Biography

My research focuses on glaciers and their response to climate change both in recent decades and at longer timescales. I completed a BSc in Geography at Durham University followed by an MSc (by research). This research explored till depositional processes beneath the North Sea lobe of the last British-Irish Ice Sheet using geochemistry.

I 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 include geomorphological and sedimentological processes in glacial environments, glacier response to climate change, and the role that topography and glacier characteristics play in glacier recession rates. I conduct my research through fieldwork, GIS and remote sensing. I have undertaken research in Britain, Ireland, Norway, Svalbard, Greenland, Antarctica and East Africa.  More specifically my interests include:

1. Reconstruction of Quaternary ice masses (extent and dynamics)
2. Topographic and glaciogenic controls on glacier response to climate change
3. Subglacial and ice-marginal modes of sediment transport and deposition
4. The plateau icefield landsystem, including thermal regime, retreat dynamics and disconnections
5. Quaternary chronologies, particularly cosmogenic isotopes.

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.

Jacob Thompson (MRes; 2022-2023): A reassessment of the Loch Lomond Stadial extent in the Galloway Hills, Scotland, (first supervisor), University of Portsmouth.

Teaching responsibilities

I contribute to the following modules:

Level 4

Environmental Processes 
Geographical Methods and Fieldwork

Level 6

Research Project
Mountains and Glaciers (Module coordinator)
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology (Module coordinator)

Level 7

MSc GIS dissertation