Biography
Richard graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 2005 with an MPhys, from the Universities of St-Andrews and Heriot-Watt with an MSc in photonics and opto-electronic devices in 2007 and in 2012 from Heriot-Watt with a PhD developing long period fibre gratings for environmental gas sensing. He then joined the high power laser applications group at Heriot-Watt as a research associate investigating laser based production processes. In 2018 was appointed a Research Fellow (Lecturer) within the Institute for Photonics and Quantum Sciences at Heriot-Watt University and in 2021 promoted to his current role as Associate Professor with teaching responsibilities in both Physics and Mechanical Engineering.
He is a member of the Applied Optics and Photonics Group, The Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences and the National Robotarium where he serves as the Academic Lead in Precision Laser Applications. Outside of the University he is a Vice President of the Association of Industrial Laser Users and chair of their External Engagement Board.