Biography

I specialise in isotopic and geochemical methods applied to metamorphic, igneous and hydrothermal systems. I am particularly focussed on the novel use of accessory minerals, such as zircon, titanite, rutile and apatite, to investigate large-scale problems in Earth Science. I manage the Crustal Evolution Research Group at Portsmouth, one of the largest dedicated groups of its kind in Europe. We are equipped with an array of state-of-the-art electron microscopes, x-ray equipment, plasma mass spectrometers, lasers and sample preparation facilities, all supported by dedicated professional technical staff. My current research focus is on the secular evolution of the continental crust and complementary depleted mantle from the beginnings of the Earth through to the present day. I am also investigating the onset of “modern” plate tectonics and how to use accessory minerals to provenance ice coverage on Greenland.

• 2009-now: Senior Lecturer, Principal Research Fellow, Reader now Professor, University of Portsmouth
• 2009-2012: Honorary Research Fellow, University of Bristol
• 2006-2009: NERC Research Fellow, University of Bristol
• 2004-2006: Research Fellow, Open University
• 2004-: Scientific Associate: The Natural History Museum
• 2003-2004: Research Officer, University of Brighton/Natural History Museum
• 2002: Scientific Officer, NERC Geoscience Laboratories
• 1998-2002: PhD research, University of Leicester
• 1994-1998: BSc (hons), Oxford Brookes University

Research interests

Provenance of Ice on Greenland during the Mid-Pliocene as a potential analogue for the future state of the ice sheet.

The onset of “modern” plate tectonics on Earth.

Evolution of the continental crust – particularly in the Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic. I am particularly interested in using novel techniques on accessory minerals to investigate this important geological boundary.

Insights into formation of Fe-oxide and related copper and gold mineralization through use of novel geochemical and isotopic tracers within the mineral titanite.