PhD Mechanical Engineering, 1973
What was your first job after graduation?
CEGB Berkeley Nuclear laboratories Research Officer.
What is your current job?
Freelance writer on railway poster art within my own company. I also self publish my work.
What are your main responsibilities and duties in your current job?
As MD for the business, this draws on managerial, technical and business skills learned through a lifetime.
What has been your favourite job since graduation?
Senior Staff Engineer at Union Carbide in the USA.
What have been the turning points in your career?
Taking over the running of ABB's flow business in 1990. Going Freelance in 2001.
What are you most proud of?
Winning the title of 'Non fiction book of the Year' in 2009. Now working with Michael Portillo, Michael Palin and Sir William McAlpine as contributors.
What advice would you give to new Southampton graduates?
Never give up and never take cannot do; for an answer.
Why did you decide to do your course?
Because of the reputation of Prof. S.P Hutton who was Head of Department.
How did your education at Southampton prepare you for your chosen career?
The facilities available and excellent direction in my research allowed free thinking to develop.
Why would you recommend studying at Southampton?
Great City, good reputation in engineering and technical subjects generally.
If you could start your time at the University again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Looking back I realise how privileged I was to have studied there.
What are your future career plans?
Now technically retired but still have several books to write and a career to grow.
Have you been back to campus since you graduated?
Yes. It has changed a lot since 1973, with the Medical School, then new, being redeveloped.