In 1991, I received a BA (Hons) in Three-Dimensional Design from Manchester Polytechnic. Initially working as a commissioned designer/maker specialising in products, furniture and architectural models in wood, metal and plastics, I began my academic career at Manchester College of Arts and Technology, with an initial appointment as an Associate Lecturer. Additional part-time appointments at Stockport College and Manchester Metropolitan University followed.

In 1996, I received a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and while retaining my private practice (which had extended into props, models and specialist stage crafts), I was offered a full-time lecturing post at Manchester College of Arts and Technology, with the specific remit to develop higher-level design-based programmes and facilities. In this role, I was responsible for the introduction of the first-degree level programmes to be delivered at the college, validated by The University of Manchester. These included:

BA (Hons) 3D Design and Making
BA (Hons) Furniture Restoration and Conservation

In 2003, through the staff development programme, I received a Masters in Education and Research from the University of Huddersfield. In the following ten years, I led and taught on a considerable range of creative programmes and developed extensive teaching, learning and assessment strategies and the accompanying delivery/feedback materials. In my role as an advanced teaching practitioner and mentor to colleagues and teachers in training, I was responsible for internal and external quality monitoring and auditing to meet the requirements of Ofsted, QAA etc.

With the formation of The Manchester College in 2013, I lead the curriculum development team responsible for the introduction of foundation degree programmes validated by the University of Salford: including:

- 3D Design (Design of Interiors)
- Costume Design
- Fashion Design
- Contemporary Art Practice

Joining the University of Bolton in 2015, I was appointed to the BDes (Hons) Special Effects for Film and Television degree programme as a lecturer specialising in model and prop-making. Along with the broader duties of delivering academic curriculum across all of the specialist pathways within special and visual effects, my role also extended to the redevelopment of the resources, workshops and studio spaces available to students.

In 2016, a programme of enhancement and restructuring of the special and visual effects provision at the university called for the development of specialist degree pathways to more readily meet the needs of those students already focussed on specific roles within the film and television industry. Model making was selected as one of these new degrees and I was tasked to create it. Upon validation, I was appointed Programme Leader.

With the encouragement of the School of Creative Technologies, I continue as an independent prop, model and costume maker/restorer operating from my own workshop. Additionally, I am a regular contributor to specialist journals in this field. Through this work, I am able to demonstrate a wide range of practical skills together with considerable knowledge of materials and processes. I believe that these abilities, together with an extensive contextual/historical knowledge of design, act to enhance my teaching and assessment abilities to meet the requirements of students studying across the suite of special and visual effects degree programmes at the University of Bolton.