Academic Qualifications

PhD - Autonomous, Collaborative, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Search and Rescue

Search strategy path optimisation examples

I have a PhD from the University of Durham. The title of my doctoral thesis was Autonomous, Collaborative, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Search and Rescue.

Abstract:: Search and Rescue is a vitally important subject, and one which can be improved through the use of modern technology. This work presents a number of advances aimed towards the creation of a swarm of autonomous, collaborative, unmanned aerial vehicles for land-based search and rescue. The main advances are the development of a diffusion based search strategy for route planning, research into GPS (including the Durham Tracker Project and statistical research into altitude errors), and the creation of a relative positioning system (including discussion of the errors caused by fast-moving units). Overviews are also given of the current state of research into both UAVs and Search and Rescue.

MEng - Stereo Display Systems

Stereo image pair - Durham Castle gatehouse

I have an MEng (Masters in Engineering) from the University of Durham. The title of the dissertation for my final year project was Stereo Display Systems (Appendices).

Abstract:: People have always wanted to obtain increasingly accurate sensory information. In the future it may be possible to record sensory inputs and replay them directly to the brain for a complete experience, but although that’s not yet possible we can reproduce parts of the experience. Tactile sensory inputs are in their infancy, and olfactory inputs are not yet available. Surround sound can reproduce audio almost perfectly from life. This project focuses on the major human sense - sight - to raise the viewing of still images and video from a 2D image to a realistically 3D one.; Stereo imaging has been around for well over a century. Taking good quality stereo photographs, however, has only been possible for those with the correct equipment to take them. ’Home made’ stereo images are difficult to align correctly and this misalignment will break down the stereo effect, often causing headaches.; This project shows that using Fourier transforms to align stereo images can improve usage for casual users, bringing headache free stereo images to the mass market. It also demonstrates that it is possible to greatly reduce file size with no noticeable loss of stereo effect, by reducing the amount of data repeated between images.

MBA - Looking to the future: Succession planning and recruitment in a volunteer-led organisation

I recently completed a part time MBA with the triple accredited Durham University Business School. The course covered a wide range of topics, gave interesting insight on how R&D fits into a wider company setting, and increased my skills in areas such as project management, budgeting, and leading teams.

The title of my dissertation for the Strategic Case Analysis element of the course was 'Looking to the future: Succession planning and recruitment in a volunteer-led organisation' (with Analysis), and discussed the British Go Association.

MIET

I am a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and am working towards chartered status.