Ben focuses on developing full stack solutions for urban noise monitoring projects and developing new analytics to gain insights from the data produced, drawing on more than 10 years’ experience in acoustics research and a growing interest in data science. He is also involved in design and testing activities for MEMS microphone based devices.Ben is passionate about the opportunities presented by the proliferation of low-cost tech coupled with the data revolution for changing the way we measure sound and understand it’s impacts, hopefully leading to calmer more efficient cities.

Research into various aspects of the measurement of acoustics in air including:-• Calibration methods for non-standard microphones using optical techniques, focusing on the use of Photon Correlation Spectroscopy as a method to realise the Pascal. Includes development of signal delivery system, work on collection optics optimisation and signal processing methods.• Development of sound-field mapping using laser vibrometry techniques.• Mutual-calibration methods for arrays of MEMS microphones.• Construction of MEMS microphone packages for distributed sensor arrays.• Development of novel sensors for testing the human perception of ultrasound in MEG and fMRI environments.• Managing subjective tests exploring the effects of hearing defender systems on aspects of human sound perception.• Analytical modelling of fundamental acoustic principles.• Performance testing of microphones.• Design, implementation and reporting of acoustic tests to meet customer requirements.Involved in planning and writing bids for funding including a successful bid in EMPIR health call for the EARS2 project.

• Working as a member of a team conducting a subjective listening test exploring the relative annoyance of aerodynamic modulation (AM) noise as part of a larger investigation into AM noise funded by RenewablesUK and administered by Hoare Lea.• Required to use an external model to create stimuli in the correct format for the ambisonic reproduction system used and to ensure these meet the criteria of the test specification.• Responsible for the technical set-up of the listening test environment and recording of calibration data and test stimuli.• Jointly responsible for contacting and managing participants including carrying out audio-grams using UKAS accredited equipment and procedures.• Required to assist on statistical analysis of the collected data.

• As a member of a team supervised BSc and MSc students performing experiments in the acoustic department’s laboratories.• Required to give explanations of the aims of each experiment and to provide assistance when required.• Responsible for testing equipment prior to laboratory sessions.• Provided critical evaluation of student’s laboratory reports.

• Worked towards obtaining a PhD through collaboration on the EU 6th Framework funded UpWind project developing calibration and comparison methods for SODARs as part of WP6: Remote Sensing.• Developed an effective methodology for conducting literature reviews.• Work focused on methods to compare different SODAR measurements to each other and to other instruments so that an understanding of their true accuracy and meaning could be obtained.• Developed a deep understanding of remote sensing methods for obtaining wind data with an end focus on the requirements of the wind energy industry.• Skills obtained in the measurement of wind statistics using SODAR and other remote sensing instruments.• Obtained skills necessary to be an independent researcher and effectively work as a part of an international research team.• Presented work at the ISARS 2008 and ISARS 2010 conferences.

• Conducted research as a member of a team investigating the prevalence of aerodynamic modulation (AM) noise from wind turbines. • The project was funded by BERR and Defra and the final report can be found on the BERR website at http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file40570.pdf• Applied an effective literature review methodology to obtain an understanding of the existing knowledge base for AM noise from wind turbines.• Assisted with the creation and maintenance of the project database.