I am the Senior Technician for Composites Engineering at the University of Plymouth. I am also Faculty Advisor for University of Plymouth Racing and Manufacturing Working Group Lead for SECaM (School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics).

I initially trained as a sculptor at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham. My BA (Hons) Fine Art was spent playing with materials…plaster, clay, bronze, glass, graphite, stone, wax, silicone, steel, plastic, foam, concrete…nothing was off limits and anything was possible. I experimented day and night, learning all I could about materials and processes.

Following art school, I completed a PGCE in Art & Design at Goldsmiths and started teaching. I went on to achieve my MA Art & Design in Education at UCL and worked as an artist-educator for over twenty years.

I always taught D&T (Design & Technology) alongside Art and ended up teaching it full-time. It was during this period that I came across composite materials. I decided to experiment for myself, making some carbon fibre components. I was instantly hooked. I embarked on a phase of self-study and research, developing my understanding and practical abilities to a point where I was confident in my subject knowledge. This led me to where I am now.

Being a part of the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (SECaM) enables me to work with an array of interesting materials and equipment. I am also privileged to be able to work with renowned academics, ground-breaking researchers, expert technicians and passionate students. In the lab, we use processes such as Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling (RIFT) to make composite plates for testing, as well as manufacturing components for automotive, aerospace and marine applications. My day-to-day work involves a lot of creativity and ingenuity which I love.

The Composites Engineering Lab is a fantastic facility and we welcome all enquiries about the space and resources that we offer. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me, or our principal contact for Composites Professor John Summerscales.

MA Art & Design In Education, Institute of Education, University College London

PGCE Art & Design, Goldsmiths, University of London

BA (Honours) Fine Art (Sculpture), University for the Creative Arts, Farnham