I am Director of Postgraduate Research and an Assistant Professor within the Centre for Peace and Security (CPS), Coventry University. I joined Coventry University in August 2012 and I have served as Director of Postgraduate Taught Programmes (2015-19), Course Director of the MA Maritime Security (2012-16) and Departmental Ethics Leader (2013-15).

I have an MA International Relations from the University of St Andrews, an MA International Politics from the University of Manchester and a PhD in Politics and International Studies from the University of Warwick. Alongside my research, I am passionate about Higher Education and teaching. I have a Certificate in Higher Education Professional Practice and an MBA in Leadership from Coventry University. I am also a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and a PRINCE2 Practitioner.

Outside of work I am an avid fan of Burnley Football Club. I have an interest in UK politics and governance and enjoy reading, writing, baking, gardening and walking.

You can contact me via email at [email protected] or via the 'Contact Expert' function on this web page (below my profile picture).

My principal research interests are: (1) international security, alongside (2) governance, implementation and high performance organisations. These interests predominantly come together in my exploration of security in the maritime domain.

My current maritime security research is organised around three themes:

1) Investigating the way in which maritime security threats and responses are communicated to and between different stakeholders e.g. government, private sector and general public and with what impact on policy outcomes.

2) Examining the drivers of, and barriers to, cooperation between different stakeholders to improve maritime security, particularly relating to efforts to protect critical maritime infrastructure such as ports, offshore energy installations and undersea cables/pipelines.

3) Exploring how maritime security efforts can be supported through better organisational memory and learning mechanisms.

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It is my view that the desire for, and pursuit of, security shapes lives universally and on a continual basis, and as such associated security practices and their impacts should be better understood. To do this, amongst other things, I stay aware of trends in international relations, shifts in global power, the evolution of conflict and foreign, defence and security policy globally. My interest in governance and implementation stems from a long-held fascination in how individuals, organisations and governments ‘get things done well’ (or perhaps don’t!). I have long been interested in how structures, rules, processes and resource allocation help or hinder effective implementation, the way in which perceived gaps in capacity are located and addressed and what enables particular organisations to attain and sustain excellence in their work.

Inevitably, research practicalities require further focus and specialism and as a result security in the maritime domain has been where most of my work is concentrated. Maritime security is a fascinating, ever-changing and growing field of study that has wide-ranging importance for us all. Most global trade moves by sea, the global population living near the sea is growing, and the economic potential of the oceans is being increasingly recognised. There is a nexus between security at sea and on land, and there is a relationship between security and sustainable development efforts that needs to be better understood. As such a better understanding of security in the maritime domain is important to enhance human wellbeing. Despite this, I believe that many governments and indeed wider populations have a degree of ‘sea blindness’ – not focusing on or fully understanding the maritime domain – which can diminish efforts to enhance security in these spaces.  I would also argue that with a wide range of inter-connected security challenges evident, multiple legal frameworks operating, a plethora of security stakeholders to consider (public, private and third sectors), and emerging trends such as the growing role of new technology; the maritime domain is also a fascinating arena to delve into some of the complexities of security governance and implementation today.

My research to date has principally explored Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection (CMIP) and border security with a particular focus on security in ports and coastal areas (see here and here), alongside work on the maritime security considerations of small island developing states (see here and here). I have also written on the conceptualisation of maritime security (here), the securitisation of fisheries in the Gulf of Guinea (here) and contributed to the development of an initial protective security framework for cruise and passenger vessels sectors (here). While I seek to better understand maritime security threats, this analysis is generally pursued with the purpose of building stronger awareness of the day-to-day challenges those charged with ‘doing’ security face in responding to threats. I believe this knowledge can help to improve policy and practice. Overall, the main focus of my research work is on addressing the question - How can maritime security be enhanced through good governance and effective implementation practices?’ Here I examine the characteristics, implementation and impact of maritime security responses.

Drawing upon my existing research and insights from literature in various fields including security studies, public policy, management and organisational development, I have developed a basic framework to help structure my thinking and organise my research into governance and implementation in maritime security. The framework is not exhaustive or fixed, but rather is a living framework, constantly adapted as my work continues.

My current three core research themes outlined at the beginning of this research summary represent an exploration of the three pathways towards effective implementation outlined in the above framework, namely: Communication, Cooperation and Consolidation. Across my research I generally embrace a qualitative methodology and utilise methods such as document analysis and semi-structured interviews.

I have supervised two PhD researchers to completion and I am currently on the supervisory team for three more.

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Alongside my maritime security research, I am proud to hold a leadership role within CPS as Director of Postgraduate Research. I have strategic leadership responsibilities for all centre policy and practice relating to the delivery of postgraduate research, ensuring we have a vibrant postgraduate community effectively supported to deliver high quality, impactful research and well-prepared for future careers. As part of this role I regularly engage with University partners, including the Doctoral and Researcher College.

I also have vast experience of designing, implementing and evaluating credit bearing educational programmes, alongside continued professional development courses. Here I have worked with a range of HE and non-HE partners including the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (as was). I am also an assessor for Coventry University’s Framework for Professional Accreditation to Advance HE’s fellowship scheme.

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I am very happy to hear from anyone who shares any of my research interests and/or wants to discuss my work and consultancy opportunities. Equally if you are thinking about PhD research or want a conversation about course design, implementation and evaluation; please get in touch. You can contact me by email at [email protected]