Since graduating from the University of Strathclyde in 1992 (BSc Hons Laser Physics and Optoelectronics), I enjoyed a variety of roles in industry from design, development and production engineering through to operations and engineering management. I managed the development of products from concept to market, with a variety of start-up, spin-out and established companies. Working primarily in the medical device industry, from heart valves to medical lasers, I also had experience of developing products for telecommunications and defence industry customers.

Having often worked closely with universities whilst I was in industry, I then went on to work in a business role in academia with the Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde. I then helped establish the UK’s first Fraunhofer centre, the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics in 2012. My current role supports this Centre and seeks to establish new research Centres in the UK which will also follow the successful German model and provide professional R&D services to industry, whilst staying close to cutting edge research in the university sector.

I am also a non-executive director of Technology Scotland Ltd and Photonics Leadership Group Ltd, as Fraunhofer UK is keen to support technical innovation and drive impact. I am a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Physicist, and Fellow of the Institute of Physics.