BSc in Physics and Pure Math from University of Hull, MSc in Physics from Univ of Western Ontario and PhD in Physics from York University, Toronto. Has held teaching and research positions at NASA-Ames Research Center, the University of California, Berkeley, Oxford University and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory working on the scientific and industrial applications of photons, lasers and optics. In 1984 co-founded Exitech a world-leading manufacturer of photon-based micro and nano-fabrication tools. Pioneered techniques and industrial applications of laser micromachining and DUV/EUV lithography. Currently visiting Professor of Laser Micro and Nanofabrication at Imperial College, London and CEO of Nanophoton Technologies a company specializing in applying photonics to nanotechnology.

A Fellow of the IET, the IoP and past-President of the Association of Industrial Laser Users (AILU). Advisor on various European Union, UK and Canadian Government committees on R&D policies in areas of laser applications, photonics, MEMS, nanotechnology and microelectronics. In 1993 was awarded an MBE (member of the Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of services to industrial laser development.