My research focuses on fluid mechanics problems relevant to both the conventional and renewable ocean energy industries. The problems I work on span through the water column and focus on fluid-structure interactions (which includes estimating the environmental loads on ocean structures due to currents and waves) and fluid-structure-seabed interactions (fluid-structure interactions in the presence of scour and sediment transport). I use a range of field data, laboratory testing and numerical modelling in my research, and I am fortunate to work with a range of industry partners.

I joined UWA in 2011 after completing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford on tidal stream energy. At UWA my research has been largely motivated by industry and has centred on better explaining field observations and measurements, so as to improve conventional design approaches. I have been fortunate to work within an exceptional team that has allowed me to both participate in and lead impactful research. Over this time I have worked on 8 ARC projects and 2 Joint Industry Projects. I have also worked to help develop the Coastal and Offshore Engineering Laboratory - a 1900m² lab space at Shenton Park which houses the award winning O-tube facilities and a refurbished 54 m long wave flume. 

I am passionate about combining teaching and applied research. I worked to establish the RiverLab program at UWA. This is an initiative between Woodside and UWA that supports final year MPE projects that utilise the Swan River as an analogue for the Ocean, enabling students to trial new tools, sensors and analysis approaches in the river. 

Head of Department: Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering

Academic-lead OceanWorks

Co-lead the Coastal and Offshore Engineering Laboratory

Deputy Director, theme-lead, CI: TIDE

Officer (secretary) Australasian Fluid Mechanics Society

ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub TIDE: Transforming energy Infrastructure through Digital Engineering

The Woodside OceanWorks FutureLab: OceanWorks

The UWA RiverLab: RiverLab

GENG 5501 Coastal and Offshore Engineering (2015-present), Unit Coordinator

GENG 5502 Environmental Geotechnics (2011 - present)

OCEN 1001 Global Oceans Challenges (2022 - present), Unit Coordinator

OCEN 4007 Ocean Renewable Energy (2020 - present)

Fluid-structure-seabed interaction

Flow-structure interaction

Subsea cables and pipelines

Marine renewable energy

Novel ocean structures (e.g. artificial reefs)

Swimming in waves (in collaboration with Sports Science @ UWA)