Frequently asked questions. Of course, feel free to get in touch if you have any unanswered questions of your own. If I can help, I will!
What is your R&D experience?
An important question!
As Mount’s Bay Labs, I’ve been working on R&D for all my clients since December 2021. Before that, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leicester and prior to that, Group R&D Manager for a geospatial technology services start-up.
I hold a PhD at the University of Leicester, for which I developed a novel method for mapping forest structure, in 3D, using handheld LiDAR scanners. I also have a research-intensive MSc in GIS, and a BSc in marine science. Prior to my degree, I also worked in market research and marketing.
Research has played a direct role in my life since 2006 – not far off 20 years!
Are you a generalist or specialist?
Both!
I specialise in ‘remote sensing’ (aka using satellite imagery, laser scanners and drones) to measure the natural and built environment.
More generally, I specialise in research – I am on the editorial board of a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and an honorary research fellow at the University of Leicester.
I am also a generalist as far as scientific and technological R&D is concerned. I’ve embraced modern tech since I was a child, and avidly follow developments and themes related to global change.
Climate, weather, transportation, food systems, natural disasters… For better or worse, I tend to have my finger on the pulse.
Aren’t you just another consultant?
Not really, no.
Whilst I won’t pretend there’s nobody else offering a blend of R&D with business suppport, I haven’t met anyone else who’s practiced what they preach in Sri Lankan jungle, frosty Suffolk forest, on the back deck of an icebreaker on the North Sea – or in close proximity to 300kV overhead lines trying to measure tree encroachment.
I don’t insist on long projects, hefty day rates or royalties. See me as a second opinion, dedicated to helping you improve what you do or to develop something new.
What industries do you work in?
No two projects are the same, and I typically work across disciplines.
However, in the past three years trading as Mount’s Bay Labs, I’ve worked on projects which…
1. Seek to develop methods in remote sensing of airborne phenomena (sorry, an NDA limits what I can say here!) from optical satellite instruments
2. Develop habitat maps derived from UAV-derived optical RGB and multispectral sensors to monitor beaver bioengineering
3. Monitor coastal erosion pre- and post-storm with a combination of UAV LiDAR and UAV photogramnetry
4. Require careful, precise 3D laser scanning of historically important buildings
5. Examine forest structure via multi-sensor LiDAR datasets
6. Develop workflows for aboveground biomass estimation
7. Seek to measure airborne greenhouse gas concentrations using lasers and UAV sensors above experimental biochar in an agricultural context
I also provide scientific communication services on behalf of the International Journal of Remote Sensing, and am in the process of setting-up a dedicated GIS, remote sensing and mapping service. More on this, soon!
Where are you based?
I’m based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (UK).
A lot of people ask where that is. My stock answer is “somewhere west of Birmingham, next to the border between England and Wales”.
That said, I work on a remote basis and am not particularly fussed where you’re based.
How do you work?
Flexibly. Generally remotely, but I am more than happy to work from your premises.
I rarely say ‘no’ to a bit of fieldwork, either, although I’m not as young as I once was!