ACCIS CDT Alumni 2017
Ian is a Research Engineer specialising in composites process development at GKN Aerospace, a world leading multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, and is based at the GKN Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Bristol. GKN Aerospace specialise in developing, building and supplying an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems, components and technologies–for use in Defence and Commercial aircraft. Ranging from large commercial airliners and the most advanced aerial military platforms, through to business jets and helicopters.
GKN Aerospace are heavily involved in the development of the next generation of sustainable aviation platforms, such as Urban Air Mobility (UAMs) and liquid hydrogen propulsion systems with a mission to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the skies. Their technology is on board 100,000 flights a day and they are market leading in aerostructures, engine systems, transparencies and wiring systems.
Following his degree in chemistry, Ian joined the CDT (which was previously known as the ACCIS Doctoral Training centre) in 2011, completed his PhD under Richard Trask and Ian Hamerton, before leaving BCI after his postdoc in January 2020. He joined GKN Aerospace initially as a research specialist subcontractor in August 2021 before gaining a permanent role after 12 months in August 2022.
He is currently working on the ATI funded ASCEND project, where he is directly responsible for the process monitoring/digital twin that is being developed in that programme, and will be helping supervise CoSEM CDT student Will Mahoney’s PhD in composite recycling, an area that he is passionate in.
Ian is neurodivergent and is heavily involved in making GKN Aerospace a more welcoming place for neurodiverse employees as well as helping to lead the STEM outreach programme for the GKN GTC in Bristol.