Biography

My research focuses on understanding the extent and dynamics of present and former ice masses. I completed my undergraduate degree in Geography at Durham University in 2006 and then continued on to undertake an MSc (by research). This research explored till depositional processes beneath the Late Devensian North Sea lobe of the British Irish Ice Sheet using geochemistry.

I subsequently undertook a PhD at Queen Mary, University of London between 2008 and 2012, which examined the patterns and timing of glaciation in the Monadhliath Mountains, Scotland, during the Last Glacial Interglacial Transition. Following my PhD, I spent a year lecturing in Geography and GIS at the University of Exeter, before joining the University of Portsmouth as a Lecturer in Physical Geography in September 2013.

Research interests

My research interests relate to processes and patterns of glacially influenced geomorphology and sedimentology in terrestrial environments.  This is achieved through geomorphological mapping and sedimentology, using a variety of methods including fieldwork, remote sensing, GIS and till geochemistry. More specifically my interests include:

1. Reconstruction of Quaternary ice masses (extent and dynamics)
2. Subglacial and ice-marginal modes of sediment transport and deposition
3. The plateau icefield landsystem, including thermal regime and retreat dynamics
4. Palaeoclimate during the Lateglacial in Scotland
5. Quaternary chronologies, particularly relating to the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition

My current research focus is on the response of plateau icefields in Norway to recent changes in climate through geomorphological mapping and sedimentary analysis of ice-marginal landforms. Funding has been from an EU INTERACT Transnational Access Grant and a British Society for Geomorphology (BSG) Early Career Research Grant.

Postgraduate research supervision

Ben Chandler (PhD; 2014-2018): Pattern, dynamics and timing of glaciation on the Gaick Plateau, Central Grampian Highlands, Scotland, (second supervisor), Queen Mary, University of London.

Lauren Knight (PhD; 2014-2020): Timings and dynamics of glaciation in the Wicklow Mountains, Ireland, (first supervisor), University of Portsmouth.

Paul Weber (PhD; 2015-2020): Ice-marginal processes and retreat dynamics of the plateau icefield Hardangerjøkulen in southern Norway, (second supervisor), University of Portsmouth.

Teaching responsibilities

I contribute to the following units:

Level 4

Practical Fieldwork Skills (Module coordinator)
Academic Communication Skills (tutorial)
Environmental Processes and Hazards
Tools for Geographical Enquiry

Level 5

Glaciers and Glaciation (Module coordinator)

Level 6

Independent Study
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology (Module coordinator)

Level 7

MSc GIS dissertation