My areas of research largely focus on biomass pre-treatment and thermochemical upgrading of biomass. My main areas of research include hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), reactive extrusion and steam treatment. My equipment includes a fully reconfigurable 65mm reactive twin screw extruder, 25mm reactive twin screw extruder, plug flow continuous HTC reactor, large (100 litre) autoclave suitable for stream pre-treatment, two screw pressed and a number of small batch reactors. I am currently principal investigator and engineering lead in GUPD ‘biosubstrate’ consortia and also involved with the hyflexfuel project (direct substitute biomass derived bio-crude via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)), principally on the operation of a pilot scale continuous HTL reactor and the hydro treatment of bio-crudes with the development of a laboratory hydrotreater. Other projects include the manufacture of carbon electrodes and capacitors from industrial effluents

Mining consultancy specialising in mitigating the environmental impacts of mining and promoting sustainable development within the mining industry.Areas of expertise include the control of noise and dust from mining operations; compliance monitoring (noise, dust and water quality monitoring); environmental impact assessment (noise and dust) in accordance with the national planning policy framework; environmental management systems (ISO 14001); quality management systems (ISO 9001); specialist analytical services (PAH, Levoglucosan, organic content, inorganic content and microscopy of dust samples) and non-routine mineral testing.www.enviromine.co.uk

My research looks into a process called hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC). HTC is a process where biologically derived organic material is submerged in water and is heated to moderately high temperature (typically 250 degrees) and subjected to sufficient pressure (greater than 40 bar) to keep the water liquid. In this process the organic material is converted to a coal like product over a period of around 1 hour, essentially simulating natural coalification, but accelerated!My research specifically focuses on the fate and influence of inorganic (metals such as potassium, calcium etc.) and heteroatoms (chlorine, oxygen, nitrogen etc.) during HTC of biomass. The inorganic and heteroatom chemistry is arguably one of the most important parameters in coal chemistry as they cause issues with corrosion, slagging and fouling when burnt. The energy content of a fuel is arguably less important as a low CV fuel will sell for less, a fuel which slags, fouls and corrodes will not sell or could be subject to severe penalties if burnt. HTC looks to improve both!Finally while the decomposition mechanisms of biomass components are largely understood, these mechanisms change when in the presence of metals and this has to now been largely overlooked. Consequently my research not only looks at overcoming issues with these inorganics and heteroatoms but also looks to develop fundamental knowledge of the process and utilise these metals and heteroatoms to catalyse a better fuel product.www.bio-coal.co.ukhttp://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=iPiAqakAAAAJ&hl=en

Biogenic hydrogen production from hydrothermal process waters (Co-Investigator, BBSRC / AD Network for Proof of Concept fund)

Advanced spectroscopy techniques in the characterisation of hydrochars and bio-oils

Teaching final year undergraduate and MSc modules in pollution analysis (air water and soil), environmental impact assessment, and analytical chemistry. Have experience designing and implementing tutorials and laboratory practical classes in this area.

Industrial- Academe partnership working with Fiberight, a municipal waste handling company, on the valorisation and beneficiation of organic fraction separated municipal solid waste via enzymic, biological and thermal treatments (hydrolysis, HTC, pyrolysis and gasification).

· Member of the SUPERGEN Bioenergy Hub core management board· Member of SUPERGEN Bioenergy Hub Leaders consultation board and contributed to the development of the research agenda for 2018-2023 EPSRC SUPERGEN Bioenergy Hub· Co-ordinate and deliver seminars and workshops including ‘challenges in bioenergy’ (Manchester), ‘delivering impact’ (Glasgow), ‘communicating bioenergy’ (Stockholm), ‘delivering bioenergy’ (Egremont) and ‘funding and proposals’ (Belfast).· Development and introduction of Mendeley information sharing platform for SHARE and SUPERGEN Hub working closely with Elsevier on platform development

EPSRC knowledge transfer partnership working with a trout fishery on looking to produce liquid diesel substitute fuel from fish waste. Project looked at a range of options including lipid solvent extraction, thermal treatment and extraction, supercritical CO2 and AD as an alternative processing route.

* Specialist area: control and mitigation of noise and air quality issues associated with surface mining* Data collection, assessment and reporting on the environmental issues associated with the company’s mining division* Management of company’s ISO14001 and ISO9001 management systems* Consultant on a board range of environmental and sustainable development based topics associated with mining, wind farm and property development.* Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessments (baseline assessments, prediction and impact assessment) for future developments* Management of energy saving initiatives on surface mining sites* Community engagement - presenting data to the general public and alleviating concerns associated with developments* Project management of a team looking into Underground Coal Gasification prospects* Undertook appraisals for future initiatives and technologies (particularly clean technologies) for the executive board.