I am chartered structural engineer (CEng, MIStructE) and lecturer whose career spans academia and industry, with a sustained research focus on cold‑formed steel (CFS) structures, portal frames, and practice‑informed teaching. My work integrates advanced analysis, experimental research, and product development with manufacturing and construction realities, ensuring that my teaching and research deliver outcomes that are technically robust, economically viable, and directly beneficial to industry.

My doctoral research at the University of Strathclyde (2007–2011) examined stressed skin action in CFS portal frames with non‑linear flexible joints and top‑hat purlins. The project produced design recommendations that improved structural efficiency, reduced envelope damage risk, and enhanced operational energy performance. The bolted joint details developed through this work have been implemented by an industrial sponsor in over 1,000 buildings annually, demonstrating sustained real‑world impact. I subsequently contributed to EPSRC and collaborative studies on buckling modes and thin‑walled behaviour under ambient and elevated temperatures, strengthening sector understanding of stability and fire performance.

Since 2012, through roles at Queen’s University Belfast and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), I have led or co‑led multiple funded projects (Innovate UK, ICE R&D Fund, CSIC, industry partnerships). These include automated stressed‑skin design for CFS portal frames, fire performance of CFS frames and trusses, passive fire protection development, full‑scale testing and advanced non‑linear analysis, seismic performance of CFS moment‑resisting frames, hybrid testing, and detailed investigations into bolt‑hole tolerances, slip, energy dissipation, purlin behaviour, and joint stiffness. My 2024 book chapter on sustainable CFS portal frames consolidates over a decade of contributions to lightweight steel systems and low‑carbon construction.

Recent initiatives include leading a 30‑month KTP on COR‑TEN cladding and roofing systems, integrating computational design with product development to enhance durability and aesthetics. I also secured Temporary Works Forum (TWf) funding to validate wind‑loading predictions on open‑mesh fencing with debris netting through wind‑tunnel testing, improving analytical tools for temporary works and site safety. I supervise postgraduate research aligned with industry needs, ensuring continuity from innovation to implementation.

At UWS (2017–present), I teach across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering structural mechanics, design, analysis, and interdisciplinary project work. My roles as Module Coordinator, Year Leader, Personal Tutor, and Admissions Officer reflect broad academic leadership. As Programme Leader for BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, I led curriculum development to achieve CEng (Partial) accreditation and supported successful reaccreditation of UG and MSc programmes. The programme was ranked 3rd in the UK and 1st in Scotland in the 2020 Guardian League Table.

My industry experience includes six years collaboration with Capital Steel Ltd, progressing from KTP Associate to R&D Manager.

I have authored numerous peer‑reviewed publications and serve the profession through roles with IStructE, TWf, and the Malaysian Cold‑Formed Steel Institute. My career embodies a practice‑led academic approach that advances design methods, strengthens accreditation‑ready programmes, and embeds sustainability and innovation into professional practice and engineering education.