During the first part of my career I was a training specialist in the Royal Air Force, employed in a wide range of roles which included the analysis design, delivery and evaluation of training courses across engineering and flying training. I also conducted research into the use of multimedia technology for training and the training effectiveness of simulation systems. I then moved to Cranfield University where I conducted research in human factors and training and provided consultancy for a range of clients including the CAA, the MOD, and the oil industry. I was part of the Human Factors Integration Defence Technology Centre team awarded the Ergonomics Society Presidents Medal in 2008 for our outstanding contribution to Human Factors Integration. In 2012 I represented the UK on the NATO Research Technology Group on Advancements in Distributed Learning Environment Support of Transformation. My research interests include training needs analysis, task analysis simulation and aviation safety and I am currently authoring a book on Team and Collective Training Needs Analysis for publication in the Ashgate Defence Human Factors Series.

My key goal with human factors research is “to enable people to be the best they can be.” To this end, my research has embraced the development of a methodology for defining training requirements and specifying training solutions for large scale teams, evaluating the efficacy of new training technologies such as mobile learning, evaluating approaches for providing feedback to large teams during training exercises and the development of methods for evaluating pilots’ flying skills. I am now engaged into research into future aircraft flight deck technologies and manning concepts. The aspiration underpinning this work is to develop human factors and training methods and tools to promote high levels of human performance.