By training I am a geomorphologist and GIS specialist, having spent 10 years at Edinburgh University getting a BSc in Geology and Physical Geography, an MSc in GIS and a PhD in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. During this decade I built up my software development skills across a range of languages whilst developing topographic analysis software for my research. My research now focuses on the development, implementation and application of topographic analysis and other computational techniques to answer questions about the short and long term evolution of planetary surfaces. I have a strong commitment to open research and see the development of robust, transparent scientific software as a key aspect of open science.

I am currently a Reader in Physical Geography at Queen Mary University of London, where I teach on our Geography and Environmental Science degree programmes. Outside of work I can often be found in one of London’s many pool halls.