001, 02, 09, 11 Senior Tutor (Geology), The Geological History of the British Isles (SXR260), Open University

1994 – 2000 Lecturer in Geography and Environmental Science, A level, IB, Access, GNVQ and BSc foundation), Stourbridge College

1993 – 1994 Lecturer in Environmental Issues, Housing and Urban Development, Access, South Bristol College

1991 – 1994 Lecturer in Geography, Urban Development and Environmental Studies, A level, Access and GCSE), Soundwell College, Bristol