Alan was originally a microbiologist but has evolved his interests and expertise significantly over the years. He holds an MSc in Analytical Chemistry and a post graduate diploma in Chemical Pollution Monitoring. Whilst his PhD was on the biodegradation of hydrocarbons he also holds a Master of Laws degree in Environmental Law. He is currently Visiting Professor of Environmental Technology in CAWR and does a little teaching in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing. The areas of his research that are most related to CAWR are in sustainable drainage systems (particularly pervious and macro-pervious pavements), water harvesting for local irrigation purposes but he is also interested in the development of low cost sorbents derived from agricultural wastes for water and wastewater treatment and in various aspects of environmental law related to water, energy and contaminated land. Alan started at the former Coventry Polytechnic in 1990 and retired from his full time position at the University in 2005 where he had been Head of Environmental Biosciences. After leaving full time University employment he worked for 8 years as an environmental regulator (half time) involved in contaminated land at Erewash Borough Council, a role he had held at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council before taking up his teaching position in 1990. Alan is the sole inventor on two patents and co-inventor on two more. As well as his scientific and legal research Alan has research interests in Engineering History.

He is also interested in travel writing and is a prolific contributer to the travel web site Atlas Obcura.

Area of Expertise:

Environmental Microbiology, Analytical Science, Environmental Engineering

I am a committed environmentalist and have been involved in either environmental research or environmental regulation all of my working life. My research is mainly aimed at achieving incremental improvements in cost, performance and sustainability in devices and materials that are used in protection and enhancement of critical points of the water cycle and in the legal and administrative aspects which influence the effectiveness of environmental regulation.